Camp Jened

[1][2] Many campers and counselors (known as "Jenedians")[2] became disability rights activists, such as Judith Heumann,[3] James LeBrecht,[4] and Bobbi Linn.

[7] The camp was meant to provide a nurturing community environment for people with a range of disabilities, such as polio and cerebral palsy.

Campers formed bonds removed from the stigma, shame, and isolation they often encountered back home.

[13] Most of the campers were from New York, but some came from Canada and other parts of the U.S.[7] Despite its profound social impact, the camp often experienced financial issues.

"[1] An African-American counselor, Lionel Je' Woodyard, said, "Whatever obstacles there were in my way for being a Black man, the same thing was held true for individuals in wheelchairs.

[13] That same year, Disabled in Action was formed by a group that included Heumann, Bobbi Linn,[5] and other Jenedians.

[17] The act would have provided supplies for dialysis machines and established centers for people living with hearing loss, visual impairment, and spinal cord injuries.

[19] It was near the UC Berkeley campus[20] and provided peer-based services to assist with housing and job training.

Other groups that joined the sit-in included the United Farm Workers, Glide Memorial Church, the Gay Men's Butterfly Brigade, and Delancey Street Foundation.

[1] For decades, Jenedians participated in activism and advocacy that led to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990,[24] among other achievements.

[26] Linn became the first executive director of the Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS) and in 2019 was inducted into the New York State Disability Rights Hall of Fame.

[28] Allison served as deputy director at the New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities from 1973 to 1991,[7] worked to improve polling place accessibility, and taught special education in Brooklyn.

[29] In 2004, Camp Jened was covered in New York Activists and Leaders in the Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement, published by the Regents of the University of California.