North East Advocates Together

2016

Six Self-Advocacy Organizations of the northeastern United States (Maine, Vermont, New York, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts) will partner together as NEAT (North East Advocates Together), a regional collaboration that will coordinate technical assistance by matching Self-Advocates regional strengths with areas of regional need identified by needs assessments and state plans. The main objective of NEAT is to build meaningful and strategic peer to peer connections between northeastern Self-Advocacy groups over the three year grant period. The objectives of the NEAT project are: 1) Assist with grant writing (or providing technical assistance) and securing funding for Self-Advocacy; 2) Develop and implement state specific plans and a regional plan for state groups to help other state groups grow and improve their organizations; 3) Develop and implement methods for all state organizations and local groups to come together and share ideas, thoughts and information, and 4) Teach people about Self-Advocacy and speaking up as leaders. NEATs desired project outcomes are increased and consistent coordination of regional technical assistance; more peer-to-peer communication with Self-Advocates in other states; state organizations experience growth/improvement in identified areas of need; more formalized connections to DD Network programs and other partners; improved social networking skills of Self-Advocates; increased access to trainings, projects, advocacy opportunities, etc.; improved knowledge and understanding of issues; increase access to internet and mobile devices; peers report a reduction in isolation, more connected; more people will be joining local Self-Advocacy groups; more new and younger leaders in Self-Advocacy movement; more applications for funding by northeast states; and improved skills around fundraising and organizational capacity building.

IT, Self-Advocacy, Collaboration

Quality Assurance, Other - Assistive Technology

Adults with Disabilities

Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban, Specific Groups

Regional

N/A