February 19, 2015 Excerpt from Dutchess Delivery, February 19, 2015, Communication from the Office of Marcus J. Molinaro, County Executive
Dutchess County Government is also proud to support Anderson Center for Autism’s Autism Supportive Environment program – a partnership through which local businesses and their staff can learn how to better understand, serve and support individuals on the Autism Spectrum as well as their families. The program includes how to make simple changes to the physical environment as well as provides staff training to make establishments more welcoming for those with Autism and their families. This program is already paying dividends for local businesses by expanding their customer base (check out this podcast featuring John Coppola, Owner of Coppola’s Ristorante, the “pilot” project for Autism Supportive Environment). We are excited to help Anderson Center spread the word about this important resource. If your business would like to learn more about Anderson’s Autism Supportive Environment program, call (845) 889-9616.
Anderson Center for Autism’s Consulting Coordinator Lisa Lawrence said, “We continuously hear from parents of children on the spectrum that they are unable to enjoy community outings as a family; it is our hope that we can increase opportunities for those families to visit and enjoy their community offerings through our Autism Support Environment program.”
Join County Executive Molinaro on Wednesday, February 25th at 5pm in The Culinary Institute of America’s Marriott Pavillion to learn about these programs and other County initiatives as part of the 2015 State of the County Address. The event is open to the public and all are welcome. Please RSVP online at www.dutchessny.gov/RSVP.
