Public Invited to Discuss Services Needed for Individuals
with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Poughkeepsie… The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) will hold a public forum on Tuesday, March 12, from 5:30-7:30 pm, to discuss services needed in Dutchess County for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The forum will be held in the DBCH training room at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie.
The forum is part of Dutchess County’s efforts to “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” and foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals living with disabilities. All input received at the forum will help shape the County’s 2020 Local Services Plan for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Families and caregivers are especially encouraged to attend.
County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro said, “Dutchess County Government takes seriously the services and programs it provides residents living with disabilities, and we welcome and encourage the community to participate in our public forums and offer feedback regarding the services available in our county. Hearing directly from the people we serve, their families, and caregivers allows us to better understand the challenges people face, and address where improvements may be needed.”
In addition to offering time for public comments, the forum will review the latest updates from care coordination agencies, the status of workshops and alternative workforce-ready services, procedures for connecting to services, and an overview of residential opportunities in Dutchess County. Representatives from the community’s service agencies and other partners will also be available for questions.
For those unable to attend, or who do not feel comfortable speaking in public, DBCH welcomes written comments to be read aloud by the forum moderator. Individuals may submit comments online, may fax comments to (845) 486-2829, or mail them to: Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Forum, 230 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.
This event is sponsored by the Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee of the Dutchess County Mental Hygiene Board. For more information, please call (845) 486-2766.
County Executive Molinaro highlighted Dutchess County’s “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiatives during his 2019 State of the County address earlier this week. The full State of the County address is available at dutchessNY.gov.