All Abilities Program Director

Dana Hopkins, LCSW-R

(845) 486-3434

dhopkins@dutchessny.gov

 

Coordinator of Intellectual & Developmental Disability Services

Olivia Clark, LMSW

(845) 486-2825

oclark@dutchessny.gov

 

CSPOA and Children & Youth Services Coordinator

Mental Health Services

Deborah Disanza, LCSW-R

(845) 486-2768

ddisanza@dutchessny.gov

 

All Abilities Administrative Assistant

Xiomara Santiago

(845) 486-3568

xsantiago@dutchessny.gov

 

EI Official and Director of Preschool Special Education Programs

Coordinator of Children with Special Needs Services

Ages birth through 5 years old

Janine Fitzmaurice, LCSW

(845) 486-3518

jfitzmaurice@dutchessny.gov

Children & Youth Special Needs Health Care

Public Health Nurse

Lorie Drum, RN, BSN

(845) 486-3542

ldrum@dutchessny.gov

 

If this is a medical emergency and you need immediate assistance

please contact 911

For Mental Health and/or Substance Use Crisis Support, Information & Referrals please contact

Dutchess County 988 Call Center

988

 

 

For Walk In Crisis Services and Support visit the Dutchess County Stabilization Center

230 North Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

NY State Central Register for Child Abuse  or https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/cps/ or (Home | Child Protective Services | Office of Children and Family Services (ny.gov))

1-800-342-3720

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About Us

ThinkDIFFERENTLY Brochure Cover Page 2021
ThinkDIFFERENTLY Brochure 2021

What is ThinkDIFFERENTLY?

Launched by Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro in 2015, the “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative seeks to change the way individuals, businesses, organizations and communities relate to our neighbors with special needs.

“ThinkDIFFERENTLY” is a call to action, a genuine challenge to determine if we have it within ourselves to look past our differences and treat others the way we would hope to be treated. Too often, too many with special needs are overlooked and their unique abilities ignored. Instead, we seek to lift each other up and embrace all residents of all abilities.

How Individuals Can “ThinkDIFFERENTLY”

We can all focus on the abilities and strengths of each person rather than being concerned about their disabilities. Inclusion makes everybody feel good.

How Businesses Can “ThinkDIFFERENTLY”

Your office or store can be designed to accommodate every customer, without regard to their differences. Families and individuals who have sensory, hearing, mobility or visual issues are, at heart, just customers, and are welcomed in any establishment.

How Communities Can “ThinkDIFFERENTLY”

Being open to everyone benefits our communities in countless ways, many of which have no added cost – from partnering with local organizations to changing the way they think about residents with special needs. The opportunities to think creatively, engaging with people who have special needs and the community at large are exciting, all with the goal of providing a more supportive environment for people of all abilities.

If you’d like to sponsor one of Dutchess County’s “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” events, contact dhopkins@dutchessny.gov or (845) 486-3434.