Disabilities Network of Eastern CT (DNEC) - Norwich, CT

Location: Norwich, CT.

Mission Statement

The Disabilities Network of Eastern Connecticut (DNEC) is a Center for Independent Living, serving persons of all ages and all disability types who reside in Eastern Connecticut.  DNEC utilizes peer mentoring, self-advocacy and independent living skills training to assist individuals with disabilities to re-enter or remain in the community and to make meaningful life choices.

An Independent Living Center is an agency offering many services designed to empower persons with disabilities (consumers) to maintain an independent life, no matter what their living situation or disability.  The guiding principle is integration of the consumer to the fullest degree possible into the community of choice.

This agency offers assistance to a wide population base, covering most of the state east of the Connecticut River.  We network with a broad range of social service facilities, cooperating to provide the fullest range of help possible.

DNEC believes that change starts with the individual, but inclusion can only be achieved when there is support from the community.  We are dedicated to educating the public, and advocating for systems change at the legislative level to improve our communities and neighborhoods.  Our staff is available to present awareness programs to the general public, to community groups, and to school systems.  Our services are available to anyone with a physical, mental, perceptual, or other type of disability, regardless of age or other factors.   

We provide information and referral services, individual advocacy, peer mentoring, disability rights, and empowerment system change.  We provide independent living skills training and groups for special needs and issues such as our Deaf Focus Group, and outreach to hard of hearing seniors.  We provide funds from assistive technology grants and training to help individuals remain in their homes, rather than institutions.