Michael Ashley Stein

Michael Ashley Stein is a pioneering figure in international human rights law, specifically known for his transformative work in disability rights. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Harvard Law School Project on Disability (HPOD), and holds the esteemed Cabell Professorship at William & Mary Law School in Virginia, USA.

A primary aspect of Prof. Stein's work is his influential role in the creation and implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). He participated in the drafting negotiations as a legal advisor and has since worked with governments, disabled people's organizations (DPOs), and national human rights institutions around the world to enact the treaty's principles into law and policy.

Stein earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Cambridge University. He is a visiting professor at Harvard Law School and has held visiting positions at other top universities, including Stanford Law School and the University of Pretoria. His academic work is deeply interdisciplinary, blending legal theory with insights from sociology and lived experience.

Stein is one of the most cited scholars in disability law. His vast body of work has helped establish disability rights as a critical field of academic and legal study. He has written and edited numerous books and articles on topics including disability rights law, equality theory, access to justice, and inclusive international development.

Beyond theory, Stein is intensely focused on practical impact. He has provided expert counsel to numerous United Nations bodies, international development agencies (like the World Bank and UNICEF), and national governments on how to adopt inclusive and non-discriminatory laws and policies.

As a person with a disability himself, Stein's work is deeply informed by the lived experiences of the global disability community. He works closely with disabled persons' organizations to ensure his advocacy and scholarship are grounded in their needs and priorities. He is a strong proponent of the disability community's motto, "Nothing About Us Without Us."

Professor Stein's work has received global recognition. Notably, he was awarded the Henry Viscardi Achievement Award and the Morton E. Ruderman Award for Inclusion for his significant contributions to disability justice. His efforts have been instrumental in shifting the global perspective on disability from a medical or charitable model to a human rights-based model, which views people with disabilities as rights-bearing individuals who must be active participants in society.

In summary, Professor Michael Ashley Stein is not only a preeminent academic but also a dedicated advocate whose work has had a tangible and profound impact on the lives of millions of people with disabilities worldwide. He bridges the gap between scholarly research, international law, and on-the-ground activism, making him one of the most influential voices in the disability rights movement.