50°
Molinaro outlined his plans at a tour of Abilities First’s new state-of-art school for those with developmental disabilities in the Town of LaGrange, which opens Nov. 30.
The creation of Special Needs Advocate position will be to assist families and provide the support they need to connect with the many services offered by Dutchess County and local communities. This position will be a Deputy Commissioner within the Department of Community & Family Services and will report directly to the County Executive.
The individual will manage, promote and expand the county’s “Think Differently” initiatives, as well as serve as an ombudsman for special needs families with providers, government agencies and local businesses. Additionally, a new webpage will be created as a resource for special needs families to learn about the services available to them.
Dutchess County will also continue to enhance its event offerings for special needs families, and expand its partnership with the Anderson Center for Autism. Changes and improvements to the county’s six public parks are also being evaluated on how to be more welcoming to those with disabilities, sensory issues and/or special needs.
Abilities First is relocating from its current location at 230 North Road to the new LaGrange school. Abilities First serves students from 21 school districts throughout Dutchess, Columbia, Orange and Ulster counties and has seen rising enrollment, necessitating the expanded space.
Nearly 100 students will attend the new school, which will feature nine classrooms with instructional technology, adaptive physical education, a fully outfitted sensory gym, and clinical space for therapies. A fully accessible playground is also planned.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Poughkeepsie and receive free news updates.
