Wow! What a great couple of days at The Arc’s National Convention in Indianapolis. The Arc
of Illinois Board was well represented by our President Terri Devine and Board Member Amy
Newell.
Amy, Tony & Terri
The National Council of Executives began the pre-conference with two days of action
packed- sessions and networking. The talk of the convention centered on changes
organizations are making to meet the parameters of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
(CMS) new rules on community. The rules are having a great impact nationally moving us
from segregated community settings to integrated meaningful supports. In addition, the
opportunity to network with Exec’s all over the country is always a delight.
In addition to the NCE Leadership Training there was a Self-Advocacy Symposium
focusing on technology and empowerment. It is great to see all of the self-advocate
opportunities on so many different levels of the national convention.
This was also the 65th anniversary of The Arc so a time for reflection on our many
accomplishments. Check out the 65 Years of The Arc Video!
For me, the highlight of the convention programs was Tim Shriver, Chairman of the
Special Olympics and activist, sharing his Family’s story and a new memoir, “Fully Alive:
Discovering What Matters Most.” A very powerful presentation.
Tim Shriver & Diana!
Other keynotes included “Recruiting and Engaging The Next Generation of Advocates:
How Millennials Are Changing The Future,” with Derrick Feldmann and Emily Travis.
Katie Arnold, the first Executive Director of the National Sibling Leadership Network, did
a session on “Supporting Siblings: Advancing Involvment and Leadership. Great program
Katie!
Katie & Tony
Our very own Diana Braun and Alice Elliot presented on “ACTIVATE HERE! Self
Advocacy Training Online for Everyone!”
The Arc presented its inaugural Catalyst Awards. These national awards were
created to recognize individuals, businesses and other organizations that are catalysts
for achievement in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
(I/DD). View the individuals honored here.
The convention ended with “An Evening in Honor of John Dickerson.” John is a dear
friend and recently retired as Executive Director of The Arc of Indiana. John is now
running for the U.S. Senate in Indiana! Make no small plans my friend!
Tony, John & Barbara
Next year we head to Orlando for The Arc and Inclusion International’s National
Convention & International Forum: Today’s Challenges, Tomorrow’s Opportunities –
Coming Together to Improve the Lives of People with I/DD Across the Globe. It will be
held Thursday, October 27, 2016 – Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Hilton Orlando Lake
Buena Vista | Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Plan to attend now!
Arc US Past President Nancy Webster, Bob Beggin, Jack Ford & Terri
Tony & Joe Meadours
Tony Paulauski Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org
