RADAR mourns the passing of one of the most influential activists of the mental health user/survivor and disability movements – Judi Chamberlin. Judi’s book On Our Own, published in 1977, was radical, original - and decades ahead of opinion at the time. It showed that there were user-controlled alternatives to traditional psychiatric services; and that people experiencing mental health problems could decide, act and set up completely new forms of support. Judi was both an academic and a practitioner – she put what she advocated into practice. Based in Boston, Judi forged links with the local and national disability movement and was instrumental in campaigns for the Americans with Disabilities Act and the full coverage of people with ‘psychiatric disabilities’ (to coin the American term) in anti-discrimination law.
Judi visited the UK on several occasions. She won the Mind book of the year award, she met with disability and mental health leaders here, she always shared her ideas and experience generously, she always wanted to learn from other people’s experiences around the world.
The work of the disability and mental health sectors in the UK owe Judi a huge debt. Our work is only possible when we stand on the shoulders of giants – like Judi.
Click here to read Judi's blog