The 38th annual Disability Policy Seminar (DPS), held last week, proved to be the largest one
ever with more than 700 registered participants. The opening plenary featured special guest
former Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) and an engaging panel of staff leaders from the
Bipartisan Policy Center, moderated by former Congressman Tony Coelho (D-CA). In the
evening, attendees were inspired by a speech by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) that included a
rousing call to advocate for ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities.
The Seminar included a packed two days of panels on issues affecting people with disabilities,
concluding with the all-important Hill visits with Members of Congress. This annual event is
co-sponsored by The Arc, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental
Disabilities, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, the National Association of
Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered, and United
Cerebral Palsy. The co-sponsors were also joined by the Sibling Leadership Network as a
promotional partner. Next year, DPS will take place on April 13-15 and the hope is to
increase advocacy and set a new attendance record.
Here are the issues we worked on at the seminar and some photos of the Illinois Crew at
work!
Katie Arnold & Nora Handler at Senator Durbin’s Office
Kathy Hurwit, Congresswoman’s Schakowsky Chief of Staff & Tony. Notice the picture
in the background!
Never disappoints!
Visiting Senator Kirk’s Office with Deb Sheppard, Katie, Nora, Jordan Hynes and Tony.
The Illinois Dinner!
Amie speaking at the Disability Policy Seminar!
Cherry blossom time!
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@www.thearcofil.org
