About HPOD

Promoting the human rights of all persons with disabilities by working alongside individuals with disabilities, organizations, and global institutions to build inclusive legal systems and equitable communities.

About HPOD

Promoting the human rights of all persons with disabilities by working alongside individuals with disabilities, organizations, and global institutions to build inclusive legal systems and equitable communities.

HPOD is committed to enabling civil society, and especially persons with disabilities and their representative organizations to undertake informed human rights advocacy. We provide human rights training and education, facilitate the development of international law and policy, encourage inclusive development practices, share technical assistance on strategic litigation, and stimulate new thinking about the abilities of persons with disabilities and their human rights.

HPOD envisions a world where persons with disabilities live with dignity, autonomy, and full inclusion. We support societies that celebrate diversity, remove barriers, and uphold the rights of all people, regardless of ability. Through partnerships, education, and inclusive legal reform, we’re helping build a more just and accessible future together.

Over 40 Countries

Over 20 Universities

Over 200 Publications

Over 100 Global Connections

Capacity Building

Disability Law Reform

Inclusive Climate Justice

Grassroots Empowerment

Global Education

HPOD works around the world to advance disability rights through education, advocacy, and law reform. We collaborate with persons with disabilities, academic institutions, governments, and civil society to dismantle barriers and promote full inclusion. Our interdisciplinary approach reflects a commitment to local context and global impact.

Many people with disabilities do not yet know enough about their human rights or how to transform their communities to realize these rights. Likewise, many leaders of non-governmental organizations, governments, and the business community also do not yet fully understand about the rights of people with disabilities or how to champion them.

HPOD works to strengthen civil society and empower all people to make the changes needed in their communities to promote disability human rights. Much action is needed to ensure full equality for people with disabilities, including: raising awareness about these rights; promoting positive attitudes within and toward people with disabilities; writing and enforcing new national laws and policies; and undertaking inclusive development.

HPOD works to enable persons with disabilities to claim their full and equal human rights. HPOD endeavors to develop equitable societies that respect the equal autonomy and dignity of persons with disabilities. HPOD seeks to provide societies with a greater understanding of the capabilities of people with disabilities and how they contribute positively to their communities.

William P. Alford

Chair, Harvard Law School Project on Disability

Michael Ashley Stein

Executive Director, Harvard Law School Project on Disability, Visiting Professor, Harvard Law School

Hezzy Smith

Director of Advocacy Initiatives, Harvard Law School Project on Disability

Anne Fracht

Self-Advocacy Associate, Harvard Law School Project on Disability

Juliet Bowler

Senior Program Manager, Harvard Law School Project on Disability

Jonathan L. Kempner

Counselor to the Harvard Law School Project on Disability

Fengming Cui

Senior Director for East Asia, Harvard Law School Project on Disability

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