From San Francisco to the Big Screen: A Disability Rights Story That Changed America
Updated: 1 day ago
By Access House® | Original Reporting & Photography by Anita Healey
When I presented Born in San Francisco: A Disability Rights Movement Tour during Super Bowl weekend this past February, my hope was to introduce as many visitors as possible to this important chapter and San Francisco’s pivotal role in the disability rights movement. I had no idea where that experience would lead.
Hosted by the newly opened San Francisco Disability Cultural Center (DCC), I was surprised to discover the extraordinary history of the April 1977 Section 504 Sit-In, brought to life through powerful archival footage and storytelling that revealed how Judy Heumann and fellow disability rights activists occupied San Francisco’s Federal Building for 26 days in a historic protest that would help transform disability rights in America and advance the movement for disability rights around the world.
What began for me as an opportunity to share this history has become a much larger journey—one that has taken me from the very building where history was made to the Toronto International Film Festival, where I interviewed one of the producers bringing that story to the big screen.
Now, nearly 50 years later, this powerful story is reaching audiences around the world.
A Historic Movement Comes to Life
Apple Original Films’ Being Heumann, directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Siân Heder (CODA), takes audiences inside the historic 1977 Section 504 Sit-In, when Judy Heumann helped lead approximately 150 disability rights activists into San Francisco’s Federal Building to demand equal rights and access for people with disabilities.
British actor Ruth Madeley portrays Judy Heumann alongside Mark Ruffalo and an ensemble cast portraying the activists whose courage, sacrifices, and solidarity helped reshape disability rights in America.
But what makes this story so compelling is that it isn't simply about one woman. The Section 504 Sit-In was a collective effort by a determined community of disability rights activists, each bringing their own experiences, sacrifices, and contributions to a movement that would change millions of lives.
A Conversation with Producer John Beach at TIFF
Access House® recently interviewed producer John W. Beach at the Toronto International Film Festival, where Being Heumann celebrated its world premiere as the festival's Opening Night film.
Beach, who helped bring Judy Heumann's memoir to the screen, recalled how their relationship began in 2015. “I worked with Stuart James at an agency, who later joined the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Berkeley.”
Founded by Ed Roberts and fellow disability rights activists in 1972, CIL was where Judy Heumann served as deputy director during the historic 1977 Section 504 Sit-In. Beach continued, “James invited me to San Francisco to meet Judy. We signed her in January of 2016 and immediately started working on her book together with her author, Kristen Joiner.”
What began as a professional introduction grew into a close friendship and an 11-year journey to bring her story to audiences.
When Access House® asked Beach what made him believe Judy's story deserved to be told, he reflected on her extraordinary influence on everyday life, pointing to curb cuts, ramps, and other accessibility improvements as examples of how the disability rights movement helped transform the world around us.
Reflecting on Judy's empathy and commitment to others, Beach added, “It's never about Judy. It's about everyone else around her.”
One of the most meaningful moments in the conversation came when Access House® asked how the filmmakers honored the many activists who stood alongside Judy, including Kitty Cone and Ron Washington.
Beach immediately emphasized that the film was about something larger than one individual.
“This isn't Judy Heumann's story. This is the story of the Section 504 Sit-In. Judy just happened to lead them into that building.”
He spoke enthusiastically about the actors portraying other movement leaders, including Madeline Delp as Kitty Cone, a fierce organizer, activist, and confidant to Judy Heumann, and Charlie Rush-Reese as Dennis Billups, a blind disability rights activist who helped sustain the historic Section 504 Sit-In through music and solidarity.
“We had such a great cast. Our cast is absolutely incredible,” Beach said.
Access House® also asked whether the people who participated in the historic sit-in had an opportunity to contribute to the film.
“Did any of them have an opportunity to provide feedback?”
“Yes—a lot during the development,” Beach explained. “A lot of them got to work with the counterpart that they played.”
Beach also noted that Lynette Taylor, an interpreter during the 1977 protest, contributed to the film as an ASL consultant and appeared in the production.
His comments reinforced something central to our San Francisco tour: this historic victory was achieved through collective action, solidarity, and the determination of an entire community.
Producer John W. Beach, a white man wearing a light blue plaid jacket, white shirt, and jeans, stands smiling beside Anita Healey, a Black woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a long black dress. They pose together on the red carpet in front of a black backdrop featuring TIFF and sponsor logos at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Remembering the People Behind the Movement
For Access House®, this story carries a special significance. During our Born in San Francisco: A Disability Rights Movement Tour, we heard recorded stories and firsthand accounts from Judy Heumann and other activists who participated in the historic 1977 sit-in. We also had the privilege of hearing Dennis Billups in person share his lived experience and led us in song as we walked and rolled together to the Federal Building—the very songs he sang while occupying the building in 1977.
Standing in front of the Federal Building was a powerful reminder of what collective action can achieve and why we must continue to protect the rights others fought so hard for. Their voices brought history to life in ways no textbook ever could.
Photograph of Dennis Billups with approximately 30 tour participants assembled outdoors in front of the Federal Building, a multi-story civic building constructed of light-colored stone with arched architectural features. The group includes adults of varied ages and appearances, with multiple individuals using mobility devices, including wheelchairs, positioned in the front row. Additional participants stand behind them in close formation.
Several individuals wear sunglasses and a small number wear face masks. One individual is accompanied by a service animal seated near the front of the group. All subjects are oriented toward the camera.
The setting is an urban public space with brick paving, street elements, and adjacent buildings visible in the background. The photograph was taken in daylight with direct sunlight and defined shadows.
The movement also drew support from the Black Panther Party, founded in Oakland in 1966, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this October.
During the 1977 Section 504 Sit-In, the Black Panther Party provided food and essential supplies to activists occupying San Francisco's Federal Building, helping sustain them throughout the 26-day protest. Their involvement demonstrated the powerful solidarity between the disability rights and Black civil rights movements. Disability rights activist and Black Panther Party member Brad Lomax (portrayed by Antwan Tolliver in the film) served as an important connection between the two movements.
The Section 504 Sit-In was not simply a protest. It was a demonstration of what communities could accomplish together, laying important groundwork for the Americans with Disabilities Act and future disability rights advocacy.
Continuing the Journey Beyond the Screen
With Being Heumann opening in select theaters November 6 and arriving on Apple TV November 13, a new generation will have the opportunity to discover this remarkable chapter of American history.
Our journey began with a disability rights history tour in San Francisco. Now, as this extraordinary story reaches the big screen next month, we look forward to continuing the journey through upcoming Access House® talks and discussions that honor the people and history behind the movement, especially as we approach April 2027, the 50th anniversary of the historic Section 504 Sit-In.
Because some of the most powerful stories don't end when the credits roll. They invite us to continue the journey.
Article & Photography Credits
Written by Access House®.
Original reporting, interview and photography by Anita Healey, Founder of Access House®.
Original interview with Being Heumann producer John W. Beach conducted at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, 2026.
Historical background on the Section 504 Sit-In and the Black Panther Party's involvement is supported by the National Park Service and Smithsonian Institution.
Access House® is an initiative of Custom Pro Files LLC.
© 2026 Custom Pro Files LLC / Access House®. All rights reserved.
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