2016-216 2016-216
Resolution Calling On Town Of Wappinger, Residents And Business Owners To Adopt
The "Think Differently" Initiative To Assist Individuals With Special Needs And Their
Families
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County,
New York, held at Town Hall, 20 Middlebush Road, Wappingers Falls, New York, on August 8,
2016.
The meeting was called to order by Lori A. Jiava, Town Supervisor, and upon roll being
called, the following was recorded:
✓Vote Record-Resolution RES-2016-216
Q Adopted Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent
❑ Adopted as Amended Lori A.Jiava Voter Q ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ Defeated William H.Beale Seconder Q ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ Tabled William Ciccarelli Voter Q ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ Withdrawn John J.Fenton Voter Q ❑ ❑ ❑
Michael Kuzmicz Mover Q ❑ ❑ ❑
The following Resolution was introduced by Councilman Kuzmicz and seconded by
Councilman Beale.
WHEREAS, the "Think Differently" initiative seeks to promote awareness and
acceptance of all people, and advocating for the inclusion of all individuals living on the Autism
Spectrum and with special needs; and
WHEREAS, our state and local communities are stronger because of our diversity and
differences; and
WHEREAS, according to the Center for Disease Control(CDC), over 55 million people,
or approximately 19% of Americans, have a type of disability or special need; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, it is important to promote and provide guidance to those with special needs
on how to access publically supported services available to them in the community; and
WHEREAS, it is important to encourage and educate the community and businesses on
ways they can make facilities and services more accessible and on how to train staff to welcome
and support special needs customers and co-workers; and
WHEREAS, the goal of this initiative is to provide a supportive and inclusive
environment for individuals of all abilities by supporting community events that expand family
friendly opportunities for people with special needs and their families; and
WHEREAS, adopting the "Think Differently" initiative is an important statement that
our Town officials, business owners and residents can make to show their support for the
differently-abled children and adults with special needs and their families.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The recitations above set forth are incorporated in this Resolution as if fully set forth
and adopted herein.
2. The Town Board hereby encourages the Town of Wappinger, its residents and
business owners to adopt the "Think Differently" initiative so that all are better prepared to
communicate with, provide for, and support those living within the Autism Spectrum and with
special needs.
The foregoing was put to a vote which resulted as follows:
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Kuzmicz, Councilman
SECONDER: William H. Beale, Councilman
AYES: Jiava, Beale, Ciccarelli, Fenton, Kuzmicz
Dated: Wappingers Falls, New York
8/8/2016
The Resolution is hereby duly declared Adopted.
JOSS P P. PAOLONI, TOWN CLERK