Women of the Disability Rights Movement

March is Women’s History Month, and at 3i Housing of Maine, we’re honoring the women who have shaped, and continue to shape, the disability rights movement.

From fighting for civil rights and accessibility to reimagining what community and independence truly mean, these leaders laid the groundwork for inclusive, accessible housing and supportive communities.

Below we highlight some of the women whose advocacy reminds us why housing is a civil right, and why accessible, affordable, supportive homes are essential to dignity, autonomy, and belonging.

Judith Heumann

Judith Heumann taught the world a simple but powerful truth:Civil rights don’t work without access.

As a leader of the Disability Rights Movement and a key force behind the ADA, Judy fought for the right of disabled people to live, work, and participate fully in their communities.

Kitty Cone

Disability rights organizer Kitty Cone understood that true independence requires more than policy—it requires places to live.

Her work advocating for accessible housing reminds us that without stable, inclusive homes, community participation simply isn’t possible.

Patricia Wright

Patricia Wright worked behind the scenes to help pass the Americans with Disabilities Act—proving that lasting change happens when advocacy meets action.

Policy opens doors. Housing makes those doors livable.

Patty Berne

Patty Berne, co-founder of Sins Invalid, helped shape the Disability Justice framework, centering leadership by disabled people most impacted by systemic barriers.

That framework lives on in our work at 3i Housing of Maine—where lived experience, dignity, and equity guide how we design supportive housing.

Susan Linet, MD.

Wife, mother, pediatrician, volunteer in clinical trials for MS research, community activist and advocate for people with complex needs as a Member of the Maine Blue Ribbon Commission that issued the 2008 report entitled "Study of the Future of Home and Community Based Care", Susan’s gracious spirit, and a smile that lit up every room she entered, left an indelible impression. Regardless of the challenges she faced or the pain she experienced, her positive attitude and imperative to contribute to the community were constantly on display. Susan’s story is an essential part of 3i HoME’s DNA.