Request from the Arc of Illinois

[Guest guest]

November 18, 2008

MEMO TO: Interested Parties

FROM: Janet Donahue, Director of Development, The Arc of Illinois

SUBJECT: Speakers Interested in Presenting a Break-Out Session

at The Arc of Illinois Convention

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. Topics of special interest include,

but are not limited to, the following:

Enclosed are the directions and all information you need to send us a

proposal. Please submit your proposal

to Janet Donahue at The Arc of Illinois, 20901 S. LaGrange Rd., Suite

#209, fort, IL 60423, no

later than December 12, 2008. Call me at 815-464-1832 if you have any

questions at all on the proposal

process, convention topics or the deadline.

We look forward to your participation in our next Annual Convention.

Thank you.

Supported Living

Community Integration

Dual Diagnosis

Team Building

Diversity

Supported Employment

Self Determination and Individual Advocacy

Choice and Inclusion

Early Childhood & Early Intervention Issues

Training for Direct Care

Management Best Practices

Transitions from High School to Community

Aging

of Illinois

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, selfdetermination,

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,

fort, IL 60423

4. The deadline for the form, abstract, bio and resume is December

12, 2008.

The Convention Committee will review proposals for their relevance to

current issues encountered

by persons with developmental disabilities, their families, direct

care staff, QMRPs and

managers, as well as clarity and compatibility with scheduling

limitations and the values of The

Arc. Decisions of the Convention Committee regarding acceptance and

scheduling are final and

will be made by December 18, 2008.

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.

2009 Annual

Convention

Hilton Hotel, Lisle, IL

April 21-22, 2009

of Illinois

Proposal Information Form

(Return with Abstract and Bio by December 12, 2008)

SESSION TITLE:

Track (circle one):

A. Program

B. Managerial

Name: Title:

Employer/Affiliation:

Address (will be published in Program):

Home Phone:

Work Phone:

Fax:

E-mail:

Audio/Visual Equipment Needs: *(Laptops and LCD Projectors will not

be available from the hotel.)

Flipchart & Markers Slide Projector Tape Recorder (cassette) Screen

Overhead Projector VCR/Monitor Display Table Other

*Indicate if you will be bringing your own equipment =

Special accommodations needed:

State below, in 30 words or less, a short description of your

presentation for the convention brochure and

program:

The Arc of Illinois

2009 Annual Convention

Hilton Hotel, Lisle, IL, April 21-22, 2009

EACH SPEAKER MUST COMPLETE A SEPARATE FORM