Chen has attracted significant international attention not only because of his robust legal defense of the disabled and underprivileged but also because of his unique story. After having lost his sight at a young age, he educated himself in Chinese law by having his father read legal books to him aloud. He fell into disfavor with the Chinese government after he mounted legal cases resisting China’s one-child policy and the taxation of disabled persons. After being imprisoned and vigorously persecuted by the Chinese government for his activism, Chen fled the country and found refuge here at NYU.

http://nyunews.com/2013/02/07/chen/