DonateWe mourn the death of ART featured author, Judy Heumann. Read more.
Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist, Judith Heumann with Kristin Joyner
One of the most influential disability rights activists in US history tells her personal story of fighting for the right to receive an education, have a job, and just be human. Being Heumann recounts Judy Heumann’s lifelong battle to achieve respect, acceptance, and inclusion in society. This book is also available in the young reader’s edition, Rolling Warrior, and a picture book Fighting for Yes! which tells Judy’s story for our youngest readers.
Pick up copies of Being Heumann at the Robbins or Fox Library, or request a copy by phone or online via the MLN catalog. Check out our adult Reading Companion for the book.
Featured Event
Being Heumann: A Celebration and Discussion of the Life of Activist Judith Heumann
Sunday, March 19, 3:00 | Zoom Program with Livestream in Robbins Library Community Room
Register Here
Noted disability rights activist and ART featured speaker Judy Heumann died on March 4, 2023. On March 19 we will gather to honor and celebrate the life of Heumann. James Milan of ACMi will lead a panel discussion with disability rights activists some of whom knew Ms. Heumann personally. The talk will focus on her legacy, the state of disability rights today, and what we can do moving forward.
Other Events
What is Inclusive Design? Featuring the Institute for Human-Centered Design
Thursday, March 9, 6:00 -7:00 p.m. | Robbins Library Community Room
What is inclusive design? Universal Design? Design-for-all? Hear from the Institute for Human-Centered Design, a leader in the global movement for inclusive design since the 1990s. Learn about the demographics of disability and the intersection with race, culture, and the “contextual” definition of disability. The presentation will invite the audience to create a culture of inclusion that anticipates the ordinariness of differences in ability. Hearing assistance available.
Abilities Dance Boston
Saturday, March 11, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Arlington Community Center | 27 Maple Street, Arlington.
Abilities Dance Boston uses dance as a tool for intersectional disability rights by disrupting ableist beliefs and disseminating the value of inclusion through dance. Come see a performance from their repertoire followed by a Q&A. Generously supported by the Friends of the Robbins Library and the Arlington Libraries
Film Screening |Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution
Tuesday, March 14, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Robbins Library Community Room
As entertaining as it is inspiring, Crip Camp uses one group’s remarkable story to highlight hope for the future and the power of community. A groundbreaking summer camp galvanizes a group of teens with disabilities to help build a movement, forging a new path toward greater equality. The 2020 award-winning documentary Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution features Judy Heumann Directed by James LeBrecht and Nicole Newnham and produced by the Obama Higher Ground Production team. Rated R for some language including sexual references. Runtime 147 mins.
Plug into a True Story Theater Evening
Wednesday, March 15, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Robbins Library Community Room
Plug in to a free interactive storytelling performance by True Story Theater, Arlington’s dramatic improv troupe. The performance is inspired by this year’s ART title. Come to watch, or share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences around disability activism and/or your thoughts on reading the book. Laugh, cry, and gain insights as True Story’s actors and musicians empathetically embody whatever is shared. All are welcome. attendees will be encouraged to wear masks and chairs will be socially distanced. Plug in is a Robbins Library series, supported by the Barry Memorial Fund.
Registration is required: https://plugin-03-15-23.eventbrite.com
What’s it Like to Be Disabled in Arlington?: A panel discussion featuring Arlington’s Disability Commission
Thursday, March 16, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Robbins Library Community Room
In celebration of the Disability Commission’s 30th anniversary, please join us for a panel discussion with current and former Commission members and Arlington residents about their experiences living in Town. We will also be highlighting some of the work accomplished by the commission in its 30 year history. Hearing assistance available.
Library Director Book Discussion: Being Heumann by Judith Heumann
Friday, March 17, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Robbins Library Conference Room, with remote attendance option
Come discuss this year’s 2023 Arlington Reads Together selection Being Heumann by disability rights activist Judith Heumann with Anna Litten, library director. Check out copies at Robbins or Fox Branch Library, or place a hold via Minuteman Library Network. This is a hybrid event.
Meeting ID: 849 4968 6533
Passcode: 11R68x
All-Ages Communication Station hosted by Understanding Our Differences
Tuesday, March 28, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Robbins Library Community Room
Understanding Our Differences is a nationally recognized, award-winning program that uses a hands-on, participatory curriculum to foster respect, acceptance, and inclusion for people of all abilities in elementary schools and communities at large. The communication station program allows hands-on use of assistive technology to learn and try out all the different ways we can communicate. Learn about the different assistive technology tools available at the library as well.
Social Justice Book Group Discussion: Being Heumann by Judith Heumann
Tuesday, March 28, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Robbins Library Conference Room, with remote attendance option
This month the Social Justice Book Group will be discussing the 2023 Arlington Reads Together selection Being Heumann Email sprochet@minlib.net or call (781) 316-3218 for more information. Co-sponsored with Envision Arlington’s Diversity Task Group. Zoom Meeting ID: 812 4108 7996
For Teens
No Homework Book Club For Teens: Rolling Warrior
Monday, March 20, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Robbins Library Community Room
Teens can join the fun of Arlington Reads Together in this casual, low-stress book group event. No preparation is required, simply come to the book group where we will read the first chapter of Rolling Warrior out loud and then discuss the book, along with other similar titles. Teens can then choose to take the book home and finish it, with no pressure to finish by a deadline.
For Kids
Special Storytime Drop-in for Kids of all Ages
Thursday, March 23, 3:30-4:00 p.m. | Robbins Library Children’s Room
A special story time on the Arlington Reads Together theme. We’ll look at Fighting for Yes! The Story of Disability Rights Activist Judith Heumann by Maryann Cocca-Leffler, illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger. We’ll also read other stories about kids with disabilities and do a fun activity.
Thanks to our Partners
2023 Community partners for Arlington Reads Together programs include: The Arlington Libraries Foundation, The Friends of Robbins Library, the Disability Commission of Arlington, the Diversity Task Group of Envision Arlington, and the Arlington Human Rights Commission.
