09/12/2026
Story of a Dress:
Last summer my good friend Julie Sawchuk and her son Oliver landed non-speaking roles in the film Being Huemann. The film tells the story of Judy Huemann, the American disability rights activist, who staged a sit-in at a federal building in San Francisco on April 5th 1977. The protest demanded the signing of regulations for Section 504, which dealt with the rights of disabled people. The 120 protesters, many of whom were disabled, occupied the space for 25 days and became known as the 504 gang. Their actions led to changes for accessibility rights in the USA.
For Julie, an accessibility advocate herself, participating in a movie that would bring not only this important history, but the challenges faced by disabled people into the forefront of the media, was an incredible opportunity.
I don’t want to give too much away - you need to see this film - but Julie told me that in the process of filming, her own personal story came to light and Julie was suddenly promoted to a speaking role.
Julie is an inspiration to me. Her strength and tenacity with not only dealing with suddenly having to use a wheelchair 11 years ago, but becoming a champion for accessible and universal design, is an impressive force to behold.
When Julie discovered that Being Huemann was the opening film for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), she immediately asked me to find her an outfit. A few weeks later, when our new fully accessible space opened, this dress was on display in the window.
So on opening night of our new accessible space, Julie found her opening night dress.
It fit perfectly. I shortened the hem and made her husband Theo a matching pocket square. Beaded gold earring and a simple gold bracelet were all this spectacular red dress needed to complete the outfit.
Thank you Julie, for your friendship, inspiration and for letting me dress you up. You are beautiful and amazing.
Julie Sawchuk Accessible Solutions
