Planning is well underway for The Arc’s annual National Convention August 3-5 outside of Seattle, WA. And we’re already starting to hear a buzz about the program we have planned for you this year. People are starting to talk about our keynote speaker, Buzz Bissinger.

The excitement is building to have such a noted best-selling author (Three Nights in August, Friday Night Lights) speak to The Arc about his latest book. But Buzz Bissinger is not just a celebrity, he’s a parent. His sons Zach and Gerry were born prematurely in 1983 and Zach was born with significant intellectual disabilities. Recently, Buzz set out to document his special relationship with Zach in the book Father’s Day: A Journey into the Mind & Heart of My Extraordinary Son. The story revolves around a cross-country road trip Buzz planned to revisit all of the places they had been together during Zach’s life. During the trip, Zach ultimately teaches Buzz a vital lesson: character transcends intellect. Buzz comes to realize that Zach’s approach to life, while different, has a sturdy logic that deserves to be respected.

Father’s Day will resonate with any parent who has a child that is “different.” And all parents will recognize themselves in Buzz as he wrestles with the questions that tug at every mother and father as their children grow up. The Arc’s National Convention is your chance to hear Buzz’s perspective on what it means to be a parent of a child with IDD so make plans now to join us in August. Find out more about the full program, other planned special events and register today at www.convention.thearc.org.