Dutchess County to host 8^th Annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Conference

Dec. 5^th event to discuss communicating and interacting in a respectful way with and about people with disabilities

 Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino invites service providers, educators and families of those with disabilities to the County’s 8^thAnnual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Conference on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Henry A. Wallace Center at FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park. Registration is required for this free event and can be found at dutchessny.gov/tdconference and includes a complimentary lunch. This year’s conference is focusing on disability etiquette.

Dutchess County’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative fosters a more inclusive and supportive community by breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Now in its eighth year, the ThinkDIFFERENTLY Conference has become an essential platform for advancing conversations on inclusivity and for sharing best practices that support people of all abilities in local schools, workplaces and communities.

The 2024 ThinkDIFFERENTLY Conference promises a robust agenda, which includes welcome remarks by County Executive Serino, followed by a 9:30 a.m. panel discussion on “Lived Experience Disability Etiquette,” which will give attendees the opportunity to:

• Learn from local residents as they discuss their experiences with a disability;
• Understand preferences when a disability needs to be addressed; and
• Learn about appropriate language when discussing disabilities.

Following lunch from noon to 1 p.m., Emma Arnoff, LCSW, AutPlay Certified Therapist, owner of Sensory Space Poughkeepsie and parent, will lead a “Neurodivergent Etiquette & Ableism” discussion, offering attendees the opportunity to learn about ableism and neurodivergent symbols.

Question-and-answer sections will follow each session, and attendees will walk away with resources to continue learning about disability etiquette.

Dana Hopkins, Dutchess County’s All Abilities Programs Director said, “Dutchess County is committed to ensuring that every resident, regardless of ability, feels valued and included. The ThinkDIFFERENTLY Conference is a cornerstone of our mission to build a more inclusive community. Each year, we come together to exchange ideas, learn from one another and advocate for a world that embraces all abilities, and this year’s event promises to be another success that benefits many residents throughout Dutchess County.”

Additional information about the County’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative is available on the award-winning website, thinkdifferently.net.