ThinkDIFFERENTLY

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The Ulster County ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative seeks to transform Ulster County into a more supportive and inclusive place for individuals of all abilities by changing the way individuals, businesses, and communities relate to those with special needs.

We Need Your Help!

What is the ThinkDIFFERENTLY Initiative?

“ThinkDIFFERENTLY” is a call to action and a genuine challenge to look past our differences and treat others the way we would hope to be treated.

The ThinkDIFFERENTLY Initiative was launched by our neighbor, Dutchess County, in 2015 to change the way individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities relate to their neighbors with special needs.

On October 17, 2023, the Ulster County Legislature voted unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 555, the ThinkDIFFERENTLY Initiative here in Ulster County, joining over fifty participating counties and municipalities across the state and country.

Why Should We ThinkDIFFERENTLY?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 55 million people, or approximately 19% of Americans, have some type of disability or special need.

For some people with special needs, the very things that make them unique can also keep them on the sidelines, separate from those who might not understand their differences or uniqueness.

Our state and communities are stronger because of our diversity and differences. We all benefit when we make our public spaces, local businesses, and community events more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all.


How Can We ThinkDIFFERENTLY?

  • Individuals can focus on the abilities of each person rather than being concerned about their disability.

  • Businesses can change the way they welcome customers who may be differently abled and/or have sensory issues into their establishment.

  • Communities can consider the needs of residents of all abilities when making planning decisions, all with the goal of providing a more supportive environment.

Share your ideas for how Ulster County can ThinkDIFFERENTLY!

Help us create a Countywide Directory of Services & Resources!

What are Some Examples of Ulster County ThinkDIFFERENTLY?

  • The annual Ulster County Fair now includes a “Sensory Safe Space” at the fairgrounds — a dedicated room designed to be a sensory-safe environment, offering families a break from the bright lights, noise, and crowds at the fair.
  • The Ulster County Clerk employed individuals in the Arc Mid-Hudson work program.
  • The Chief Diversity Officer hosted the Deaf Task Force at the July Session of the Ulster County Legislature
  • We have some great examples of small businesses in Ulster County that ThinkDIFFERENTLY, such as Maeve’s Place, a coffee shop on Route 28 in Phoenicia, dedicated to providing people with developmental disabilities opportunities for meaningful employment.

The Ulster County ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative seeks to transform Ulster County into a more supportive and inclusive place for individuals of all abilities by changing the way individuals, businesses, and communities relate to those with special needs.

We Need Your Help!

What is the ThinkDIFFERENTLY Initiative?

“ThinkDIFFERENTLY” is a call to action and a genuine challenge to look past our differences and treat others the way we would hope to be treated.

The ThinkDIFFERENTLY Initiative was launched by our neighbor, Dutchess County, in 2015 to change the way individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities relate to their neighbors with special needs.

On October 17, 2023, the Ulster County Legislature voted unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 555, the ThinkDIFFERENTLY Initiative here in Ulster County, joining over fifty participating counties and municipalities across the state and country.

Why Should We ThinkDIFFERENTLY?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 55 million people, or approximately 19% of Americans, have some type of disability or special need.

For some people with special needs, the very things that make them unique can also keep them on the sidelines, separate from those who might not understand their differences or uniqueness.

Our state and communities are stronger because of our diversity and differences. We all benefit when we make our public spaces, local businesses, and community events more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all.


How Can We ThinkDIFFERENTLY?

  • Individuals can focus on the abilities of each person rather than being concerned about their disability.

  • Businesses can change the way they welcome customers who may be differently abled and/or have sensory issues into their establishment.

  • Communities can consider the needs of residents of all abilities when making planning decisions, all with the goal of providing a more supportive environment.

Share your ideas for how Ulster County can ThinkDIFFERENTLY!

Help us create a Countywide Directory of Services & Resources!

What are Some Examples of Ulster County ThinkDIFFERENTLY?

  • The annual Ulster County Fair now includes a “Sensory Safe Space” at the fairgrounds — a dedicated room designed to be a sensory-safe environment, offering families a break from the bright lights, noise, and crowds at the fair.
  • The Ulster County Clerk employed individuals in the Arc Mid-Hudson work program.
  • The Chief Diversity Officer hosted the Deaf Task Force at the July Session of the Ulster County Legislature
  • We have some great examples of small businesses in Ulster County that ThinkDIFFERENTLY, such as Maeve’s Place, a coffee shop on Route 28 in Phoenicia, dedicated to providing people with developmental disabilities opportunities for meaningful employment.

Page last updated: 11 Apr 2025, 03:31 PM