Michael Ashley Stein has never allowed his disability to stop him from going after his dreams, and he's made it his mission to ensure others with physical or mental challenges to do the same. Stein, a Harvard Law School visiting professor, co-founded the Harvard Law School Project on Disability in 2011 with the goal of "promoting the human rights of people with disabilities worldwide," according to the Harvard Law School website.

Stein's hard work recently paid off, as he was selected as the winner of the 2013 Viscardi Award, which honors people who have accomplished their goals and improved the lives of others in light of their disabilities.

"I am extremely honored to receive an Award named for Henry Viscardi, who had a great deal of influence on improving the lives of people with disabilities," Stein said. "Protecting the human and civil rights of persons with disabilities remains a global issue and requires systemic changes and broad collaboration to ensure that progress continues to be made."

The National Organization on Disability reports winners of these awards are selected for their abilities to serve as a powerful force for change and their ability to lead "societal transformation to create higher expectations for the disability community."