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ThinkDIFFERENTLY is a call to action, established in 2015 by former County Executive Marc Molinaro, to create a supportive and welcoming environment for those living with special needs. We have been inspired by the community response! This website is designed to be a starting point to find the services and connections you and your family need.

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Child Development and Future Planning>>

ThinkDIFFERENTLY EVENTS

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Supporting Emotional Regulation Workshop

Join Emma Arnoff LCSW, owner and director of The Sensory Space, to learn about creating Neurodiversity affirming spaces.

Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home

Click here for PDF version

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Community Calendar ( List View )

Mental Health First Aid Training October 10, 2024 230 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA
Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health

Trainings open to the community and providers!

SAVE THE DATE!

More information to come!

For more information, please contact: Paulette Albrecht at palbrecht@dutchessny.gov

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Community Calendar ( Monthly View )

	October 2024
Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
	1 Applying for Social Security Disability Programs Workshop Applying for Social Security Disability Programs Workshop October 1, 2024 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Zoom Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. Monthly Workshops Every 2nd Tuesday via Zoom Every 4th Tuesday in-person To register, click the links or scan the QR code in the attached flyer! ----------------------------------------------- See more details Dept. of Mental Health Public Forum Dept. of Mental Health Public Forum October 1, 2024 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Beacon High School, 101 Matteawan Rd, Beacon, NY 12508, USA Dutchess County Department of Mental Health WHERE: Beacon High School Cafeteria This fall, we are hosting more Mental Health Forums across Dutchess County, so you can learn more about the various mental health services available to you and your family. We need to hear from you! Share your experiences and feedback to help improve service delivery throughout our community. You can also share comments online at dutchessny.gov/forumcomments Join Us to Talk about Services and Programs for: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Substance Use, Addiction and Recovery Mental Health Needs for Youth & Adults ----------------------------------------------- See more details • •	2	3 Understanding Positive Reinforcement Understanding Positive Reinforcement October 3, 2024 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Zoom Taconic Innovation's Family Education and Training DESCRIPTION: Understanding Positive Reinforcement This is a VIRTUAL training via Zoom For more information & registration: info@taconicinnovations.com ----------------------------------------------- See more details Disability Film Club Movie: Warm Springs Disability Film Club Movie: Warm Springs October 3, 2024 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, 4079 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA National Park Service \| Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. We will be screening Warm Springs (2005) to premier this series and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of FDR’s first visit to Warm Springs. Kenneth Branagh stars in this biopic of Roosevelt after becoming paralyzed by polio in 1921 and his rehabilitation at a rural Georgia health spa. This sentimental dramatization emphasizes inspirational narratives about overcoming disability. Still, we love this film for highlighting the important story of FDR and Warm Springs with beautiful art direction and fine performances. ----------------------------------------------- See more details • •	4	5 Dance forever \| Rythm Works Hip-Hop Dance Program Dance forever \| Rythm Works Hip-Hop Dance Program October 5, 2024 10:00 am - 11:00 am A hip-hop dance program for kids with individual learning differences, physical challenges, and sensory processing needs! Saturday mornings at 10:00am Monthly drop-ins available by request Program cost: $845 See the attached flyer for more information! Please contact Lorraine Leitmann at danceforeverandsetthestage@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------- See more details Harvest Hunt at Locust Grove Harvest Hunt at Locust Grove October 5, 2024 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Locust Grove Estate, 2683 South Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA Locust Grove A Scavenger Hunt for decorated pumpkins! Come find more than 40 decorated pumpkins and whimsical photo ops hidden among the flowers and trees on a Locust Grove scavenger hunt/story walk on the grounds and in the gardens of our historic Mansion! Tour at your own pace, stay all day or just as long as you’d like! Saturdays & Sundays, September 7th-October 20th For more information: https://www.lgny.org/harvesthunt ----------------------------------------------- See more details DSAHV Buddy Walk DSAHV Buddy Walk October 5, 2024 11:00 am - 3:00 pm 240 Milton Turnpike, Milton, NY 12547, USA Down Syndrome Association Hudson Valley There will be a DJ, face painting, activities, crafts and snacks. Registration begins at 11:00am Walk begins at 1:00pm ----------------------------------------------- See more details Boots By the Hudson Boots By the Hudson October 5, 2024 3:30 pm - 8:00 pm Upper Landing Park, 83 N Water St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA Dutchess County Parks \| The Wolf - Hudson Valley's New Country \| Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum Join us for country music, line dancing, food trucks, games and fireworks! Bring a lawn chair, the family and some friends for a memorable fall day at the park. ----------------------------------------------- See more details • • • •	6 Harvest Hunt at Locust Grove Harvest Hunt at Locust Grove October 6, 2024 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Locust Grove Estate, 2683 South Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA Locust Grove A Scavenger Hunt for decorated pumpkins! Come find more than 40 decorated pumpkins and whimsical photo ops hidden among the flowers and trees on a Locust Grove scavenger hunt/story walk on the grounds and in the gardens of our historic Mansion! Tour at your own pace, stay all day or just as long as you’d like! Saturdays & Sundays, September 7th-October 20th For more information: https://www.lgny.org/harvesthunt ----------------------------------------------- See more details Best Buddies Fall Event #1 Best Buddies Fall Event #1 October 6, 2024 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm The Cabaret, 3399 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA Marist College Best Buddies This event is going to be Halloween themed, so we would love to see you dressed up in a costume of your choice! We are going to have crafts, games and activities for all interests and abilities, as well as some delicious food! To register for this event, click the link in the attached PDF. ----------------------------------------------- See more details • •
7	8	9	10 Mental Health First Aid Training Mental Health First Aid Training October 10, 2024 230 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health Trainings open to the community and providers! SAVE THE DATE! More information to come! For more information, please contact: Paulette Albrecht at palbrecht@dutchessny.gov ----------------------------------------------- See more details •	11	12 Dance forever \| Rythm Works Hip-Hop Dance Program Dance forever \| Rythm Works Hip-Hop Dance Program October 12, 2024 10:00 am - 11:00 am A hip-hop dance program for kids with individual learning differences, physical challenges, and sensory processing needs! Saturday mornings at 10:00am Monthly drop-ins available by request Program cost: $845 See the attached flyer for more information! Please contact Lorraine Leitmann at danceforeverandsetthestage@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------- See more details Harvest Hunt at Locust Grove Harvest Hunt at Locust Grove October 12, 2024 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Locust Grove Estate, 2683 South Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA Locust Grove A Scavenger Hunt for decorated pumpkins! Come find more than 40 decorated pumpkins and whimsical photo ops hidden among the flowers and trees on a Locust Grove scavenger hunt/story walk on the grounds and in the gardens of our historic Mansion! Tour at your own pace, stay all day or just as long as you’d like! Saturdays & Sundays, September 7th-October 20th For more information: https://www.lgny.org/harvesthunt ----------------------------------------------- See more details Bowling for Autism Bowling for Autism October 12, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Spins Bowl Poughkeepsie, 47 Taft Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603, USA Greystone Programs, Inc. $15 per person RSVP at www.greystoneprograms.org ----------------------------------------------- See more details CONNECT!: Multi-Media Collage Making CONNECT!: Multi-Media Collage Making October 12, 2024 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Trolley Barn Gallery, 489 Main St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA Ramapo for Children Join us for Multi-Media Collage Making. Using paints, paper 3D elements, and prints of photos, participants will create colorful and captivating collages! Supplies and materials are provided. Dutchess County residents who meet the program's eligibility criteria can attend at no cost through a Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant. To register, contact Wendy at (845) 876-8440 or wwajda@ramapoforchildren.org ----------------------------------------------- See more details • • • •	13 Harvest Hunt at Locust Grove Harvest Hunt at Locust Grove October 13, 2024 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Locust Grove Estate, 2683 South Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA Locust Grove A Scavenger Hunt for decorated pumpkins! Come find more than 40 decorated pumpkins and whimsical photo ops hidden among the flowers and trees on a Locust Grove scavenger hunt/story walk on the grounds and in the gardens of our historic Mansion! Tour at your own pace, stay all day or just as long as you’d like! Saturdays & Sundays, September 7th-October 20th For more information: https://www.lgny.org/harvesthunt ----------------------------------------------- See more details •
14	15	16 SSI & SSDI While Working Virtual Workshop SSI & SSDI While Working Virtual Workshop October 16, 2024 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Zoom Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. Monthly Workshops Every 3rd Wednesday 3:00PM – 4:00PM Increase Your Benefits – Avoid Overpayments Plan Ahead, Be Prepared – Begin With Ticket-To-Work! These Workshops Are Intended For The Beneficiary (SSI/SSDI/DAC Recipient) As Well As Their Representative Payee. Human Services Professionals Are Welcome To Attend, However, We Encourage The Beneficiary To Be Present. To register, scan the QR code in the attached flyer! ----------------------------------------------- See more details •	17	18 Building Bridges Conference Building Bridges Conference October 18, 2024 8:00 am - 3:30 pm Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, USA WHERE: Vassar College - Main Building Join us in-person at the 16th annual Building Bridges Conference! This event brings together schools and community providers in Dutchess County with the shared goal of supporting our young people and families. This year's event will include fantastic speakers, learning workshops, opportunities to network, and more! Spots and parking limited! Register by October 4th!! To register, click the link in the attached flyer or scan the QR code! ----------------------------------------------- See more details Staff Assistant Experience Weekend Connection Staff Assistant Experience Weekend Connection October 18, 2024 3:00 pm - October 20, 2024 1:00 pm 22 Camp Ramapo Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, USA Ramapo for Children's Staff Assistant Experience WEEKEND CONNECTION Friday, October 18 at 3 p.m. to Sunday, October 20 at 1 p.m. RETREAT FEE $700 per weekend \| AGES 17-26 Three-day opportunity for neurodiverse young adults to connect with peers and develop healthy relationships Chance to experience independence away from home and build life skills in a communal setting that includes typically developing coworkers and peer role models Opportunities to practice vocational skills and work toward future goal setting For more information, including available scholarships, contact Adrianna Hodgdon at ahodgdon@ramapoforchildren.org ----------------------------------------------- See more details • •	19 Staff Assistant Experience Weekend Connection Staff Assistant Experience Weekend Connection October 18, 2024 3:00 pm - October 20, 2024 1:00 pm 22 Camp Ramapo Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, USA Ramapo for Children's Staff Assistant Experience WEEKEND CONNECTION Friday, October 18 at 3 p.m. to Sunday, October 20 at 1 p.m. RETREAT FEE $700 per weekend \| AGES 17-26 Three-day opportunity for neurodiverse young adults to connect with peers and develop healthy relationships Chance to experience independence away from home and build life skills in a communal setting that includes typically developing coworkers and peer role models Opportunities to practice vocational skills and work toward future goal setting For more information, including available scholarships, contact Adrianna Hodgdon at ahodgdon@ramapoforchildren.org ----------------------------------------------- See more details Dance forever \| Rythm Works Hip-Hop Dance Program Dance forever \| Rythm Works Hip-Hop Dance Program October 19, 2024 10:00 am - 11:00 am A hip-hop dance program for kids with individual learning differences, physical challenges, and sensory processing needs! Saturday mornings at 10:00am Monthly drop-ins available by request Program cost: $845 See the attached flyer for more information! Please contact Lorraine Leitmann at danceforeverandsetthestage@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------- See more details Harvest Hunt at Locust Grove Harvest Hunt at Locust Grove October 19, 2024 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Locust Grove Estate, 2683 South Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA Locust Grove A Scavenger Hunt for decorated pumpkins! Come find more than 40 decorated pumpkins and whimsical photo ops hidden among the flowers and trees on a Locust Grove scavenger hunt/story walk on the grounds and in the gardens of our historic Mansion! Tour at your own pace, stay all day or just as long as you’d like! Saturdays & Sundays, September 7th-October 20th For more information: https://www.lgny.org/harvesthunt ----------------------------------------------- See more details • • •	20 Staff Assistant Experience Weekend Connection Staff Assistant Experience Weekend Connection October 18, 2024 3:00 pm - October 20, 2024 1:00 pm 22 Camp Ramapo Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, USA Ramapo for Children's Staff Assistant Experience WEEKEND CONNECTION Friday, October 18 at 3 p.m. to Sunday, October 20 at 1 p.m. RETREAT FEE $700 per weekend \| AGES 17-26 Three-day opportunity for neurodiverse young adults to connect with peers and develop healthy relationships Chance to experience independence away from home and build life skills in a communal setting that includes typically developing coworkers and peer role models Opportunities to practice vocational skills and work toward future goal setting For more information, including available scholarships, contact Adrianna Hodgdon at ahodgdon@ramapoforchildren.org ----------------------------------------------- See more details Harvest Hunt at Locust Grove Harvest Hunt at Locust Grove October 20, 2024 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Locust Grove Estate, 2683 South Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA Locust Grove A Scavenger Hunt for decorated pumpkins! Come find more than 40 decorated pumpkins and whimsical photo ops hidden among the flowers and trees on a Locust Grove scavenger hunt/story walk on the grounds and in the gardens of our historic Mansion! Tour at your own pace, stay all day or just as long as you’d like! Saturdays & Sundays, September 7th-October 20th For more information: https://www.lgny.org/harvesthunt ----------------------------------------------- See more details • •
21	22 Applying for Social Security Disability Programs Workshop Applying for Social Security Disability Programs Workshop October 22, 2024 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc., 82 Washington St #214, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. Monthly Workshops Every 2nd Tuesday via Zoom Every 4th Tuesday in-person To register, click the links or scan the QR code in the attached flyer! ----------------------------------------------- See more details •	23	24 Supporting Emotional Regulation Workshop Supporting Emotional Regulation Workshop October 24, 2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, 4079 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA ThinkDIFFERENTLY Join Emma Arnoff, LCSW, owner and director of The Sensory Space, to learn about creating Neurodiversity affirming spaces. To register, click the link in the attached flyer or visit: dutchessny.gov/sensory Questions? Contact Mara Santiago: xsantiago@dutchessny.gov \| (845) 486-3568 ----------------------------------------------- See more details •	25	26 Dance forever \| Rythm Works Hip-Hop Dance Program Dance forever \| Rythm Works Hip-Hop Dance Program October 26, 2024 10:00 am - 11:00 am A hip-hop dance program for kids with individual learning differences, physical challenges, and sensory processing needs! Saturday mornings at 10:00am Monthly drop-ins available by request Program cost: $845 See the attached flyer for more information! Please contact Lorraine Leitmann at danceforeverandsetthestage@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------- See more details Special Olympics Polar Plunge Special Olympics Polar Plunge October 26, 2024 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Wilcox Memorial Park, NY-199, Stanfordville, NY 12581, USA Special Olympics New York Gatheryour family, grab your friends, double-dare your co-workers and start a PolarPlunge Team! You can also join us as an individual if you like, just be readyto get wet! Collectdonations to help sponsor your plunge in support of local Special Olympics NewYork athletes. Every dollar donated makes a difference! For more information, contact: Dir. of Development, Teresa Gilli, tgilli@nyso.org ----------------------------------------------- See more details Annual Disability Awareness Fair Annual Disability Awareness Fair October 26, 2024 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Poughkeepsie Galleria, 2001 South Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. WHERE: Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall Center Court Learn more about disability resources, equipment, products, and services to help you achieve greater independence and self-direction. ----------------------------------------------- See more details • • •	27
28 Workshop: Safe and Accessible Transportation for Students w/Special Needs Workshop: Safe and Accessible Transportation for Students w/Special Needs October 28, 2024 9:30 am - 11:00 am Virtual Workshop Mid-Hudson Special Education Task Force \| Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. Two Times: 9:30am - 11:00am \| 7:00pm - 8:30pm This event is FREE but registration is required To register, click one of the links in the attached flyer. For additional information or any accommodations, contact Nancy Nowak, Disability Rights New York, nancy.nowak@drny.org \| (516) 238-1261 ----------------------------------------------- See more details Workshop: Safe and Accessible Transportation for Students w/Special Needs Workshop: Safe and Accessible Transportation for Students w/Special Needs October 28, 2024 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Virtual Workshop Mid-Hudson Special Education Task Force \| Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. Two Times: 9:30am - 11:00am \| 7:00pm - 8:30pm This event is FREE but registration is required To register, click one of the links in the attached flyer. For additional information or any accommodations, contact Nancy Nowak, Disability Rights New York, nancy.nowak@drny.org \| (516) 238-1261 ----------------------------------------------- See more details • •	29	30	31

ThinkDIFFERENTLY Moments

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Flourishing Farmers 4H event held 4/2/2023

“Thank you both for such a wonderful event today. I love that you have made it possible for children of [ …Read More ]

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Dutchess County ThinkDIFFERENTLY visits Fit & Fun Playscapes, LLC

Dana Hopkins and Mara Santiago of Dutchess County ThinkDIFFERENTLY visited Fit & Fun Playscapes, LLC to learn more about their [ …Read More ]

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Spectrum News: Differently abled people find support with ThinkDIFFERENTLY

In December, Spectrum News interviewed Dana Hopkins, All Abilities Program Director for Dutchess County at the 6th Annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Conference held at the [ …Read More ]

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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 ]

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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 ]

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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 ]

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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 ]

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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 ]

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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 ]

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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 ]

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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.

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ThinkDIFFERENTLY EVENTS

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Supporting Emotional Regulation Workshop

Join Emma Arnoff LCSW, owner and director of The Sensory Space, to learn about creating Neurodiversity affirming spaces.

Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home

Community Calendar ( List View )

Community Calendar ( Monthly View )

October 2024

ThinkDIFFERENTLY Moments

Inspired Thinkers

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Flourishing Farmers 4H event held 4/2/2023

Inspired Thinkers

Dutchess County ThinkDIFFERENTLY visits Fit & Fun Playscapes, LLC

Inspired Thinkers

Spectrum News: Differently abled people find support with ThinkDIFFERENTLY

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