Spring 2024 Semester in Review

HPOD continued its advocacy and awareness-raising activities to inform the work of both policymakers and civil society stakeholders, with a specific focus on disability climate justice. For example, HPOD's Executive Director, Professor Michael Ashley Stein, and Senior Associate, Dr. Penelope J.S. Stein, made timely submissions to the U.S. government's Fifth National Climate Assessment, which recognizes the differential needs of persons with disabilities for the first time. Also, Dr. Stein spearheaded the publication of a first-of-its-kind Easy read primer on climate action for persons with disabilities to inspire disability-inclusive climate action throughout the world. Finally, Professor Stein and Dr. Stein were joined by HPOD's Chair, Professor William P. Alford; Director of Advocacy Initiatives, Hezzy Smith; and Self-Advocacy Associate, Anne Fracht, as well as a host of climate researchers and activists from around the world, in publishing a call for researchers and policy-makers around the world to explore disability-inclusive climate solutions in The Lancet Planetary Health.

HPOD organized a series of timely events on emerging issues, including litigation strategies for advancing disability climate justice, ongoing efforts to end the mass incarceration of persons of color with disabilities, and promoting awareness of the CRPD in the context of climate risks and emergencies. HPOD also assessed the implications of the passing of Sir Robert Martin, the only person with intellectual disability ever named to a UN treaty body, for self-advocates' future involvement in the CRPD Committee's periodic monitoring process. Last, in May 2024, HPOD's China Program Director, Dr. Fengming Cui, was awarded the Maria McTernan Leadership Award by the Charles River Center in recognition of her demonstrated outstanding leadership in supporting the disability community.