East End Disability Associates is a grassroots organization established in 1993 by a small group of parents who were dedicated advocates for their children, believing that people of all abilities have the right to quality education, medical treatment, habilitation, and recreational services. In 1996, EEDA incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and secured funding to begin providing services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who lived on the East End of Long Island. EEDA has grown substantially over the past thirty years, and today serves more than 750 individuals, with a creative and diverse array of residential, day, crisis, respite, and self-directed service opportunities.
EEDA consistently seeks to advance industry standards as we push expectations, question limitations, and strive to lead the way in our industry. We endeavor to offer services that truly celebrate each person’s individuality and to support them as they strive to become the best possible version of themselves.
EEDA will continue to search for opportunities to pioneer and engage in new services, and to understand what is most important and satisfying to the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who depend on us. Time has gone by, but what remains unchanged is our desire to continually improve, enhance, and support the EEDA family. Every day we can make a difference in someone’s life.
EEDA consistently seeks to advance industry standards as we push expectations, question limitations, and strive to lead the way in our industry. We endeavor to offer services that truly celebrate each person’s individuality and to support them as they strive to become the best possible version of themselves.
EEDA will continue to search for opportunities to pioneer and engage in new services, and to understand what is most important and satisfying to the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who depend on us. Time has gone by, but what remains unchanged is our desire to continually improve, enhance, and support the EEDA family. Every day we can make a difference in someone’s life.
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Our MissionDedicated to creating practical solutions and providing innovative supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the East End of Long Island.
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Our VisionWe envision a world where individuals with disabilities are appreciated and respected in their communities and supported by a highly trained, well compensated workforce where all members are valued by society.
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Our ValuesOur Values were developed collaboratively along with our frontline workforce, administrators, and our management.
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EEDA's Values
Professionalism
EEDA’s workforce team is dependable, collaborative, knowledgeable and well trained. We are leaders and positive role models, taking our jobs seriously and communicating effectively.
Compassion
EEDA’s workforce has the special ability to connect genuinely with others. Our philosophy promotes sensitivity and understanding, and we always put the needs of the people we support above all else
Honesty
EEDA’s workforce is straightforward and trustworthy. We admit our mistakes, speak the truth even when it’s unpopular and always do the right thing when nobody is looking.
Pride
EEDA’s workforce is mission driven. We put our egos and self-pride aside, performing our jobs with integrity because we believe that our work is important.
Creativity
EEDA’s workforce is talented and imaginative. Our flexibility allows us to think differently and use unique approaches to enhance the lives of the people we support.
Good Humor
EEDA’s workforce is both good natured and lively. We embrace having fun at work with enthusiasm because we know that laughing at ourselves and with each other helps to keep things in perspective.
Respect
EEDA’s workforce promotes mutual understanding and equal regard for all members of the EEDA family. We honor differences in others, recognizing that everyone has something to contribute.
EEDA Executive Staff |
EEDA Advisory Board |
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Lisa Meyer Fertal, Executive Director
Joy O'Shaughnessy, Associate Executive Director Dara Gary, Chief Financial Officer John Hatton, Director of Program Operations Diane Lagoumis, Director of Self-Direction Services Nadine Montouri, Director of Nursing Brenda Catalano, Director of Development |
Fredric Weinbaum, MD
Adrean Northridge James W. Martinsen Lynn Burnett Diane Arpaia John Aicher, Esq. |
To learn more about EEDA's beginnings, watch this documentary
from the late 90's about EEDA, Use Your Words
Use Your Words — Part OnePart One features interviews from EEDA's founders and an overview of services.
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Use Your Words — Part TwoPart Two features a deep dive
into our Russell Street house. |
Use Your Words — Part ThreePart Three features the screening of
Use Your Words in Westhampton. |
