News from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
Assembly Office:
933 Legislative Office Building • Albany, NY 12248 • (518) 455-3751
District Offices:
607 West Washington Street • Suite 2 • Geneva, NY 14456 • (315) 781-2030
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For Release: IMMEDIATELY, April 28, 2017
Contact: Mike Fraser, office: (518) 455-3751/cell: (518) 859-8518
Kolb, Molinaro Team Up To Promote
Autism Awarness In Finger Lakes Region
"This Is A Step Toward Building A Stronger Community."

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I,Ref-Canandaigua) today was joined by Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro to raise awareness of the needs of the autistic community. The "ThinkDIFFERENTLY" campaign, an initiative launched by County Executive Molinaro, encourages communities, businesses and individuals to create new pathways to a supportive environment for people with autism and other special needs.

"This is a step toward building a stronger community. I am proud to join the 'ThinkDIFFERENTLY' initiative to help raise awareness and support for this critical measure," Leader Kolb said. "County Executive Molinaro has done great work in Dutchess County on this issue and a number of other localities across the state are taking notice. We have an obligation to ensure every resident gets the care and services they deserve."

Friday's event brought together community leaders representing a wide array of organizations and industries, including health care, education and law enforcement. The "ThinkDIFFERENTLY" forum was hosted by Leader Kolb at the New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua.

"I thank Assemblyman Kolb for embracing the 'ThinkDIFFERENTLY' initiative we've found so successful in Dutchess County, and I hope the Finger Lakes area will answer our call to action," County Executive Molinaro said. "Each New Yorker deserves to be treated based upon their own unique abilities and potential. We in Dutchess County seek to embrace all individuals, regardless of their abilities. We look forward to seeing the Finger Lakes region become the next community to 'ThinkDIFFERENTLY,' a trend I hope continues throughout our state."

The "ThinkDIFFERENTLY" initiative was established by County Executive Molinaro in 2015 as a call to action encouraging businesses, organizations and individuals in Dutchess County to examine how they think of and interact with residents with special needs. Gaining momentum across the state, the campaign assists individuals with special needs and their families, while at the same time partnering with great people and organizations to make our communities more inclusive and supportive for everyone. More information about the "ThinkDIFFERENTLY" initiative is available at www.thinkdifferently.net.