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“ThinkDIFFERENTLY is a call to action to create a supportive and welcoming environment for those living with special needs. This website is designed to be a starting point to find the services and connections you and your family need.”

– Marc Molinaro, Dutchess County Executive

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Can ThinkDIFFERENTLY too!

Watch our video to learn more about ThinkDIFFERENTLY's vision

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Child Development and Future Planning>>

ThinkDIFFERENTLY EVENTS

ThinkDIFFERENTLY

The ThinkDIFFERENTLY Collaboration of Services and Care Across the Life Span for People with Special Needs Conference will be held on December 3rd in a new virtual format! Stay tuned for more details!

See more details.

Community Calendar ( List View )

October 28, 2020

Parent to Parent of NYS- Parent On-line Group Chat October 28, 2020 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Zoom

Come join us if you have questions or concerns regarding Selfcare,OPWDD, CCO’s, Special Education & School related concerns,

We look forward to talking to you all!

Parent to Parent of NYS is committed tohelping parents through

these challenging times.

The purpose of the group is to have a safespace where parents can connect and support each other by asking questions,sharing resources, comments and stories.

This is an interactive group where parents ofchildren with Developmental disabilities and/or special health care needs areable share in a non-judgmental and encouraging environment that connectsparents with other parents who can share their tips and advice on varioustopics and situations.

October 14,2020

6:00pm to 7:30pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtcOugqjMiH9yqEdXZptolvSaX6Fq3tIFS

Register inadvance for this meeting:

October 28,2020

12:30pm to 2:00pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqce2srDkoGNA52MOfHyep1Yj9DiUWN8tS

Register inadvance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive aconfirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

If you have any questions please email us at

Dianne O’Connor - Dianne@ptopnys.org

Or

Tina Beauparlant - Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org

See more details

Community Calendar ( Monthly View )

October 2020

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Blue Path Walkathon
Blue Path Walkathon

October 3, 2020  9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Virtual Event

Your participation in the Virtual Walkathon helps to ensure our mission extends beyond the pandemic - and that we can continue to better the world for children with autism and their families.

1) How it’ll work

On October 3rd, we’ll come together for an online kick-off at 10am EST. Then we’ll head out to walk in our own communities, snapping photos and videos along the way. Our usual walk route is three miles, but we recommend walking, running, (or skipping) any distance that makes you happy!

2) How to get started

Register here to receive your event tee shirt and for the opportunity to order additional shirts at reduced pricing. (New shirt colors this year!) Your registration fee supports BluePath’s mission (thank you!) and provides access to the online kick-off event. Note that during registration, you can create a team or join an existing team.

3) Get your network involved

After you register, set up your fundraising page and ask for support by sharing on social media and via email. Download and print this selfie sign and post photos on your social platforms using the hashtag #WalkTheBluePath. Send us a copy, too, at info@bluepathservicedogs.org.

The three highest individual fundraisers, as of 10am on 10/3/20, will win the following:

1st place: Name a BluePath Puppy

2nd place: Trainer for a Day - Winner will join us in the Hopewell Junction area for a behind the scenes look at how our dogs are prepared for their life-changing roles. Includes hands-on training experience and lunch with BluePath staff.

3rd place: BluePath Fleece Blanket

See more details

Doing More Than Nothing About Hate-Webinar Series
Doing More Than Nothing About Hate-Webinar Series

October 13, 2020 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Zoom

Deborah Lauter, Executive Director, NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes will speak on how we can work together effectively to combat hate.

Register at DutchessNY.gov/SpeakerSeries

See Attached Flyer for Complete Details.

See more details

SSI & SSDI While Working
SSI & SSDI While Working

October 14, 2020 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Zoom

Plan ahead! Don’t risk an over-payment from Social Security! Understand how you canearn more income without risking your benefits. Clarification with SupplementalSecurity Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), MedicaidBuy-In Program, Medicare, Ticket to Work program, Plan for Achieving SelfSupport (PASS) and more! Closed captioning provided during PowerPointpresentation. If you need a ASL- American Sign Language Interpreter you mustemail the presenter, Mandi at: m.sheraden@taconicresources.orga week in advance.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpd-yvqT8vGtOYEIKjnpwTEetZlWtxOhLk

Please see attached flyer for complete details.

See more details
Parent to Parent of NYS- Parent On-line Group Chat
Parent to Parent of NYS- Parent On-line Group Chat

October 14, 2020 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Zoom

Come join us if you have questions or concerns regarding Selfcare,OPWDD, CCO’s, Special Education & School related concerns,

We look forward to talking to you all!

Parent to Parent of NYS is committed tohelping parents through

these challenging times.

The purpose of the group is to have a safespace where parents can connect and support each other by asking questions,sharing resources, comments and stories.

This is an interactive group where parents ofchildren with Developmental disabilities and/or special health care needs areable share in a non-judgmental and encouraging environment that connectsparents with other parents who can share their tips and advice on varioustopics and situations.

October 14,2020

6:00pm to 7:30pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtcOugqjMiH9yqEdXZptolvSaX6Fq3tIFS

Register inadvance for this meeting:

October 28,2020

12:30pm to 2:00pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqce2srDkoGNA52MOfHyep1Yj9DiUWN8tS

Register inadvance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive aconfirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

If you have any questions please email us at

Dianne O’Connor - Dianne@ptopnys.org

Or

Tina Beauparlant - Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org

See more details

Special Education PTA - in Spanish
Special Education PTA - in Spanish

October 16, 2020 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Lagrange Association Library, 488 Freedom Plains Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603, USA

SEPTA (Special Education PTA) Support group that is held every 3rd Friday of the month from 6 to 7 in Spanish and from 7 to 8pm in English in the Lagrange Library.

Please contact Ivonne Rios at ivy2115@yahoo. for further information or any questions.

See more details

Parent Support Group-Center for Spectrum Services
Parent Support Group-Center for Spectrum Services

October 21, 2020 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
70 Kukuk Ln, Kingston, NY 12401, USA

This is a parent support group that meets on the 3rd Wednesday or every month.

See more details

Parent to Parent of NYS- Parent On-line Group Chat
Parent to Parent of NYS- Parent On-line Group Chat

October 28, 2020 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Zoom

Come join us if you have questions or concerns regarding Selfcare,OPWDD, CCO’s, Special Education & School related concerns,

We look forward to talking to you all!

Parent to Parent of NYS is committed tohelping parents through

these challenging times.

The purpose of the group is to have a safespace where parents can connect and support each other by asking questions,sharing resources, comments and stories.

This is an interactive group where parents ofchildren with Developmental disabilities and/or special health care needs areable share in a non-judgmental and encouraging environment that connectsparents with other parents who can share their tips and advice on varioustopics and situations.

October 14,2020

6:00pm to 7:30pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtcOugqjMiH9yqEdXZptolvSaX6Fq3tIFS

Register inadvance for this meeting:

October 28,2020

12:30pm to 2:00pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqce2srDkoGNA52MOfHyep1Yj9DiUWN8tS

Register inadvance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive aconfirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

If you have any questions please email us at

Dianne O’Connor - Dianne@ptopnys.org

Or

Tina Beauparlant - Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org

See more details

CSE, 504 & General Communication In a Virtual World Webinar- Parent to Parent NYS
CSE, 504 & General Communication In a Virtual World Webinar- Parent to Parent NYS

October 29, 2020  12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Webinar

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our education system likenever before. One of the important lessons we’ve alllearned from COVID-19 is the importance of having effective meaningfulcommunication between parents, school district staff, and others in a virtualworld. This virtual workshop/training will talk about theimportance of good communication among all stakeholders: parents, teachers,students, counselors, therapists, administrators, and community providers toname a few. We will touch on examples of practiced effective and ineffectivecommunication, learn tips, ideas and strategies toprepare for virtual CSE, 504 and other general meetings, and directand residual effects of communication when it is done well. This presentation is for parents, professionals and providers who wantto learn tips, ideas and strategies to communicate in our new virtual world.

Presenter:               Tim Brunson, Principal, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake HighSchool

Donna Fitzgerald, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Troy CitySchool District

Tina Beauparlant, Reginal Program Manager/Education Specialist,Parent to Parent of NYS

Date/Time:             Thursday, October 29, 2020

Program: 12PM – 2PM

Registration: SPACE IS LIMITED – REGISTER online at https://forms.gle/QNS9jrLUacUipv898

You will receive an e-mail with webinarcall-in information one week before the training.

All trainings have closedcaptioning. ASL interpretation available upon request.

Need additionalinformation or any accommodations? Contact Helen Hellmuth at DRNY.

helen.hellmuth@drny.orgor 518.512.4927

See more details

ThinkDIFFERENTLY Moments

Eagle Scout Project

Ryan Lugo, a John Jay High School student, recently completed his Eagle scout project! Ryan planted a garden and built [ …Read More ]

View All Inspired Thinkers

100 Cups of Coffee

Chief of Police, Thomas Pape attended Dutchess County’s 100 Cups of Coffee at Taconic Resources for Independence and was inspired [ …Read More ]

View All Inspired Thinkers

Verplanck Garden Club

Verplanck Garden Club at Stony Kill Farm’s Environmental and Education Center in Wappingers Falls, NY have been maintaining the Special [ …Read More ]

View All Inspired Thinkers

Dr. Joseph Bonanno receives award.

Dr Joseph Bonanno the Medical Director for both OPWDD Taconic Region and Arc of Dutchess was honored for his outstanding [ …Read More ]

View All Inspired Thinkers

Coach Vincent and Jonathan “Superman” Brunot

Coach Vincent Del-Cid is a CPA and has previously worked for JP Morgan. Prior to meeting Jonathan “Superman” Brunot, he had [ …Read More ]

View All Inspired Thinkers

Youth Soft Skills Empowerment & Hudson Cadillac

Emanuel Cordero, a vocational coordinator from Youth Soft Skills Empowerment (YSSE) (left) met with Mike Mullaney, Dealer Principal (right) from [ …Read More ]

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Carnival Lion for the 2017 ThinkDIFFERENTLY Picnic

Elanor DeMan, a Roosevelt High School student and her father, Jayson DeMan created this fantastic ‘Carnival Lion’ as a bean [ …Read More ]

View All Inspired Thinkers

Red Hook Library Creates “All Abilities Program Series”

Red Hook Public Library has created an All Abilities Program Series for families with special needs to gather and enjoy. The [ …Read More ]

View All Inspired Thinkers

Universal Park Equipment

Congratulations to Sidney Scoralick, James Ryan and Ulises Olmedo. Special thanks to their teacher Kimberly Sweck, Arlington High School, Teacher-Engineering and Cameron Tuller, a junior at the time, who helped the team with the physical construction of the project.

View All Inspired Thinkers

COVID-19/Coronavirus

Keeping Your Family Healthy and Entertained

Search for Services

Who

What

Where

Who

What

Where

ThinkDIFFERENTLY EVENTS

ThinkDIFFERENTLY

Community Calendar ( List View )

Community Calendar ( Monthly View )

October 2020

ThinkDIFFERENTLY Moments

Inspired Thinkers

Eagle Scout Project

Inspired Thinkers

100 Cups of Coffee

Inspired Thinkers

Verplanck Garden Club

Inspired Thinkers

Dr. Joseph Bonanno receives award.

Inspired Thinkers

Coach Vincent and Jonathan “Superman” Brunot

Inspired Thinkers

Youth Soft Skills Empowerment & Hudson Cadillac

Inspired Thinkers

Carnival Lion for the 2017 ThinkDIFFERENTLY Picnic

Inspired Thinkers

Red Hook Library Creates “All Abilities Program Series”

Inspired Thinkers

Universal Park Equipment

Keeping Your Family
Healthy and Entertained