Press Releases

Binghamton, NY – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) today hosted a ‘Think DIFFERENTLY Day of Action.’ Today built off Rep. Molinaro’s nationally recognized ‘Think DIFFERENTLY’ initiative, which he created in 2015 to break down barriers for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.

During the day, Rep. Molinaro and his Think DIFFERENTLY Advisory Committee hosted a panel discussion at the Broome County Chamber of Commerce to talk about the Think DIFFERENTLY initiative, followed by visits to ACHIEVE, Stable Movements Horse Stable, Southern Tier Independence Center (STIC), and A Home of My Own. Standing at GiGi's Playhouse Southern Tier, Rep. Molinaro also called for passage of his Think DIFFERENTLY Legislative Package, a series of bills that remove barriers in key areas of society for individuals with disabilities.

Rep. Molinaro said, “Today was a call to action. As the father of four children, one of whom lives on the Autism spectrum, I know we can do better. We can remove barriers in society to create a society that recognizes, includes, and celebrates every person of every ability. My  Think DIFFERENTLY Legislative Package is a great place to start. It makes key areas in society like education, farming, and transportation more inclusive, and takes important steps to create communities that embrace the unique strengths and contributions of every person. I’m calling for passage of this package in Congress and for our community to identify opportunities in their own lives to embrace the spirit of Think DIFFERENTLY.”

Rep. Molinaro’s Think DIFFERENTLY package includes:

• The Think DIFFERENTLY Transportation Act, a bipartisan bill that forces Amtrak to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• The Think DIFFERENTLY About Emergencies Act, a bipartisan bill that ensures individuals with disabilities and their families have access to resources to safely recover after a natural disaster strikes.

• The Down Syndrome Diagnosis Act, a bipartisan bill that helps parents and families navigate a new Down Syndrome diagnosis and ensure their child receives high quality care.

• The Think DIFFERENTLY About Education Act, a bipartisan bill that helps parents of children with disabilities advocate for the resources their child needs to succeed in school.

• The Think DIFFERENTLY Agriculture Accessibility Act, a bipartisan bill that breaks down barriers for farmers and farm families with disabilities. 

• The Think DIFFERENTLY About Emergencies Act, a bipartisan bill that ensures individuals with disabilities and their families have access to resources to safely recover after a natural disaster strikes.

• The Autism Family Caregivers Act, a bipartisan bill that provides caregiver skills to families who care for children with autism spectrum disorder.

• The Think DIFFERENTLY Database Act, a bipartisan bill that creates a comprehensive and easy-to-access website with support services and resources for individuals with disabilities.