KU’s Dole Institute announces fall programs, with focus on ADA

The Americans With Disabilities Act is the main theme of this fall’s events at the Kansas University Dole Institute of Politics.

The act, now being celebrated for its 25th anniversary, is one of former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole’s “proudest accomplishments,” the Dole Institute said in a news release announcing its schedule of events for early fall.

A Sept. 10 talk by disability advocates Marca Bristo and David Morrissey will kick off a series of programs examining the ADA. Other events include a Journalism and Politics Lecture with NBC’s Josh Mankiewicz.

The following programs all are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Dole Institute, 2350 Petefish Drive.

Sept. 10 — “commemorateADA 25: Marca Bristo and David Morrissey”

U.S. International Council on Disabilities leaders Bristo and Morrissey discuss the importance of the ADA, what it has accomplished and disability policy for the future.

Sept. 14 — Constitution Day Event: “The 25th Anniversary of the ADA and Senator Bob Dole,” with Stephen McAllister

McAllister, KU’s Tom W. Hampton Distinguished Professor of Law, will discuss the ADA, disability rights and the Constitution.

Sept. 22 — Journalism and Politics Lecture: “An Evening with NBC’s Josh Mankiewicz”

Mankiewicz, NBC affiliate and “Dateline NBC” correspondent, will talk about his craft and the 2016 presidential elections and its “Cast of Thousands” field.

Oct. 7 — “Your Story, His Story, the Legacy: the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act,” with Maureen “Mo” West

Senior Archivist Audrey Coleman will speak with West, top disability adviser to Dole during the formulation and passage of the ADA. Inspired by materials from the Dole Archives, they’ll discuss West’s role and perspective in the development of the landmark legislation.

Oct. 21 — “Truman’s Unused A-Bombs: Beyond Fat Man and Little Boy,” with Mike Devine

Seventy years after the bombing of Japan, Devine, former Truman Presidential Library director and American foreign policy expert, will discuss other atomic bombs that were ready but never used.

The Dole Institute also will continue its Fort Leavenworth Series with “Military Innovations in Peace and War,” featuring talks at 3 p.m. the first Thursday of each month through Nov. 5. Speakers are military historians from the Army’s Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth.

The Dole Institute’s Fall 2015 Study Group is “First in Their Class — Authentic Women and the Originality That Got Them There,” with fall fellow Judy Lloyd, veteran of Dole’s campaigns and the office of the majority leader. The group will meet Tuesdays Oct. 6 through Dec. 1, times to be announced.

For more details on all fall programs, visit doleinstitute.org.