Think Ahead Information Session for Prospective Students and Families

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Think Ahead | Dutchess Community College

PDF Version of Flyer

Please join us for a special sensory-sensitive performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Bardavon Opera House on Friday, December 8th, 2023, at 6 p.m.! Seating is limited. A poster will be coming out shortly on how you can register.

First Responder Autism Training – Friday, October 13th

It is important that first responders, law enforcement, resource officers, criminal justice professionals, security personnel and other public-facing positions be educated in recognizing Autism and best practices in interacting with this special needs demographic to ensure the best outcomes for all involved.

How to Respond to First Responders **Virtual Training** – Tuesday, October 10th

It is equally important that our ASD community knows how to respond to First Responders when reaching out for help. This session, given by veterans of fire and law enforcement, who also have children on the spectrum, will discuss how specific incidents are handled and what our ASD individuals can do to help bridge the gap with safety and communication techniques.  This will be a VIRTUAL TRAINING given via Microsoft Teams.

First Responder Autism Training training PDF

How to Respond to First Responders PDF

ThinkDIFFERENTLY events will take place throughout Fair week including the “GrowDIFFERENTLY” exhibit, which will feature supplemental Recycled Garden Art submitted by individuals of all ages with special needs.  Part of the ThinkDIFFERENTLY tent will be designated as a quiet space for those who need a respite.   A full schedule of ThinkDIFFERENTLY offerings at the Fair can be found below!

Click here for PDF version

The 177^th Dutchess County Fair and ThinkDIFFERENTLY welcome a new class to the Recycled Garden Art Show in the Horticulture Building all week (from August 22 through August 27^th, 2023)!

GrowDIFFERENTLY.

Individuals of all ages & abilities are encouraged to show their creativity in the Recycled Garden Art Show utilizing at least 1 live plant (house plant/flower/succulent/herb, etc.) in one of the 7 classes of the Recycled Garden Art Show, and then enter into the GrowDIFFERENTLY. category.

For more information (including a FAQ section) and to register into GrowDIFFERENTLY.,  visit:

www.dutchessny.gov/growdifferently  

Registration deadline is Tuesday, August 1, 2023, by 12:00pm.  Registrations after 12:00pm on this date, unfortunately, cannot be accepted.

Happy gardening and creating!

(Google can be your best friend to find really cute and creative ideas!!)

Dana, Mara, and the Dutchess County Fair Crew!!

Click here for PDF version!

3rd Annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness and Field Day

We’re very excited to announce our 3rd Annual Fitness and Field Day!  Come join us for a day filled with fun!!

RSVP by Monday, June 19th

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Questions?  Contact Mara at:

(845) 486-3568

or

xsantiago@dutchessny.gov

Autism Awareness Training for First Responders

This in-person training is appropriate for EMTs, firefighters, law enforcement, security officers, social workers, psychologists, and medical providers.

– 5 CMEs are made possible through The Autism Society of Nassau/Suffolk Counties of New York. We greatly thank their President Sue Reek for offering Dutchess County First Responders with this training opportunity.

– 5 Social Work CEUs are made possible by Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health for NYS LMSW, LCSW and LCSWR

– 5 Psychology CEUs are made possible by Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health for licensed NYS Psychologists

Register at dutchessny.gov/autismtraining

Questions? Concerns?  – Contact:

Mara Santiago

Administrative Assistant to the All Abilities Program Director

Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health

(845) 486-3568

xsantiago@dutchessny.gov

Dutchess County Mental Hygiene Board’s Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Hybrid Public Forum

Register at dutchessny.gov/forumcomments

For questions, please call (845) 486-3568 or email xsantiago@dutchessny.gov

Dutchess County’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY hosts in conjunction with Bardavon Presents and Arts Mid-Hudson, Cuentos: a FREE sensory sensitive performance by David Gonzalez.

Cuentos paints a vivid picture of the people and rich cultures of the Spanish-speaking world with colorful tales from the Caribbean, South America, and the Bronx! From the silly antics of the Puerto Rican anti-hero “Juan Bobo” to the mysterious dealings and powers of the Orishas in a suite of Afro-Cuban stories, these tales are filled with memorable characters, fantastic plots and positive messages for children. Spanish language words are sprinkled throughout the stories and songs of “Cuentos: Tales from the Latino World” in such a way that young audiences can repeat and retain their sound and meaning. Solid entertainment and a great introduction to the marvelous world of Latino literature and culture.

When: Thursday March 16, 2023 at 6pm

Where: Bardavon 1869 Opera House, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601

Please join us for a lights up & sound down, sensory sensitive event.

Doors open at 5pm

We ask you enjoy any food or beverages in the lobby.

No food and beverages are allowed in the theatre.

RSVP required by March 9th at dutchessny.gov/show

Questions? Concerns?  – Contact:

Mara Santiago

Administrative Assistant to the All Abilities Program Director

Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health

(845) 486-3568

xsantiago@dutchessny.gov

Check back as we plan our next ThinkDIFFERENTLY event! Until then, check out our community calendar to find activities for people of all abilities hosted by our agency and community partners!