Judith Heumann (1947–2023), known as the mother of the disability rights movement, gave this TED Talk to provide an overview of both her activism and the important issues for disability rights in 2018. As an infant, Heumann became infected with polio, which limited her mobility and led to her use of a wheelchair throughout the rest of her life. Part of Heumann’s activism also comes from her family background. Heumann’s parents were German Jews who fled Europe in the 1930s to come to America. Their experiences with discrimination and inequality shaped both the values they instilled in Heumann and the ways they reacted to unfairness in Heumann’s life. Heumann served as the assistant secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in the Department of Education for the Clinton administration and as the special advisor for international disability rights in the State Department under the Obama administration. She worked as an advisor for disability inclusion, for special education, and for public health in other governmental and corporate organizations throughout her life.