Accessibility

Accessibility and the Dole Institute

Sen. Bob Dole has been a lifelong advocate for the success of Americans living with disabilities. After an exploding shell in World War II made his right arm unusable, Dole became keenly aware of the hardship faced by people living with disabilities. His maiden speech to the Senate recognized these challenges faced by 42 million citizens and set the tone for his work on accessibility.

In a 2000 interview with CSPAN, Dole counted the passage of the landmark 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as one of his proudest achievements. He played an instrumental role in shepherding the bill through the legislative process, and the passage of these protections was the culmination of over 30 years of work. The ADA decreed that “persons with disabilities ought to be judged on the basis of their abilities; they should not be judged nor discriminated against based on unfounded fear, prejudice, ignorance or mythologies.”

Accommodation for events

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact the Dole Institute of Politics at least four business days prior to the event date by calling (785) 864-4900 or emailing doleinstitute@ku.edu.

Audio description of special exhibits

Audio description is available for many of the Dole Institute’s special exhibits and is provided by KU’s Audio-Reader Network. Description can be accessed by using a smartphone to scan the QR codes posted on exhibit panels. To learn more about KU Audio-Reader, visit http://reader.ku.edu.

Loop and headset hearing

The Dole Institute is pleased to offer hearing assistance at virtually all of our free public programs through use of a hearing loop. Our hearing loop sends the voices of our speakers from the microphones directly into a hearing aid or cochlear implant. It is accessible to those with telecoil, which most hearing aids possess.

The loop hearing system will be clearly marked with signage in the front half of the event space. If you cannot access your t-coil or do not having hearing aids, please ask a staff member for a headset device.

If you have never used your t-coil or are uncertain if your hearing aid is equipped with t-coils, we recommend you ask your audiologist for assistance on activation and information on how to utilize the device.

Funding for our Loop Hearing System has been generously provided by the Friends of the Dole Institute.

Transcripts

The Dole Institute makes full transcripts of programs available on request. To request the transcript of an event, please contact the institute by calling (785) 864-4900 or emailing doleinstitute@ku.edu.

Wheelchair and scooter access

The Dole Institute offers the free use of a wheelchair and motorized scooter to guests. Either device may be requested in advance by contacting the institute at (785) 865-4900 or emailing doleinstitute@ku.edu. Accessible seating is also available to program attendees.