Women Pioneers in Disability Justice
Many women have played a crucial role in advancing disability rights. Here are a few who have made a lasting impact:
- Judy Huemann- A pioneer in disability rights, Judy Heumann was instrumental in passing legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. She helped organize the 504 Sit-in in 1977, one of the longest nonviolent occupations of a federal building in U.S. history.
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Alice Wong – A disability rights activist who founded the Disability Visibility Project, which highlights the voices and stories of people with disabilities. Her work challenges stereotypes and promotes representation.
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Judith S. Bloch – an early advocate for intervention programs for children with developmental disabilities. Bloch helped to shift the narrative from blaming mothers to empowering them as partners in education. She also founded the Home/School collaborative model
Autism and the Gender Gap
As we celebrate these women and reflect on the significance of this month, it is important to acknowledge the barriers that women still face when it comes to accessing care. Historically, autism research has focused primarily on boys and men, leading to a major gap in diagnosis for women and girls. Currently, statistics show that men are diagnosed with autism at a rate of 15 to 1 compared to women. However, new studies suggest that autism in women is underdiagnosed due to differences in how symptoms present.
Because of this gap, many women receive late diagnoses or are misdiagnosed altogether. This delay can prevent them from accessing crucial support systems early in life. Additionally, women and girls with developmental disabilities face higher risks of discrimination, gender-based violence, and exclusion, making advocacy and awareness even more critical. This is why it is crucial to highlight
Learn More
For those interested in learning more about women and developmental disabilities, here are some great resources:
Books & Articles:
- Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century – Edited by Alice Wong
- Invisible Girls: The Truth About Autism in Women – By Sarah Hendrickx
- Women & Autism – The Autism Society
Organizations & Advocacy Groups:
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The Arc – Advocating for People with Developmental Disabilities
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National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD)
- Women in Behavior Analysis
Sources:
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Judith S. Bloch – Early Intervention Advocacy
- Alice Wong – Disability Visibility Project