Mon - Thurs: 9:00am - 5:00pm | Fri: 9:00am - 4:00pm

75th Annual Convention

Brochure and registration information coming soon!

We are looking for individuals or panels of individuals who are interested in sharing their experiences and expertise in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are looking forward to providing attendees with the latest information on many issues, including early childhood, transition from high school, employment, housing, and improving quality of life. This year’s focus is a celebration of all that we have accomplished together, but embrace the future with excitement, determination, and a renewed commitment to creating positive change. Please submit a proposal to be a part of this exciting event!

View our Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities and submit your registration.

Do you know a person who makes a difference every day in our community? How did the person, organization, or program support The Arc of Illinois mission? How did they enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities? If you do, celebrate your hidden hero with a nomination to recognize their extraordinary dedication and achievements! Click here to see last year’s winners.

The Arc of Illinois was founded in 1950 as a grassroots organization by parents throughout Illinois who defied physicians’ recommendations to place children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) into state-run institutions. Instead, determined to raise their disabled child in the family home, these families formed educational opportunities and support groups. Since then, The Arc has continued to advocate with people with disabilities, families, and community organizations to make Illinois a place where people with disabilities can live, work, learn, play, and love in communities of their choosing. The Arc of Illinois believes people with disabilities should be full participants in community life, and offers families and individuals the information, resources, family support, and training.

With a deep respect for the brilliance and action that has brought us this far and an unwavering commitment to the future, we look forward to the next chapter in our journey — one filled with even greater opportunities, growth, and accomplishments. Together, we will continue to honor our legacy, embrace the possibilities of the future, and ensure that our story is one of lasting brilliance for generations to come.

The history of The Arc of Illinois reflects a rich grassroots movement that actually took to task misconceptions about the abilities of people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Our research indicates that families started meeting as support groups in the early 1930’s, meeting in church basements and people’s homes to provide support for families and voluntary day activities for their children with disabilities. It was in the mid to late 1940’s when families became more active in forming not-for-profit organizations in Illinois and around the nation.

The Arc of Illinois was founded in 1950 by local parent groups from throughout Illinois.

The image on the right is staff from The Arc of Illinois attending the National Convention, November 2024.


Hotel Information

Marriott Hotel in Bloomington-Normal

201 Broadway Ave

Normal, IL 61761

Book online or call 309.862.9000

  • Group Rate – just mention The Arc of Illinois during check in or book online. Book by March 31st to receive convention pricing, $169 per night, plus taxes.
  • Check-in: 4:00 pm
  • Check-out: 12:00 pm
  • Right next to the Amtrak Station
  • Complimentary overnight guest parking. Use the parking garage across the street, entrance on Beaufort St.

Hyatt Place Bloomington/Normal

200 Broadway Ave Normal, IL 61761

Book online or call 309.454.9288

Other hotel options

Hampton Inn & Suites – 320 S Towanda Ave, Normal, IL 61761 – 2.0 miles away

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bloomington – Normal – 1715 Parkway Plaza Dr, Normal, IL 61761 – 2.2 miles away

Courtyard Bloomington Normal – 310A Greenbriar Dr, Normal, IL 61761 – 2.3 miles away


Parking

Parking is available at the garage on Beaufort Street. Parking is included for Marriott Hotel Guests or a maximum of $6/day and $8/overnight.

Street parking is available around the hotel.

Visit this website for more information on parking in Normal, IL


Things to Do

Children’s Discovery Museum – 0.2 Miles Away

  • Kids get a hands-on education in science & engineering with 3 stories of interactive exhibits.

Maggie Miley’s – 0.2 miles Miles Away

  • Dublin-inspired pub with cottage-meets-Victorian decor, classic fare, import beers & Irish whiskey.

Medici – 0.07 miles away

Bi-level restaurant & bar serving seasonal American fare, pizzas & over 30 drafts in a modern space.

McLean County Museum of History – 2.4 miles away

  • County history museum in a century-old domed structure with 7 galleries, 19,000 objects & archives.

Constitution Trail – 5.3 miles away

  • Illinois’ largest urban trail offers guests 37 beautiful miles to walk, run, bike or skate. Rest at scenic picnic tables, benches and water fountains.

Miller Park Zoo – 3.5 miles away

  • Miller Park Zoo offers many habitats and Zookeeper interaction opportunities that are enjoyed by the whole family. Some highlights include: Sumatran tiger, greater flamingos, American Alligator, river otters, red pandas, lemurs, Galapagos tortoise, bald eagle, Pallas’ cat, snow leopards, gibbons, and red wolves.

VIP Sponsor

Inclusion Sponsor