The right to truly live: Apple TV’s ‘Being Heumann’ pays tribute to the tenacity of disability activists (VIDEO)

Throughout history, rights have not been granted easily but have required advocacy and determination. The biopic "Being Heumann" tells the story of disabled activist Judy Heumann and her co-fighters in securing approval for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This law protects people with disabilities from discrimination in federally funded programs.

It was achieved through a 26-day sit-in at the San Francisco Department of Health, Education, and Welfare office, still the longest such sit-in in US history. Ruth Madeley's portrayal of Heumann and Mark Ruffalo's depiction of US Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Joseph Califano bring depth to their respective characters.

Disabled activists, the film's subjects, are often misunderstood and met with disrespect. Califano dismisses their demands as excessive, unaware that the disabled seek only equal access to what non-disabled people take for granted. Heumann herself faced discrimination, including being denied a flight and barred from teaching due to her disability.

The film's script powerfully conveys the disrespect and lack of understanding about disability rights. In Malaysia, people are frequently accused of exploiting their disability status for special treatment, which is far from the truth. The activists endured hunger, cramped conditions in a truck (since accessible transport was unavailable) and disdain from authorities, yet they persevered.

Despite disconcerting elements, the story of Heumann and her fellow Section 504 activists is compelling and timely, especially given the current threats to disabled rights in the US. However, viewers must question whether they will do more than feel inspired by such stories. "Being Heumann" premieres on Apple TV on November 13. These views are personal and do not reflect the opinions of Malay Mail.