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.
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 PDF
How to Respond to First Responders PDF
Dutchess County Fair | ThinkDIFFERENTLY Sensory-Friendly Events: August 22-27
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!
177th Dutchess County Fair and ThinkDIFFERENTLY Presents GrowDIFFERENTLY
The 177th 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 27th, 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!!
Thursday, June 29, 2023
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
Friday, April 21, 2023
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
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
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
Thursday, March 16, 2023 – Sensory Sensitive Live Storytelling
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
Stay Tuned!
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!
6th Annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Conference
Collaboration of Services and Care Across
the Life Span for People of All Abilities
Friday, December 2nd – 9am to 4pm
Henry A. Wallace Visitor & Education Center
4079 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park
Conference is hosted in-person and online
This conference guides individuals, families, and
providers through a series of discussions focused
on planning for the care of people of every ability.
Register by November 30th: dutchessny.gov/tdconference
**For more information and accommodations, email xsantiago@dutchessny.gov**
Sensory-Friendly Performance: Talking Birds and Golden Fish
Thursday, November 10, 2022
**Registration extended to November 9th**
Dutchess County’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY hosts in conjunction with Bardavon Presents and Arts Mid-Hudson, a FREE sensory friendly performance by David Gonzalez, Talking Birds and Golden Fish.
Please join us for a lights up & sound down family & sensory friendly 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.
Seating is limited!
RSVP required at dutchessny.gov/show by November 3rd
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