Women's History Month

Angelina Vu

March 15, 2023

Women's History Month takes place in March. It honors the accomplishments made by women throughout history and highlights the obstacles they overcame to attain equality. The intersectional experiences of women, especially those who have disabilities, should be considered during this month. Throughout the fight for disability rights, women with impairments have been in the vanguard and have made major contributions to society. These women have been instrumental in furthering the rights of persons with disabilities and fostering greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in society.

From disability rights activists to female disability advocates, these women have played a critical role in advancing the rights of people with disabilities and promoting greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in society. It is essential to recognize the achievements of women with disabilities and to comprehend diversity by celebrating their triumphs. Several disabled women have pushed to remove obstacles, encourage greater diversity, and increase accessibility for all. The disability rights movement has benefited greatly from the contributions of these women. They have contributed to the betterment of the lives of those with disabilities via their activism and advocacy. Through their advocacy and activism, they have helped to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

American writer, lawyer, and disability rights activist Harriet McBryde Johnson is well-known for her support of those with disabilities. Johnson, who was born with a neuromuscular disorder, lived her life in a wheelchair. She advocated for the rights of those with disabilities by drawing on her experiences. Johnson, a leading opponent of the assisted suicide movement, stated that the lives of disabled people are equally as valuable as everyone else's. Over the course of her career, she worked on various matters involving disability rights and was a member of the National Council on Disability. Johnson also published essays and articles on topics relating to the rights of people with disabilities in a number of periodicals. Johnson passed away in 2008 at the age of 50.

Deaf actress, author, and activist Marlee Matlin has made a significant contribution to the campaign for disability rights. Matlin went deaf at the age of 18 months. She has had a great playing career, taking home the Best Actress Academy Award for her work in the movie "Children of a Lesser God." Matlin works to increase awareness of the difficulties faced by those who have hearing impairments as an advocate for deaf culture and the deaf community. She has held board positions with a number of organizations, including the Children Affected by AIDS Fund and the National Captioning Institute. She has won various accolades for her work as an advocate.

Tragically, Judith Heumann, a well-known champion for disability rights, passed away on March 4, 2023. Her personal website posted a notice, although it did not state the reason. She advocated for improved inclusion and accessibility for those with impairments. Heumann suffered from severe physical impairment as a result of early-onset polio. She was a well-known figure in the disability rights movement who worked to promote such rights both domestically and abroad. Heumann was the first person with a substantial disability to be appointed to a federal government position and served as the Special Adviser for International Disability Rights at the US State Department.

Here at Disability Partnerships, we celebrate our founder and president: Tamara Gallman. Tamara is a disability rights advocate and the founder of Disability Partnerships. This organization aims to improve the lives of people with disabilities through education, advocacy, and community-building initiatives. Tamara became paralyzed after surviving a natural gas explosion in her Rockville, Maryland, home. Her experience with disability transformed her into a fierce advocate for others with similar disabilities. Through Disability Partnerships, Tamara works to empower people with disabilities and their families by providing them with the resources and support they need. Tamara's advocacy work has impacted the disability community, and continues to be a prominent voice for disability rights.

Women with disabilities face unique challenges and barriers that often go unaddressed. We must continue to push for greater inclusivity and accessibility in all areas of society, from education and employment to healthcare and political representation. Let us celebrate the accomplishments of women everywhere and redouble our efforts to ensure every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

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In honor of Women's History Month, we're shining a spotlight on amazing women who have overcome barriers, challenged stereotypes, and made contributions to society. From activists and advocates to athletes and leaders, these women have left a mark on history.