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Dutchess County is enhancing its inclusivity efforts through the "ThinkDIFFERENTLY" initiative. County Executive Sue Serino recently launched the Think Accessible Stakeholder and Community Group, which held its first meeting in Poughkeepsie, New York. This group aims to improve accessibility for all residents, regardless of ability, by bringing together community leaders, advocates, and stakeholders to share ideas and identify opportunities for improvement.
The Think Accessible group will continue to meet regularly to develop initiatives and provide ongoing feedback. The goal is to foster collaboration and build a countywide culture of inclusion and accessibility. Dana Hopkins, the county’s All Abilities Director, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "By listening to the diverse perspectives in the room, we are identifying ways to expand accessibility."
The initiative builds on the success of the annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Conference, which recently held its eighth event focusing on disability etiquette. The conference brought together service providers, educators, and families to discuss best practices for interacting with individuals with disabilities. County Executive Serino highlighted the importance of these efforts, saying, "Disability etiquette encourages us to properly and respectfully interact with and speak to residents with disabilities."
The Think Accessible initiative was first announced in Serino’s State of the County address in March and aims to ensure Dutchess County remains a welcoming place for everyone. For more information, residents can contact the County Executive’s Office.