EEDA Archives
EEDA Readers
Our special, DSP Week edition of the EEDA Reader highlights some of our amazing DSPs and how we celebrated them during DSP Recognition Week.
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Read about EEDA's advocacy efforts, program developments, the Van Gogh show, the Riverhead Tree Lighting, and our participation in the NADSP E-Badge Academy.
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Our special, DSP Week edition of the EEDA Reader features stories from families, staff, and program participants about how much EEDA DSPs mean to them. Thank you to all of our wonderful DSPs!
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Read about the opening of our newest houses, Harding Street and Michael's Lane—and meet our newest residents!
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EEDA in the News
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Polar Plunge to Support EEDA |
EEDA Plans New Center of Operations |
"EEDA Brings Shakespeare to Life" |
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Westhampton Beach Middle School's Critical Literacy class partnered with EEDA for a second year to raise money for EEDA's programs. Thank you so much for helping to make our community a better place! Click the picture for an article about the event.
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Read about EEDA's proposed new Center of Opeorations in this Riverhead News-Review's article. Click the picture to read.
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Read about how EEDA's Creative Arts Program is bringing Shakespeare to life for people with disabilities. Click the picture to read the article.
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EEDA Self-Advocates ShineEEDA self-advocates and staff sit down with Riverhead Local to discuss the importance of Medicaid and what it means for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Peconic Ballet Works with EEDA“We’re proud to be working with East End Disability Associates- a group of caring, concerned professionals, who do so much for so many every day. Beyond the great work they do to enrich the lives of their clients, the staff at EEDA serves to remind us that kindness and compassion make our lives more meaningful,” said Riverhead Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith.
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EEDA DSPs Make Front Page
EEDA DSPs share their stories with the Riverhead New Review, advocating to raise the minimum wage for DSPs to $15 per hour.
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Matthew Kuriloff Receives ANCOR DSP of the Year AwardEEDA's Creative Arts Program Manager, Matthew Kuriloff, received ANCOR's DSP of the Year for New York State in 2014. He also presented his experiences in a national webinar sponsored by ANCOR and AAIDD to celebrate DSP Recognition Week. Click the picture to read an article in The Suffolk Times covering Matt's work with our Creative Arts Program. Click here to view the webinar.
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EEDA Videos
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EEDA's Vision, Mission, & Values
We are so excited to share our updated vision, mission, and values with you in this video.
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Celebrating EEDA's 30th Anniversary
Learn about EEDA's history as we celebrate thirty years of providing excellent services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Long Island.
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The History of EEDA
Lisa Meyer Fertal, EEDA's founder, talks about her son, Andrew, as the inspiration behind EEDA, the grassroots efforts that started EEDA, and the philanthropy that helped EEDA grow.
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Unconditional Love
EEDA's founder, Lisa Meyer Fertal, talks about how being Andy's mother has impacted her life and career in this short video celebrating a mother's love.
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Celebrating Friendship
This is the story of Michael and Andrew's friendship and how they found a home at EEDA where they can grow together. |
Creative Arts Program Variety ShowOn May 26, 2023, EEDA's Creative Arts Program performed a variety show full of talented musicians and dancers. We hope you enjoy the recording of this stellar performance!
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Meg and Joe's Story
Meg and her dad, Joe, talk about what being part of the EEDA family means to them.
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Radio Interview with Lisa Meyer FertalListen to an interview on Plugged into Long Island on WBAB 102.3 with EEDA's foundner, Lisa Meyer Fertal.
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Pandemic SlideshowThis slideshow was created to thank our wonderful DSPs who made it possible for us to continue the important work of caring for the people we support during the pandemic. This slideshow embodies our EEDA Values.
The Shakespeare ProjectFootage from EEDA's Creative Arts Program's Shakespeare Project rehearsals and an interview with its creator, Matthew Kuriloff.
Interview with Sahlise CherryEEDA highlights Sahlise Cherry's hard work at the Marion Lane house as its Senior DSP. She is now the house's manager! Thank you, Sahlise!
Imagine Awards VideoEEDA was named a finalist in the Innovation category at the 6th Annual Long Island Imagine awards. This video highlights the inclusive work EEDA has done with its Creative Arts Program.
DSP Recognition Week 2019EEDA puts the spotlight on its wonderful DSPs in this video.
DSP Recognition Week 2018EEDA's families and program participants talk about what DSPs mean to them and how they add value to their life.
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365 Days StrongThis video commemorates making it through an incredibly difficult year as a team. Thank you for weathering this storm with us! We appreciate everyone who serves and supports EEDA's mission.
Staff BonusEEDA staff voice their appreciation of a special bonus EEDA provided to its staff.
Building the Future from EEDA's 2019 GalaEEDA's 2019 gala video and features interviews with future residents of our Henry Lewis Lane house, the Access Program at the Parrish Art Museum, the Creative Writing Program at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons, EEDA's participation in Luv Michael, volunteer activities at the Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp, EEDA's community dances, and The Shakespeare Project.
Interview with Adam WeyantCelebrating Adam Weyant's hard work at Riverhead Day Hab as a DSP. Adam now works at Calverton Day Hab as a Senior DSP. Thank you, Adam!
EEDA's Celebrates Black History MonthEEDA Program member, JaQuan, celebrates Black History Month by performing "I, Too" by Langston Hughes.
EEDA Celebrates Black History MonthEEDA program participant, JaQuan, celebrates Black History Month by performing "I Am the Black Child" by Mychal Wynn.
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EEDA Events
2022 John V. Beltrani Memorial Golf ClassicEEDA's 2022 John V. Beltrani Memorial Golf Classic was held at the Westhampton Country Club on September 26th.
2019 Gala CelebrationEEDA's 2019 Gala celebration was held on May 10th, 2019 at East Wind.
2018 Gala CelebrationEEDA's 2018 Gala celebration was held at East Wind.
The Wizard of OzOn Aprils 21st, 2017, EEDA premiered a full-scale production of The Wizard of Oz on The Gateway Playhouse's main stage.
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2019 John V. Beltrani Memorial Golf ClassicEEDA's 2019 John V. Beltrani Memorial Golf Classic was held at the Westhampton Country Club on September 16th.
Steak & CigarIn 2018, EEDA held its second Steak & Cigar dinner at Hotel Indigo.
Surfers Healing 2018EEDA's 2018 Surfers Healing event was held on September 14th at Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk. Click the above photo for pictures from the event.
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2019 Surfers HealingEEDA's 2019 Surfers Healing event was held on September 13th at Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk. Click the above photo for pictures from the event.
This is Me: Songs of Hope and HeartIn partnership with The Gateway Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County, EEDA's Creative Arts Program performed This is Me: Songs of Hope and Heart on August 24th, 2018.
2018 John V. Beltrani Memorial Golf ClassicEEDA's 2018 gala was held at East Wind.
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Noteworthy EEDA Moments
      East End Arts WorkshopEEDA partnered with East End Arts to provide fifteen EEDA program participants with the opportunity to attend Exploring the Creative Spirit at the East End Arts School.
CAP's New Home at the Henry Pfeifer Community CenterOn June 6th, 2018, EEDA celebrated the opening of the new home for our Creative Arts Program Without Walls with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Henry Pfeifer Community Center in Calverton. This space was made possible through the efforts of Riverhead Town Board and Laura Jens Smith.
Self-Advocates Rally for Budget IncreaseOn Tuesday, March 28th, 2017, EEDA Self-Advocacy President, Christine Barker and frontline supervisor, Shaunice Faines spoke at the same podium as the governor. Click the picture to read an article about this event in the Times Union.
Mets GameEEDA attended a NY Mets game where one of our residents and longtime Mets fan, Danny, was able to throw the first pitch of the game!
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Fox Run FarmEEDA's partnership with Fox Run Farms allows the people we support to participate in equine therapy and learn animal cares skills.
Devin's House OpensEEDA celebrated the official opening of Devin's House, our new Overnight Respite house with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 5th, 2018.
EEDA Falcons Win the TrophyIn 2016, the EEDA Falcons basketball team took home the first place trophy, stealing the prize from The Titans, who were undefeated the previous two years. The coaches and team worked so hard this season!
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