Earlier this month, The Arc’s network of disability advocates and professionals descended on Bellevue, Washington for The Arc’s Annual Convention. The three day event was an exciting mixture of education, inspiration, and of course fun.

As always, having more than 600 of our advocates joining together proved to be a moving and powerful experience. There is no better way to see the diversity and power of our network than when our chapters join together and share their many accomplishments. While our chapters have a lot of variety, they have a lot in common. Convention allowed many to see how our chapters are working with National Initiatives of The Arc in different locations across the country for a common cause. Many of our chapters even had the opportunity to present together during concurrent sessions on a variety of topics including sibling workshops, self-advocacy programs, and technology.

A highlight of the weekend for many was getting to know Buzz and Zach Bissinger. The honesty and heart with which Buzz wrote Father’s Day was present when Buzz gave his keynote address. While Buzz and Zach captivated the audience, the event was also special for them. When you attend one of our national events you leave knowing more about The Arc and its robust network. We leave an impression on everyone we touch.

This year’s technology focus was also a great hit with amazing tech demos from The Arc of Baltimore, The Microsoft Store, and The Coleman Institute. Exclusive access to the Microsoft store gave a select group of attendees some hands on experience and training from experts. And, our closing plenary offered amazing insights from Jack P. McArtney, Director, Corporate & Community Responsibility; Global Corporate Citizenship Group of Verizon, Inc. and Dan Hubbell, Sr. Marketing Manager for Microsoft’s Accessibility Group.

To wrap things up, we rolled out The Arc’s red carpet prior to The Arc & Sprout National Film Festival! Self-advocates, other attendees, and national staff strutted their stuff on the red carpet and brought a bit of Hollywood glam to our closing event.

Planning is already in the works for the 2014 National Convention in New Orleans, September 30 – October 2. Save the date and join us for another exciting event!

For those of you who attended The Arc’s 2012 National Convention in Washington, D.C., you may remember the “Red Hot on the Red Carpet” event leading up to The Arc & Sprout National Film Festival. Convention attendees had a chance to walk the “red carpet,” pose for paparazzi photos and even be interviewed by The Arc’s version of Ryan Seacrest.

Just take a look at these pictures of everyone hamming it up with feather boas, Hollywood-style sunglasses and their own “Academy Awards.” It was an evening to remember and such a popular part of that year’s festivities that we’re bringing it back for an encore.

The Arc’s National Convention in Bellevue, Washington (on Seattle’s East Side) this August 3-5 will again feature a “Red Hot on the Red Carpet” event. And, we will again treat attendees to a screening of short films by, about and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at The Arc & Sprout National Film Festival. Don’t miss this special evening of fun to cap off three full days of innovative and enlightening sessions at this annual gathering of the IDD community.

We’re expecting 700 or more individuals with IDD, family members, professionals in the field and staff from The Arc’s chapter network along with special guest, acclaimed author Buzz Bissinger. Sessions will focus on technology, advocacy and public policy, supporting families, employment and more. Plus there are two pre-conferences dedicated to self-advocacy and leadership. Check out the full schedule and register now. Take advantage of early bird discounted rates when you register before July 5.

What does it take to achieve momentum in your life, in your work, and in the movement for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

Join The Arc for a National Convention filled with innovative ways to help you do just that – new information, new programs, new technol­ogy, and new ways for you to keep moving forward toward your goals! Register now to attend the premiere event for the intellectual and developmental disability movement in Bellevue, Washington just outside of Seattle August 3-5 and join hundreds of other individuals, families, advocates, experts and professionals in the field for three days of informative sessions, unique events and opportunities to connect. Here are just a few reasons to make your reservations now:

• Cutting-edge technology demonstrations – discover the latest technology innovations from organizations like Verizon, Microsoft and more – and examples of creative ways chapters of The Arc are using assistive technology.
• Dozens of sessions focused on supporting self-advocacy, cultural diversity, building our grassroots network, using technol­ogy and innovations in family support.
• A vibrant Marketplace with goods and services catering to you including The Arc Store and Entrepreneur Alley which spotlights microbusinesses run by individuals with IDD.
• Meet-and-greet events just for self-advocates and siblings hosted by The Arc’s National Council of Self Advocates and National Sibling Council.
• Red Hot on the Red Carpet and The Arc & Sprout National Film Festival – we’re bringing back a crowd favorite from 2012 and rolling out the red carpet again as a lead in to our always popular film festival featuring shorts for, by and about people with IDD.
• A Night of Laughter and Dance: an opening night event from our local host with live entertainment from Jet City Improv and two local bands with self-advocate musicians.

And, if you book before July 5, you can take advantage of registration discounts and special room rates at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue on Seattle’s East Side. See you there!

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: CARF, Essential Learning, Hammer Travel, Marsh, MediSked, MetLife, and Rest Assured