Neuhaus Welcomes Molinaro For ThinkDIFFERENTLY Presentation

GOSHEN – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus hosted Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro for a presentation of Dutchess County’s “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative on Wednesday at the County’s Emergency Services Center.

Neuhaus and Molinaro were joined at the hour-long event by Orange County Commissioner of Mental Health and Social Services Darcie Miller, a variety of non-profit community providers and partners, and parents with special needs children.

“As I expected, County Executive Molinaro’s ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ presentation received a warm reception from the audience,” Neuhaus said. “What Marc has created with this initiative is important and impressive and we were honored to host him today. ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ has gained recognition across the state, which is a testament to County Executive Molinaro’s passion and vision for the program. I fully support this initiative to be inclusive of all individuals regardless of the challenges they might face and look forward to seeing it implemented here in Orange County.”

County Executive Molinaro spoke to the audience about Dutchess County’s enactment of the “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative. He and Neuhaus took questions after the program. The father of three children, including a daughter who is on the autism spectrum, Molinaro introduced his “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative to Dutchess County in early 2015. It is Molinaro’s call to action for local residents, organizations and businesses to re-think the ways they relate to residents with special needs. Molinaro encourages every city, town and village in the state to consider adopting “Think DIFFERENTLY” resolutions that promote supportive environments for residents of all abilities.

Since then, Dutchess County has offered supportive training, encouraged community development to expand accessibility, and held events for children and families living with special needs.

Through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Orange County has supported accessibility initiatives by funding ADA projects at Tommie McDuffie Park in Blooming Grove, the Village Park in Cornwall, Brook Lake Park in Town of Highlands, Benedict Park in the Town of Montgomery, the Winslow Therapeutic Riding Center in the Town of Warwick, and Sally’s Dream Playground, located at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Hamptonburgh.

“I thank County Executive Neuhaus and Orange County for taking the time to consider how we all relate to our neighbors of every ability,” Molinaro said. “In every corner of our state, communities are answering the call to ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY,’ and Orange County has already made great strides to fund accessibility efforts. I look forward to seeing how those projects benefit Orange County residents, and applaud County Executive Neuhaus for embracing the ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ ideal.”

More information about Dutchess County’s “Think DIFFERENTLY” initiative is available at dutchessny.gov/thinkdifferently.