Event Information
Date:
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Time:
3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. – Unveiling Ceremony
3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – Panel Discussion
*The building will be open for self-guided tours from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location:
Tom and Ruth Harkin Center (2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311)
Cost:
Free, but registration is required*
*Registration is required only for the unveiling ceremony and panel discussion. If you only plan to attend the open house self-guided tours, you do not need to register.
Accommodations:
American Sign Language and live-captioning (CART) in English will be provided for all attendees during the unveiling ceremony and panel discussion. ASL interpreters will also be on hand from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. for those who need interpretation during the open house portion of the event.
Event Summary
Join us in celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and our recently awarded “Gold” certification. Earlier this year, the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center became only the second building in the United States to achieve the Gold Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification. Learn more about the certification and its many benefits here.
On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, The Harkin Institute will host an unveiling ceremony for the certification plaque that will hang in our atrium. The ceremony will be followed by a panel discussion that will cover the benefits of universal design and how to implement accessibility features in your work place. Light refreshments will be provided.
Before the unveiling, guests will have a chance to check out the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center for themselves! The building will be open for self-guided tours starting at noon. The Harkin Institute staff will be on hand for any questions you have throughout the tour.
About the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification
The Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) program is the world’s leading inclusive building rating system, providing organizations with training and a framework to measure and improve meaningful accessibility for people with varying disabilities. Trusted by national and international leaders in sustainability and building performance, such as BOMA BEST, GRESB, and LEED, the program embeds a human-centric mindset and a culture of continuous improvement. This results in spaces that don’t just meet code minimums — but reflect a commitment to independence, safety, and dignity for all. Over 2,200 sites have been rated, and over 3,800 individuals have been trained through the program to-date.
Address: 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
Phone: (515) 271-3623
Email: harkininstitute@drake.edu
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.