For Immediate Release:

October 24, 2023

Ulster County Legislature Adopts ThinkDIFFERENTLY Program

(Kingston, NY) – The Ulster County Legislature has unanimously approved Resolution No. 555, which adopts the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative to change the ways individuals, businesses and communities relate to those with special needs. Created by neighboring Dutchess County in 2015, Ulster County would join the over fifty counties and municipalities across the state and country that participate in this important initiative.

“I thank my colleagues for recognizing this need and supporting this step for bettering services to our neighbors with disabilities. I look forward to working with the Executive and our communities to see this program flourish,” said Legislator Gina Hansut (District 10 – Lloyd & Marlborough), Co-sponsor of the Resolution.

ThinkDIFFERENTLY Programs include but are not limited to:

• Seeking and applying for funding for projects featuring accessible infrastructure beyond traditional ramps, curb cuts;

• Partnering with local movie theaters to sponsor free or discounted movies to families with children with special needs, lowering the volume and raising the lights inside the theater to accommodate children with sensory issues;

• Educating law enforcement officers, corrections officers, 911 dispatchers and first responders in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) and Mental Health First Aid, enabling them to effectively interact with individuals in crisis, including those with special needs;

• Hosting events and gatherings for children with special needs and their families, to connect them with local agencies and organizations that serve residents with special needs;

• Partnering with local centers for Autism services such as Arc Mid-Hudson, and other organizations serving the disability community such as RCAL and Gateway, to provide “Autism Supportive Environment” training, which teaches local businesses and community groups how to communicate better with and provide a more welcoming environment for residents with autism; and

• Creating a central, user-friendly, database of accessibility resources, ADA compliant public spaces and recreational facilities in our county.

“This initiative shows that we in the Legislature take the issue of accessibility seriously. By passing this Resolution we are prioritizing access to county resources and raise awareness of much needed accessibility improvements in our communities,” said Legislator Sperry (District 17 – New Paltz & Esopus), Co-sponsor of the Resolution.

Resolution No. 555 awaits signature of the Executive. Full text of the Resolution can be found here.