Brochure and registration information coming soon!
Call for Speakers!
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!
Interested in being a Sponsor or Exhibitor for the 75th Annual Convention?
View our Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities and submit your registration.
- Opportunities to Sponsor, Exhibitor, and Advertise
- Sponsor and Exhibitor Registration Form
- Ad for Program Book Submission
Honor an Individual or Organization with The Arc of Illinois Awards!
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 Celebrates their Diamond Anniversary with 75 Years!
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.
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.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
VIP Sponsor
Keynote Sponsor
Inclusion Sponsor
