I knew and loved Judy, who died at 75 a few days ago.
Her obituaries fail to mention Ed Roberts, her partner in the Disability Movement. I give Judy credit for being the mother of the movement but never has the role of a father been clearer; Ed Roberts was the father and the prime mover of the movement. The true founder of a global revolution.
Ed’s disabilities were so great that he was severely limited in his daily movement. Judy did all the things that Ed needed. Judy was in a wheelchair but she had energy, administrative skills and mobility that Ed lacked.
This obituary has one purpose. To contrast Ed and Judy. I loved Judy; she was kind, deeply caring and honest (meaning frank). But the disability movement succeeded because of Ed.
Go back and take the time to read my obituary of Ed. A man who stood out from history with his incredibly intense humanity. When you met Ed you felt the meaning of being human. Ed moved our hearts.
Judy used the shaming and victimhood methodology of political action. She was effective because her anger was moderate and because Ed had opened the doors of the world.
I once asked Judy why men were attracted to her, as they were. She said it was the injured bird syndrome. Many men see an injured bird and they want to help. A wonderful part of maleness.