Inclusive Events and Passes

From sensory-sensitive performances to sporting events, Dutchess County provides many opportunities for individuals of all abilities to enjoy the Hudson Valley's arts and culture, outdoor and historic attractions.

Ongoing

The America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass allows U.S. citizens or permanent residents with long-term disabilities a free lifetime pass to see national sites including the Vanderbilt Mansion and Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt. For New York State (NYS) residents with disabilities, The Access Pass gives free or discounted use of state parks, historic sites and recreational facilities operated by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. 

Spring

Through Monday, March 13: “The Adaptive Exhibit” by Runway of Dreams at the Steel Plant Gallery, Marist College, Poughkeepsie 
Produced and curated by students, this project showcases fashionable, functional and adaptive apparel specifically designed for those with disabilities. The exhibit promotes the mission of Runway of Dreams, which seeks to empower people with disabilities through fashion inclusion, and features such adaptive brands as Steve Madden, Seven7, é Ispirante, Zappos and Mai We Care, among others. Marist is home to one of the finest fashion programs in the world; in 2021, a Forbes Magazine article ranked Marist on its list of the “Best Colleges that are Shaping the Future of Fashion,” which included 10 colleges from around the globe. 

March 16, 2023, 6 p.m.: Cuentos: a FREE Sensory Sensitive Performance (in English) at Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Poughkeepsie
Dutchess County's ThinkDIFFERENTLY hosts in conjunction with Bardavon Presents and Arts Mid-Hudson presents “Cuentos: Tales from the Latino World,” a vivid picture of the people and rich cultures of the Spanish-speaking world with colorful tales from the Caribbean, South America and the Bronx! The interactive show uses Spanish throughout the stories and songs which the young audience can join and participate in.

April 29, 2023: Hudson Valley Walk for Autism at James Baird Park, Pleasant Valley
Resources, entertainment, vendors, food trucks and more at the annual walk to raise awareness for Autism.

2023 TBD: Union Vale's Egg Hunts for ALL at Tymor Park, Lagrangeville 
Wheelchair-accessible, low sensory, visually impaired, adult special needs and traditional egg hunts.

Summer

TBD June 2023: D3: Disability Dream & Do Baseball Camp (Hudson Valley D3Day) at Dutchess Stadium, Wappingers Falls
At the home of the Hudson Valley Renegades, the camp provides individuals with functional limitations the opportunity to practice baseball with minor league athletes. For more information on the event, click here.

August 22–27, 2023: Dutchess County Fair
ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday at the fair for 2023 has yet to be announced. For a look at ThinkDIFFERENTLY features in 2022, click here. This day includes sensory-sensitive hours, an early opening in advance of crowds with no flashing lights or loud music on the midway so people can enjoy activities & animals. The fair also provides accessible parking, wheelchair rentals and additional mobility transportation within the fair. For more accessible features, click here.

 

Fall

TBD

Winter

TBD: Sensory Sensitive Performance of the Nutcracker at the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie. Free event but reservations are required.

TBD: Santa’s Workshop at the Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall. ASL Interpreters will be on hand to allow those who communicate with sign language to interact with Santa. December weekends.

Please check the event organizer's website and social media accounts for the latest updates. Click here to see a complete list of events happening throughout Dutchess and feel free to call 845-204-9515 if you have questions.