The future of disability rights took center stage in New Orleans this November as The Arc gathered its mighty nationwide community for three days of visionary learning, sharing and connecting. Over 835 empowered attendees joined us—including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their family members, service providers and advocates.
Attendees received practical insights across 75+ sessions tackling critical issues they face daily, such as finding meaningful employment, getting a quality education, improving the criminal justice system, building leadership skills, strengthening grassroots advocacy and much more. Presenters like Chris Ulmer of Special Books by Special Kids deeply inspired attendees with his messages of “assuming capability” and leveraging positivity to build relationships and bring out the best in people with IDD.
But the event’s true success lies in uniting The Arc’s far-reaching network of passionate changemakers. Together with the broader disability rights community, we are an unstoppable force for equity and justice. From New York to Nebraska to Nevada, The Arc’s 600+ state and local chapters don’t operate in isolation. Our on-the-ground advocates are part of an interconnected movement fighting alongside people with disabilities and their loved ones to transform society. We left New Orleans with new tools, lifelong connections and insights into challenges ahead. The Arc’s national convention drives progress across our country—but our work is far from over.
We hope you’ll join us in fall 2024 for our next convention as we come together in Columbus, Ohio with a renewed purpose. Because we know that only by linking arms can we build a more inclusive, just society. Visit thearc.org for more information.
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