The Arc of Illinois is in the beginning planning stages for the 2009 Annual Convention to be held on April 21- 22, 2009, at the Hilton Hotel in Lisle, IL. We are looking for individuals or panels of individuals interested in sharing their experiences, expertise and goals in their important work in the field of developmental disabilities. The Arc of Illinois is committed to empowering persons with disabilities to reach their highest potential in education, employment and community living.

This year�s theme, �Uniting Our Voices for Change�, will provide attendees with the latest information on many issues from birth and early intervention to transition from high school, employment and improving the quality of life in the community, as well as learning about the �Illinois Blueprint�. We will focus on building the future and include the importance of families and the family�s participation in decision making. This convention will be inspirational as well as very informative with the latest information on many topics relevant to a person�s life. Please submit a proposal to be a part of this exciting event!

Participants will be a mixture of consumers, families, direct care staff, educators, managers and other professionals in the field of developmental disabilities. Therefore, proposals on any topic of interest to any of the groups represented are welcome, particularly a new approach or idea.

General Instructions

All proposals must be in English and reflect the values of The Arc. The Arc believes that people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities are citizens with the same rights and responsibilities as other citizens. Based on these rights, The Arc believes that people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities are people first. A disability should receive attention only when it is relevant and always in a respectful manner. In keeping with this belief, the proposal title, description, and all content of the presentation must use �people first� language and must support the value of full participation in all facets of community life. Be sure to confirm the availability of all presenting authors before mailing. Please review your abstract for accuracy as well as correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Presentation Formats

PAPER ADDRESSES� These sessions are individual oral presentations within the program or managerial track and should be 75 minutes in length, including time for questions. Program Sessions should address the issues encountered by persons with developmental disabilities, families, direct care staff, QMRPs and agencies serving them, including but not limited to: advocacy, assessment, behavioral interventions, choice, quality enhancement, self-determination, etc.

MANAGEMENT SESSIONS- should address the issues encountered by managers today and in the future, such as supervisory training, staff development, management of financial resources, recruitment and retention of staff, leadership skills, etc.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS - These discussions consist of several speakers who address a particular issue or question of interest to managers and/or program staff and families. Interaction occurs between both the panel and the audience. Sessions should be a total of 75 minutes including questions and answers.

Final Preparation

1. Complete the enclosed form and return it along with a one page abstract of your presentation for the committee to review, as well as the description of no more than 30 words. This description will be used in the conference brochure and will determine your audience. It should be clear, concise and specific.
2. Include a short bio and current resume for each presenter.
3. Mail to: The Arc of Illinois, 20901 S. LaGrange Rd., Suite #209, Frankfort, IL 60423
4. The deadline for the form, abstract, bio and resume is December 12, 2008.

Please submit your proposal to Janet Donahue at The Arc of Illinois, 20901 S. LaGrange Rd., Suite #209, Frankfort, IL 60423, no later than December 12, 2008. She can be reached by phone at 815-464-1832 if you have any questions at all on the proposal process, convention topics or the deadline.

Click here to download the Proposal Information Form