Sue Serino Announces Inaugural Round of ‘Think Accessible’ Community Certification Honorees
County Executive recognizes 13 inclusive businesses throughout Dutchess

POUGHKEEPSIE … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino proudly announced the first businesses to earn recognition through the County’s “Think Accessible” Community Certification Program, the County Executive’s initiative which raises awareness about physical disabilities while encouraging small businesses to become more accessible. 

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “These businesses are helping make Dutchess County a place where everyone of every ability feels welcome, supported and included. By making their spaces and services more accessible, they’re not only opening doors for people with disabilities, but also inspiring others to do the same. Their efforts are helping us build a stronger, more caring Dutchess County for all, and we thank them for joining us in this important initiative.”

Launched earlier this year, the “Think Accessible” Community Certification Program marks the next step in Dutchess County’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that residents and visitors with disabilities can fully participate in all that their community offers. This program invites businesses and municipalities to evaluate their accessibility practices, implement improvements and earn certification at the Gold, Silver or Bronze level based on established criteria.

Dutchess County’s “Think Accessible” Community Certification Program is based on nine key accessibility categories, including physical accessibility, staff training, communication accommodations, sensory-friendly options and participation in formal accessibility assessments. Two businesses earned Gold certification, nine earned Silver status and two achieved Bronze.

Inaugural Round of “Think Accessible” Certified Businesses:

Gold Certification (met at least seven criteria)

• Residence Inn, 2525 South Road, Town of Poughkeepsie  
• Hampton Inn & Suites, 2361 South Road, Town of Poughkeepsie  

Silver Certification (met at least five criteria)

• Curry Estate, 2737 Route 52, East Fishkill
• Trevor Zoo, 131 Millbrook School Road, Millbrook  
• Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farms Road, East Fishkill
• Beatrix Farrand Garden Association, 4097 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park  
• Bardavon 1869 Opera House, 35 Market Street, City of Poughkeepsie  
• Sensory Stepping Stones, 1906 Route 52, East Fishkill
• Friends of Spook Hill Park, 40 Reggie Drive, Wappinger
• E.P.C. Sports, 946 Route 376, Wappingers
• Spider’s Web Comics & Collectibles, 900 Route 376, Wappinger

Bronze certification (met at least three criteria)

• Millbrook Inn, 3 Gifford Road, Millbrook  
• i2Evolve, 17 East Market Street, Red Hook

Certified businesses receive a certificate from County Executive Serino and a window decal to recognize the certification. Businesses and municipalities interested in applying for the next round of “Think Accessible” certification will find application forms at dutchessny.gov/thinkdifferently. 

Kimberly Popolizio, owner of i2Evolve, which features an accessible entrance, portable wheelchair ramp, and hosts the majority of its classes for neurodivergent individuals, said, “Receiving this Think Accessible certification means so much to us. Art should be for everyone, and we’re thrilled to create a studio where people of all abilities can feel welcome, included and inspired. We’re honored to play a part in building a more inclusive Dutchess County, and I thank County Executive Serino for this recognition.”

The “Think Accessible” Community Certification complements Dutchess County’s popular ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative, established in 2015. Together, these programs strengthen Dutchess County’s position as a statewide leader in accessibility and inclusive community design, with more than 100 municipalities in New York State embracing the fundamental ThinkDIFFERENTLY principles and applying them to their respective communities.