Ruth Madeley Embodies Activist Judy Heumann's Fight for Accessibility in 'Being Heumann'

Ruth Madeley, a British actress, finds a profound connection with Judy Heumann, the American disability rights activist she portrays in the new film Being Heumann. Madeley, who was diagnosed with spina bifida before birth, sees a shared determination with Heumann, describing her as "like a dog with a bone" when fighting for a cause. This tenacity mirrors Madeley's own experiences, having watched her mother advocate for her, much like Heumann's mother did for her daughter. Madeley believes that life experiences, particularly those that come with having a disability, offer a rich wellspring of emotions for acting.

Madeley's career has spanned from British television, including roles in Years and Years and Doctor Who, to this leading role in a film about a pivotal figure in disability rights. Directed by Sian Heder, whose film Coda won an Oscar, Being Heumann centers on the 1977 occupation of a federal building in San Francisco. Heumann and other activists occupied the building to demand the implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which aimed to prevent discrimination against disabled people by federally funded organizations. Though passed four years prior, the enforcement regulations remained unsigned until the protests led to their signing on April 28, 1977.

For Madeley, bringing Heumann's story to a wider audience was a significant responsibility. "It was the biggest privilege of my life to be trusted with her movie," she stated. She emphasizes the intrinsic link between disability and determination, a quality she sees strongly in Heumann. Heumann's influence was global, including her work as a senior adviser at the US Department of State, where she advocated for the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in policy discussions. This advocacy contributed to the UAE adopting the term "people of determination" in their national strategy.

To embody Heumann, Madeley focused on capturing her voice and movement. She spent months perfecting a Brooklyn accent, recognizing its importance to Heumann's identity. Madeley also addressed the physical portrayal, noting the differences in their experiences with wheelchairs. While Madeley can walk short distances, Heumann, who had polio, was unable to walk and had limited core strength. Madeley aimed to convey the sense of freedom Heumann experienced moving independently in her wheelchair, often depicted in the film as being constantly active. The film also portrays the realities of relying on others, as seen in a scene where Heumann waits for her attendant. Madeley felt it was crucial to show these aspects of daily life accurately.

Judy Heumann passed away in 2023 at the age of 75, leaving a legacy of advocacy for disabled people's rights. Madeley hopes Being Heumann will introduce more people to Heumann's work and resonate with viewers who share similar experiences. "So often when you have a disability, you can feel incredibly isolated," Madeley shared, encouraging connection and support. She believes that films like Being Heumann can help challenge perceptions and continue Heumann's legacy, stating, "The work’s not done, and I’m very, very much committed to carrying on Judy’s legacy." Being Heumann premieres globally on Apple TV on Friday.