Creating a More Accessible Greene County

Supporting the ThinkDIFFERENTLY Initiative

ThinkDIFFERENTLY is a call to action established in 2015 by former Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro to create supportive and welcoming communities for people with disabilities and their families. The initiative encourages individuals, businesses, and local governments to focus on inclusion, accessibility, opportunity, and respect for people of all abilities.

Greene County is proud to support the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative and continue building a community where residents of all abilities feel welcomed, valued, and connected.

How Individuals Can ThinkDIFFERENTLY

We can all help create a more inclusive community by focusing on each person’s abilities, strengths, and potential. Small acts of understanding, patience, and inclusion can make a meaningful difference for individuals and families throughout Greene County.

How Businesses Can ThinkDIFFERENTLY

Accessible and inclusive businesses create better experiences for everyone. Simple improvements in communication, physical accessibility, customer service, and sensory awareness can help ensure people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers feel welcomed and supported in stores, offices, restaurants, attractions, and public spaces throughout Greene County.

How Communities Can ThinkDIFFERENTLY

Communities are stronger when everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in civic, social, and community life. By partnering with local organizations, improving accessibility, and thinking creatively about how services and programs are delivered, communities can help remove barriers and foster greater inclusion for residents of all abilities.

Greene County Advances the ThinkDIFFERENTLY Initiative

The Greene County Legislature Health Services Committee hosted a presentation on May 6, 2026, featuring former Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and Deputy Commissioner Dana Hopkins on advancing Greene County’s implementation of the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative.

Greene County previously adopted the ThinkDIFFERENTLY principles, committing to a more inclusive, accessible, and responsive approach to serving individuals with disabilities and those facing mental health challenges.

During the presentation, Molinaro and Hopkins shared strategies and lessons from Dutchess County’s nationally recognized model, including:

  • Creating a single point of access to help families connect with services more easily
  • Improving coordination across health, behavioral health, and social service systems
  • Expanding outreach to ensure individuals, families, and caregivers are aware of available programs and resources
  • Embedding dignity, independence, and opportunity throughout county government

The presentation emphasized practical implementation, cross-agency collaboration, and a shared goal of ensuring no individual or family is left to navigate the system alone.

View the Legislature’s Resolution