In partnership with the Anderson Center for Autism, Rhinebeck Village is proud to be the first Autism Supportive Community in our region.
Chairperson Joe Phelan and Mayor Gary Bassett provided an update on the Autism Supportive Community Initiative to Eliza Bozenski, host for Anderson Center for Autism 1 in 36 podcast, on June 6th, 2023.
Listen HERE
Announcements Featuring Our Autism Supportive Community
The Village of Rhinebeck Autism Supportive Community is a program to train volunteers, businesses, and community leaders to help make the community more welcoming for people on the autism spectrum and with other disabilities.
In 2018/2019, with funding awarded from the Thomas Thompson Trust, The Anderson Center for Autism has collaborated with the Village of Rhinebeck to support an effort to establish the Village of Rhinebeck as an Autism Supportive Community. The Village Committee is chaired by Joe Phelan.
Autism Supportive Community Committee goals include:
Increasing awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder
Educating businesses about the supports they can offer or adding to original supports put in place
Encouraging people with autism and their family and friends to visit the Village of Rhinebeck and its’ inclusive business community
Get Involved and Do Just One Thing.
It makes a big difference!
Businesses and organizations in the Village of Rhinebeck committed in 2019 to “Do One Thing.” As part of its efforts to become designated an Autism Supportive Community, those who sign on to the Do One Thing effort in Rhinebeck will pledge to make at least one adjustment to their facilities or to the way they operate. The objective is to create atmospheres throughout the village that are more supportive for people with Autism and their families.
Please view (and support!) the business in this list on the Anderson Center’s website:
www.andersoncenterforautism.org/autism-supportive-community
You may also make a donation to the program at that link.
For information on the Autism Supportive Community initiative and how businesses/organizations can obtain free training to become an Autism Supportive Environment, contact Lisa Susczynski at LSusczynski@andersoncares.org or 845-889-9616.
For a list of autism friendly destinations, please click here.
ASC Events
Chamber After Hours at Terrapin
Around 30 attendees were on hand, along with ASC committee members.
A special shout out to Jennifer Zanger, from Ramapo, Anderson Center's Kathleen Marshall, Committee Chair Joe Phalen, and Committee member/Rhinebeck Village Mayor Gary Bassett.
It was a special evening when The Anderson Center honoree, Gary Bassett, was recognized for his leadership on behalf of our community's neurodiverse residents & visitors.
Thank you to Terrapin, Ruge's, and the Rhinebeck Masonic Lodge for supporting our event!
ASC Committee at Ramapo for Children - 11/14/23
Ramapo for Children hosted the Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce breakfast.
Jennifer Zanger, Chief Development Officer and Autism Support Community committee member, lead a dynamic presentation regarding the various programs & offerings that support the growth & potential of Ramapo's young people.
ASC committee members in attendance were Joe Phelan, Chair, Mayor Gary Bassett, Emily Davidson, Kathleen Marshall, Josh Kroner, & Marlene Payne
