U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today issued the following statement in reaction to the passing of leading disability rights activist Judy Heumann:

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our friend and renowned disabilities rights leader Judy Heumann. A force for good, Judy was instrumental in the development and implementation of ground-breaking legislation including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. She also fought for U.S. ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which seeks to advance the inclusion of disabled people around the world. 

“It is an understatement to say Judy made the world a better place: we cherished her joyful and tireless advocacy for persons with disabilities and for the dignity of all people, her unbridled optimism, and her boundless generosity of spirit. Let us channel this sadness by redoubling our efforts and commitment to continuing Judy’s advocacy—just as she would have encouraged all of us to do.”

Original source can be found here.