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Push to ‘Think Differently’ extends beyond Dutchess

Date August 1, 2016

A Dutchess County push to expand support for people with special needs is gaining momentum.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said municipalities statewide have adopted resolutions in support of his “Think Differently” initiative.

In a press release, Molinaro said his work to encourage supportive environments for those with special needs has received formal support from municipalities in Dutchess County, the Capital District, central New York and lower Hudson Valley. Molinaro in 2015 established the “Think Differently” initiative, which calls for an evaluation of interactions with people who have special needs.

Since then, Dutchess County has taken multiple steps to promote the effort, including partnering with the Anderson Center for Autism in Staatsburg.

Molinaro, a member of the New York State Association of Counties board of directors, has used his position with that organization to reach out to officials across the state.