Name: Think Accessible Stakeholder Group to Enhance Community Accessibility
Start: 2024-12-14T00:00-5:00
End: 2025-01-14T23:59-5:00
Location: Think Accessible Stakeholder Group to Enhance Community Accessibility

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Dutchess County Launches Think Accessible Stakeholder Group
to Enhance Community Accessibility

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced the successful launch of the Think Accessible Stakeholder & Community Group, which recently held its inaugural roundtable meeting to discuss strategies for making Dutchess County more accessible and inclusive for individuals of all abilities.

“Building on Dutchess County’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative, Think Accessible is about making sure that every resident, and every visitor, regardless of ability, can access the services, opportunities and spaces that make Dutchess County a great place to live, work, and visit,” said County Executive Serino. “This initiative will create a more inclusive environment, while engaging local stakeholders in the process of making Dutchess County accessible to everyone.”

The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including leaders in the local business and tourism communities, advocates, municipal leaders and community members, to share ideas and identify opportunities to improve accessibility throughout the county. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions about challenges facing individuals with disabilities and brainstormed creative solutions to enhance accessibility in public spaces, businesses and community programs.

The stakeholder group will continue to meet regularly to develop initiatives and provide ongoing feedback as the Think Accessible program evolves. Efforts will focus on fostering collaboration and building a countywide culture of inclusion and accessibility.

Dana Hopkins, Dutchess County’s All Abilities Director, said, “The Think Accessible Stakeholder & Community Group is a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together to prioritize inclusion. By listening to the diverse perspectives in the room, we are identifying ways to expand accessibility and build on our years-long efforts to foster an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, feels welcome and supported.”

Lisa Tarricone, Executive Director of Taconic Resources for Independence and member of the Think Accessible Stakeholder & Community Group, said, “I am excited to work alongside community leaders and organizations to create a more inclusive and accessible Dutchess County. This initiative provides a unique opportunity to collaborate on meaningful solutions that ensure individuals with disabilities and all Dutchess County residents can fully participate in and enjoy the services, spaces and opportunities our county has to offer. I look forward to contributing to this important work and helping make Dutchess County a model of accessibility and inclusivity.”

The Think Accessible initiative will provide a platform for ongoing dialogue about best practices, community needs and opportunities for collaboration, ensuring Dutchess County remains a welcoming place for everyone. The initiative was first announced in County Executive Serino’s State of the County address this past March.

For more information about Think Accessible and how to get involved, please call the County Executive’s Office at 845-486-2000 or emailCountyExec@dutchessny.gov.

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