POUGHKEEPSIE ... Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino is pleased to announce the next round of the County’s Think Accessible trainings, designed to help local organizations and businesses create more welcoming and inclusive environments for our neighbors. These free online trainings, provide valuable information about ADA requirements, accessibility standards, and practical strategies for identifying and removing barriers. Interested participants can register for one or multiple sessions. The trainings are also a great resource for organizations interested in pursuing Think Accessible Certification.
“These trainings are a great way for our local businesses and organizations to gain the knowledge and tools they need to be more welcoming and accessible for all of our neighbors.” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “By choosing to ‘ThinkAccessible’, we are helping to ensure that Dutchess County is a place where everyone feels valued and welcomed.”
To help make participation easier for organizations with busy schedules, all workshops will be held virtually, with log-on credentials provided in advance to those who register. Workshops are scheduled for the following dates:
Thursday, Oct. 29th from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Creating ADA Accessible Flyers Using PowerPoint
This training is open to all residents.
Wednesday, Nov. 4th from 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Creating Inclusive Small Businesses: An Intro to the Welcoming Customers Toolkit
This training is specifically for local businesses.
Tuesday, Nov. 17th from 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Barriers to Accessibility: Understanding Codes, NYS Law and the ADA
This training is specifically for municipal building inspectors and code enforcers; Continuing Education credits can be received for attendance.
Thursday, Dec. 3rd from 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Title II of the ADA and Website Accessibility
This training is open to all residents.
Friday, Dec. 4th from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Creating ADA Accessible Flyers Using PowerPoint
This training is open to all residents.
Thursday, Dec. 10th from 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Overview of the Employment Provisions of the ADA
This training is specifically for local businesses.
Registration for these trainings is required as space is limited. To RSVP or receive more information, email nmarino@dutchessny.gov or call (845) 486-3568.
Dana Hopkins, Dutchess County’s All Abilities Director said, “Improving accessibility starts with recognizing barriers that may otherwise go unnoticed. These trainings offer practical tools and guidance to help create more welcoming and accessible spaces for individuals of all abilities, and we look forward to building on this progress with our community partners.”
Serino is also encouraging businesses and organizations, including community centers, restaurants, and libraries, to apply for the Think Accessible Certification, which recognizes those taking proactive steps toward ADA compliance. Certifications are awarded on a rolling basis, with recipients featured on the ThinkDIFFERENTLY.net map and presented with a window decal highlighting their commitment to inclusion. Since the program launched last year, the County has recognized 13 organizations for their efforts.
To apply for the Think Accessible Community Certification or receive additional information visit DutchessNY.gov/ThinkDIFFERENTLY. For assistance with the application process, contact the All Abilities Office at thinkdifferently@dutchessny.gov or by calling 845-486-3434.
To learn more about the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative, visit ThinkDIFFERENTLY.net.
