TIES gives participants and volunteers the opportunity to develop:

Leisure skills

Community and School Connections

Friendships

What is TIES?

Together Including Every Student (TIES), developed in 1997 by two parents of children who have disabilities, promotes the participation of students and young adults who have developmental disabilities in inclusive, organized extracurricular and community activities through the support of trained student volunteers.

Participants (students age 8 - 21) who have developmental disabilities join activities where they can develop recreational interests, learn about their community, and have fun with peers.

Peer volunteers (students in grades 8-12) learn how to support participants according to their individual needs, gain more understanding of disabilities and diversity, and make a positive difference in a peer’s life.

Activity leaders create an experience where all individuals and talents are included, and promote community awareness and inclusion.

How does TIES work?

TIES is currently in place in more than 25 school districts throughout the Western, Central, and Finger Lakes regions of New York. 

TIES Coordinators work closely with the school districts to identify eligible participants, recruit and train peer volunteers, communicate with activity leaders, and make necessary arrangements for each activity.

Participants are children and young adults between the ages of 8 and 21 who have developmental disabilities. Individuals receive an application from the TIES Coordinator that asks about interests and what support is needed to be successful. Support is individualized and can be in physical, social/behavioral, or language areas. Participants list the activities they would like to join or request information about desired activities. The Coordinator discusses the chosen activities and needed support with the participant and/or parents. An individualized plan is developed that guides the peer volunteer’s support. The Coordinator also communicates with the activity leader to introduce the TIES program and assess what individual accommodations may be needed.

We encourage you to help your child take advantage of the many extracurricular activities that our schools and community have to offer by participating in TIES! For more information about the TIES Program, please visit Starbridge TIES Information.