Autism Supportive Community
Autism Supportive Community
In 2018/2019, with funding awarded from the Thomas Thompson Trust, we have collaborated with the Village of Rhinebeck to support their effort to establish the Village of Rhinebeck as an Autism Supportive Community. This will be the first Autism Supportive Community in our region.
Businesses and organizations in the Village of Rhinebeck will be committing in 2019 to Do One Thing — As part of its efforts to become designated an Autism Supportive Community, those who sign on to the Do One Thing effort in Rhinebeck will pledge to make at least one adjustment to their facilities or to the way they operate. The objective is to create atmospheres throughout the village that are more supportive for people with Autism and their families.
Completed Pledges:
| Business | "One Thing" |
| The Amsterdam | Allowing guests to pre-order, optional quiet area seating and Sensory Kits available |
| Aroi Thai Restaurant | Advanced ordering option |
| Bread Alone | Offering Sensory Kits, reduced wait times via calling ahead for seating in the dining room |
| Buns Burgers | Offering sensory hours (3PM to 5PM), advenced ordering/pick up, space for movement |
| Cale Communications | Updated lighting to be softer, more Autism friendly |
| Lucky Dragon | Offering delivery via curbside pickup (pre-pay, call upon arrival) |
| Northern Dutchess Hospital | Sensory Kits available in the Emergency Room, painted two treatment rooms to alleviate exposure to crowds and norise |
| Oblong Books & Music | Hosted a panel discussion of the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time |
| Oliver Kita Chocolates | Lowers music from 1PM to 3PM daily |
| Pizza Posto | Offering curb-side pickup |
| Rhinebeck Area Chamber of Commerce | “Do One Thing” at public events, 2018 Holiday Tree Lightning was an Autism Supportive Event |
| Rhinebeck at Home | Overview of Autism Presentation with ACA Consultation Team Member |
| Rhinebeck Masonic Lodge | Hosted a Cinco De Mayo fundraiser for the ASC Initiative |
| Rhinebeck Theater Society | Planned to offer an Autism Supportive performance of the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time |
| Use only soft/warm lights, play softer music in the morning hours, educate staff on mindfulness/respect for ALL customers | |
| Terrapin Restaurant | Reduced noise in the dining space, now offering take-out lunch and curb-side pickup as well as limited wait times |
| Village of Rhinebeck Police Department | All Village police vehicles are equipped with Autism Awareness Kits (sensory items & noise cancelling headphones) |
Upcoming Pledges:
| Business | "One Thing" |
| 1686 and Company | Will offer a Sensory Kit |
| A.L Stickle Variety Store | Will offer reduced wait times |
| Aba's Falafel | Will create a PECS menu, for website & in restaurant |
| Anite Ferri Realty | Will hold an agency wide awareness meeting for real estate agents |
| Century 21 Alliance Realty Group | Reduce noise, eliminate safety hazards, provide visual supports lower volumes & lighting. |
| Cesare + Lili | Will offer Sensory Kits and display window sticker |
| The Clothes Tree | Will offer Sensory Kits, create visual supports, offer reduced wait times and create volunteer positions |
| The Episcopal Church of the Messiah | Will provide a context for all special needs children to experience spirituality in a welcoming, safe setting |
| FACE Stockholm | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| Hammertown Rhinebeck | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| HQMP | Will offer a sensory space and lowered lighting |
| Hudson Valley Magazine | Will publish articles for ACA & ASC |
| Hundred Mile | Will offer Sensory Kits, and lower music volume |
| Iconic Hair | Will open earlier than usual by appointment - lights/noise will be kept to a supportive level |
| Jack M. Mancus MD | Will reduce noise & volumes, eliminate safety hazards |
| Kroeg | Will offer sensory kits and a trained staff member for emergencies |
| Land of Oz Toys | Will offer haircuts in a quiet and safe environment |
| Megabrain Comics | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| No Sugar | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| Old Mill Wine & Spirits | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| Oliva! | Will offer Sensory Kits and reduced wait times |
| Orthopedic Associates of Dutchess County | Will develop a social story, offer a quiet/sensory space and reduced wait times |
| Pegasus Footwear | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| Periwinkles at Rhinebeck | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| Rhinebeck Artists Shop | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| Rhinebeck Bicycle Shop | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| Rhinebeck Central School District | Will swap out their current lighting for softer, more autism friendly lighting |
| Rhinebeck Department Store | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| Ruge’s Automotive | Will offer their showroom as a sensory safe place during Porchfest 2019 |
| Staley Real Estate LLC | Will offer Sensory Kits and social storys |
| Sugar Plum Boutique | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| Sunflower Natural Foods Market | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| Topical BioMedics Inc | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| Will swap out their current lighting for softer, more autism friendly lighting | |
| Village Pizza | Will offer Sensory Kits, create volunteer opportunities, offer reduced wait times and eliminate safety hazards |
| Willow Wood | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| Winter Sun & Summer Moon | Will offer Sensory Kits |
| Zimmer Brothers Boutique | Will offer Sensory Kits and recuded wait times |
To learn more about becoming an Autism Supportive Community, contact our Consulting Department at 845-889-9616 or AndersonConsulting@AndersonCares.org