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About Us:


D.N.E.C.

Choices of Life

The Disabilities Network of Eastern Connecticut is one of five Independent Living Centers in CT. DNEC offers services to empower persons with disabilities to maintain an independent life in the community despite their disabilities.

 

Independent Living Centers are mandated by the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1978.

 

Our Mission

DNEC is dedicated to supporting and advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities; empowering persons with disabilities to live as independently as they choose; advocating for positive change that promotes the inclusion of all persons with disabilities.

 

DNEC offers assistance to persons with any disability who live in eastern CT. We network and collaborate with a wide range of social service agencies and programs. This cooperation and coordination gives the DNEC consumer "the best range of help".

 

 

C.A.C.I.L. & CT Nonprofits

 

D.N.E.C. is a member of Connecticut Association of Centers for Independent Living (C.A.C.I.L.) and the National Council on Independent Living (N.C.I.L.). We are a consumer controlled organization. The Rehabilitation Act requires that 51% of Board and staff are individuals with disabilities. Integral to our functioning allows understanding choices.


Board of Directors

 

DNEC Board

 


Susan Zimmerman, President

Katherine Pellerin, Vice President & SILC Representative
Robert Davidson, Secretary

Ronald Stephan, Treasurer

Scott Baecker

Patricia Clark

Andy Eggen

Kathryn Guinan 

Jane O'Friel

Daniel Ryan

Richard Suckau

 

History of Center

DNEC was first organized in 1986 as a membership organization. There was recognition by persons with disabilities, concerned service providers, and other individuals, that there was a need to begin to advocate for systems change in Eastern CT as well as to form a social network.

 

In addition, there are federal statutes that require states to provide four core services to individuals with disabilities:
Information & Referral
Peer Counseling
Independence Living Skills Training
Advocacy