• Brainstorm: Share Your Ideas

    ThinkDIFFERENTLY - Share Your Ideas

    The ThinkDIFFERENTLY Initiative calls on the Ulster County government to share proactive steps by individuals, businesses, and communities to embrace and support residents of all abilities.

    We want to hear your ideas:

    • How can our businesses change the way they welcome a customer who may be differently abled and/or have sensory issues?
    • What can residents do to better support their special needs neighbors?
    • What sort of community events would you like to attend?
    • W...

    Latest posts

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    Judyk45

    3 months ago

    Handicapped parking issues

    I have three suggestions concerning handicapped parking in Kingston.(1) Kingston or the county could post a map of handicapped parking spaces in Kingston on the city or county website, or in a directory of resources. The placement of handicapped parking in Kingston is confusing and it is often hard to find a spot. I created a map like this for Woodstock. With a little help locating them (!) I’d be willing to do something similar for Kingston. (2) Curbs next to handicapped parking spots must be shoveled in winter. It is impossible to feed the meter if I can’t get up onto the sidewalk. More than once I have had to walk in the street to find a poorly shoveled crosswalk curb cut. (3) Access to the county building for handicapped citizens is inadequate. As far as I remember, there is no handicapped parking near the front door, which means I have to go park in the parking lot in the back. However, no one is supposed to enter the back door other than employees. This means I’m expected to walk around the building. Of course I don’t do that. I wait until an employee comes out and then go in the back door, which defeats the security concerns for the building. Surely there is a solution to this if someone bothered to try.

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    Esi Lewis

    a year ago

    Consider Enrolling for The NYABLE Program https://www.mynyable.org/home.html

    More independence, greater financial security, and a better quality of life – that’s the future NY ABLE wants to help achieve for our state’s individuals with disabilities.

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    Esi Lewis

    a year ago

    Quarterly meetings on accessibility in Ulster County

    Create a County Commission to host meetings with accessibility advocates to understand the needs of the community.

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    Esi Lewis

    a year ago

    Provide American Sign Language (ASL) training to first responders.

    Conduct an annual training for first responders to serve and communicate with people who are deaf or hearing impaired.

  • Add to Our Resource Guide + Directory

    ThinkDIFFERENTLY Resource Guide + Directory

    Help us collect a list of support services and resources available to individuals with special needs and their families.

    Use this tool to share information regarding an accessible event, business, or organization to help us create a guide/directory for Ulster County. Please include:

    • Name of Business/Organization (Name of Person/Role)
    • Location (Address)
    • Description (What services or programs do you/does this offer to the special needs community?)
    • Link to...

    Latest posts

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    In Flight, Inc.

    a month ago

    In Flight, Inc.

    In Flight, Inc.

    In Flight, Inc., based in Red Hook, NY, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach for their hopes and dreams, and supports a meaningful quality of life. Serving Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, and Greene counties, we offer a wide range of programs including Residential Services, Day and Community Habilitation, Respite, Pre-Vocational Training, Supported Employment (SEMP), and the I-SAIL (In Flight's Success Academy for Independent Living) program. These services focus on building essential skills in communication, socialization, employment, and community involvement. To learn more or get in touch, visit www.inflightinc.org or email inflightmarketing@outlook.com
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    Addie Smock

    2 months ago

    Kingston Library

    We offer an All Abilities Adults craft program every other month for adults with intellectual disabilities in our ADA-compliant facility. https://www.kingstonlibrary.org/ Addie Smock Assistant Director asmock@kingstonlibrary.org

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    Triesha

    3 months ago

    Open Doors Educational Advocates

    Every child deserves to achieve success in school. For children with special needs, additional supports are necessary to "level the playing field" and help them to reach their potential. Open Doors Educational Advocates are there to help families access the supports their children need! 4 Christopher Ave, Highland 845-978-7970 open doors-sped.com

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    Esi Lewis

    4 months ago

    Ulster County Office of Employment & Training Disability Coordinator

    https://ulsterworks.com/job-seekers/people-disabilities/