Inspiration, Innovation, and Inclusion at The Arc’s National Convention in Denver

More than 750 advocates from around the country, including more than 50 from California, traveled to Denver, Colorado last week for The Arc’s 2022 National Convention. Over two and a half days attendees benefited from dozens of sessions on a variety of important topics for the intellectual and developmental disabilities community.  The theme of this year’s convention was “Resilience” and kicked off with a compelling Opening Session including Connie Laurin-Bowie and Sue Swenson from Inclusion International highlighting the enormous challenges facing people with disabilities currently in Ukraine and their resilience despite the war around them.

Topics such as innovation in assistive and remote technologies, strategies to strengthen our direct support workforce, and continued fights for civil rights were among the many popular sessions at the Convention.  Additionally, voting members attended The Arc’s annual business meeting to review and approve three revised position statements on Advocacy, Human & Civil Rights, and Responding to the Interrelated Causes of Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities, and review and approve one new position statement on Anti-Racism.

The convention included a proud moment for California when Lori Ramirez, Executive Director of The Arc of Fresno & Madera Counties, received the Exemplary Career Leadership Award from the National Conference of Executives.

Headshot of Lori Ramirez from the Arc of Fresno
Lori Ramirez, Executive Director of The Arc of Fresno & Madera Counties

The convention closed with a compelling presentation from the actors and producers of Truelove, an award-winning film about the life of Callie Truelove, a teenage girl with Williams Syndrome, and her journey bringing joy to the people around her and meeting other individuals with Williams Syndrome.

The Arc’s 2023 National Convention will be in New Orleans and all are invited to attend.

A group of attendees from California at the national Arc Convention
Members of the California delegation, led by The Arc of California’s Board President, Pat Hornbecker, posed for a group picture during a California caucus at the Convention.

Join us for a virtual 2020 National Convention – Registration is complimentary

Register Now for the 2020 National Convention – A Free Online Event!

The Arc’s National Convention is coming up October 26 – 28, and this year we are making it possible for you to participate from anywhere!

Join us for three days of inspiring online sessions, announcements, and networking opportunities to learn how others are navigating challenges both old and new.

Check out some highlights below, register for free, and mark your calendar!

Don’t think you can make it to one of the live sessions? Register anyway, and we’ll let you know when the session recordings are available to view on demand.

REGISTER NOW

Here’s a preview of what you can expect

The 2020 National Convention will have something for everyone! We’re working on the finishing touches and will be able to share the final schedule soon; in the meantime, here’s a glimpse at some of the highlights:

  • General sessions and award presentations
  • Networking “Fireside Chats”
  • Interest-specific breakout sessions
  • National Council of Self-Advocates Symposium
  • Listening Session on The Arc’s Position Statements
  • Happy Hour for Siblings of Self-Advocates
  • Session on The Arc’s Strategic Framework and Vision for the Future
  • Professional Development Seminar
  • Business Meeting

Registration for the 2020 National Convention is complimentary, however, a donation is greatly appreciated. With your support, The Arc is leading the fight for equality and inclusion, empowering people to live the lives they want, and inspiring a nationwide movement of advocates.

With your help, we grow stronger!