NYSARC, Inc. Announces Open Registration for 62nd Annual Convention

Highlights: Keynote Speakers from Hit Documentary, Wretches and Jabberers; Expanded Thursday Program

DELMAR, NY (08/27/2011)(readMedia)-- NYSARC, Inc., the nation's largest parent and family-governed organization supporting people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, is proud to announce that the stars of the film Wretches and Jabberers--Larry Bissonnette and Tracy Thresher, with Pascal Chen and Harvey Lavoy--will be the keynote speakers at its 62nd Annual Convention. The Convention will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Albany from October 20 through the 22nd.

The NYSARC Annual Convention is widely attended by individuals associated with the developmental disabilities field. This year, NYSARC has expanded the program to Thursday, with an extensive lineup of workshops focused on educational and training opportunities for self-advocates and direct support professionals (DSPs).

The stars of the hit documentary Wretches and Jabberers will offer the keynote presentation on Friday. Produced by Oscar® winner and twice Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker, Gerardine Wurzburg, Wretches and Jabberers chronicles the world travels of disability rights advocates, Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette, in a bold quest to change attitudes about the intelligence and abilities of people with autism. The film has been hailed by self-advocates and critics alike, with Parade saying that it "banishes myths about autism and reveals its global face" and Newsweek remarking that "autism finds its voice."

Rounding out the day on Friday will be a variety of workshops dealing with topics of importance to the I/DD field, including a special panel of siblings discussing their personal experiences of their evolving relationship with their aging siblings who have developmental disabilities. On Saturday, the final plenary session will focus on issues surrounding the 1115 Waiver, which promises to shape the future of the field.

Interested parties can contact the NYSARC State Office to register for the Convention at 518-439-8311 or can register online at www.nysarc.org. The full convention registration fee is only $125 for members and $200 for non-members (apply for membership online at the NYSARC website).

About NYSARC, Inc.

NYSARC, Inc. is the largest not-for-profit in New York State and the United States serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The 55 Chapters comprising the family-led Organization provide services in every County in New York State. NYSARC, Inc. supports over 60,000 individuals, employs 30,000, and has a membership of nearly 82,000.