Michael Thornton

Background

About Michael Thornton

Michael W. Thornton is an accomplished disability advocate who has dedicated his career to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. He is currently employed as the Self-Advocate Faculty Advisor of the Arkansas Leadership Education on Neurodevelopment and Related Disabilities (LEND) program. Also, He is a member of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Board of Directors, where he serves as an at-large member and Public Policy Committee representative. As a member of the AUCD Board of Directors, Thornton is committed to promoting policies that support people with disabilities and advance disability research. He works tirelessly to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the resources and services they need to live full and meaningful lives. Mr. Thornton has a wealth of experience in the disability community. He was diagnosed with intellectual disabilities at a young age and has firsthand experience with the challenges that people with disabilities face in their daily lives. This experience has motivated him to become a leading advocate for disability rights. In addition to his work with AUCD, Thornton is also involved with several other disability advocacy organizations. He has served as the Board President of Arkansas Disability Coalition. Throughout his career, Mr. Thornton has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the disability community. He has received numerous awards, including the Champion of Change Award from Community of Champions, The Justice for All Award from Partners for Inclusive Communities, and the 2022 Eldon Schulz Faculty Leadership Award (Lend) Overall, Michael W. Thornton is a dedicated and accomplished disability advocate who has significantly impacted the lives of people with disabilities. His contributions to the field have helped to promote inclusion, increase awareness, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities across the United States.