The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement at Drake University will convene national leaders from the private sector, public sector, and self-advocacy communities at the 2026 Harkin Summit, from October 21–22 at the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. The Summit will focus on disability employment policy, bringing together leaders and advocates to discuss policies and practices that expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Presented in collaboration with the CEO Commission for Disability Employment, this year’s Summit will focus on the theme “Leveraging the Legacy of the ADA.” The summit will bring together leaders from across the disability policy landscape to examine the progress made since the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted and work collaboratively to shape the future of disability policy in the United States.

Register for the virtual 2026 Harkin Summit.

Learn more about the 2026 Harkin Summit agenda and speakers.

— Mandy McClure, The Harkin Institute