MEMORANDUM TO SENATOR DOLE 
DA: April 16, 1995 
FR: Alec Vachon
RE: AWARD FROM KANSAS DISABILITY CAUCUS 

* ATTACHED FOR YOUR SIGNATURE IS A NOTE TO THE KANSAS DISABILITY CAUCUS--FOR A LEADERSHIP AWARD PRESENTED YOU ON APRIL 6TH (PLAQUE ATTACHED) . 

* As you know, I was in Kansas April 5-10 to attend the 4th Kansas Disability Caucus--a rump meeting of Kansans involved in disability issues held every several years (SEE ATTACHED MEMO) . This year over 300 people attended. The trip went very well--I am sending you follow-up memos, including reports from Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation and Hutchinson Heights. 




MEMORANDUM TO SENATOR DOLE 
DA: April 1, 1995
FR: Alec Vachon
RE: FYI/FIRST TRIP TO KANSAS NEXT WEEK 

* Next week I will be visiting constituents in Topeka and Wichita. Highlight of visit will be attending "4TH KANSAS DISABILITY CAUCUS" (rump meeting of 150-200 Kansans involved in disability issues held every 3 years--organized by Gina McDonald and the Kansas Centers on Independent Living) . Over the past two years--since joining your staff--I have been very impressed with the scope and depth of disability action in Kansas. Although I meet frequently w/Kansans here, and have formed some excellent working relationships, I am looking forward to visiting w/Kansans on home turf. 

* OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF KANSAS TRIP:
 
WEDNESDAY (LAWRENCE/TOPEKA) 
--UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS/LAWRENCE--Tour Beach Center/Dole Building; meet w/professors & staff of Department of Special Education and other KU disability programs to discuss upcoming reauthorization of special education law, funding for their programs, etc. 

--KANSAS COMMISSION ON DISABILITY CONCERNS--Meet with Commission members & staff re legislative issues. 

THURSDAY (TOPEKA) 

--LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION AT CAPITOL FOR KANSAS DISABILITY CAUCUS AND STATE LEGISLATORS. 

--FAMILIES TOGETHER (Federally funded project that assists parents with disabled children)--Discuss special education, Children's SSI, etc. 

--SPEAK AT LUNCH TO KANSAS DISABILITY CAUCUS PARTICIPANTS. 

FRIDAY (WICHITA) 

--CEREBRAL PALSY RESEARCH FOUNDATION--Tour their facilities, meet with Jack Jonas, etc. 

--HUTCHINSON HEIGHTS-- Virginia Hulet would never forgive me 

--nor let me forget it-- if I came to Wichita and did not see HH. 




(Scan of plaque awarded to Bob Dole by the Kansas Disability Caucus) 
Kansas Disability Caucus acknowledges 
SENATOR BOB DOLE 
for his leadership in promoting and protecting disability rights on a National level






BOB DOLE 
UNITED STATES SENATE 

April l7, 1995 

Dear Ms. Jones, 
I deeply appreciate the award from the Kansas Disability Caucus for my leadership on disability rights. As you know, disability has not been only a legislative issue for me, but a personal one as well. 

I hope Kansans with disabilities think of me not only as their Senator, but as their advocate as well. In Kansas we have a strong and proud disability community--in my view, one of the best organized in the nation. If that is bragging on Kansas, so be it. Today many Kansans have a better chance for full, independent lives than even a few years ago.It has been my honor and privilege to help make this possible. We still have a lot of work to do --and know you can count on me. 

Please share my thanks for this award with other members of the Caucus. 

With best regards, 

Sincerely, 
BOB DOLE 

Ms. Shannon Jones 
Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas
Topeka, Kansas 66603