ThinkDIFFERENTLY Events
Dutchess County Government can not guarantee that all events listed in the ‘Community Calendar’ and the”ThinkDIFFERENTLY” Events sponsored by Dutchess County Government calendars will be fully accessible.
Specific information regarding the ‘The Community’ calendar events can be obtained directly from that event’s organizer. Information on “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” events sponsored by Dutchess County Government’ can be obtained through our Contact Us form.
Thursday, December 5, 2024
8th Annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Conference
“Disability Etiquette”
Communicating and interacting in a respectful way with and about people with disabilities
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
TWO Upcoming ThinkDIFFERENTLY Events!!
Wednesday, September 18th
First Responder Autism Training
Nationally renowned instructors Captain Bill Cannata and Lt. Jimmy Donohoe will teach first responders how to best interact with individuals with autism during an emergency.
Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home
4079 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538
Saturday, September 28th
Sensory Friendly First Responder Meet n Greet
Prepare your family for emergencies!
You’re invited to an open house to explore the station and emergency vehicles, and meet first responders in a sensory-sensitive environment.
East Fishkill Fire Department
2502 NY-52, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 – Sunday, August 25, 2024
This year, ThinkDIFFERENTLY is returning to the Dutchess County Fair!!
If you’re going to the fair this year and need a little break from the excitement and stimulation, stop by our tent and relax in our Sensory Safe Area!! Or just come say ‘Hi’!
Friday, July 19, 2024
ThinkDIFFERENTLY in conjunction with Bardavon, Arts Mid-Hudson, and Dutchess Tourism present a Sensory Sensitive showing of FROZEN
Click here for PDF version!
Thursday, June 27, 2024
4th Annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness and Field Day
Get ready for some adaptive, inclusive, sensory-friendly fun!!
This year is the 4th Annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness and Field Day held by Dutchess County. Located on the lower level fields of Bowdoin Park, numerous local agencies/organizations come together to share in a day of fun. From arts and crafts, yard games, local sports programs, travel training, a scavenger hunt, live animals, to resources and information.
Come join us for this FREE event!!
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 & Thursday, March 14, 2024
Think Ahead Information Session for Prospective Students and Families
Click the link in the yellow banner at the top of the page or below for more details!
Think Ahead | Dutchess Community College
Save the Date!
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 Trainings
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
