TIES Program
What is TIES? TIES = Together Including Every Student
TIES (Together Including Every Student) is a program which promotes the participation of children/young adults with developmental disabilities in the Sweet Home CSD in extracurricular and community activities. Student volunteers assist their peers in these activities by providing natural and effective support.
Participants and volunteers join a wide variety of activities, such as after school clubs, dances, activity nights and sports games. Students can also participate in supervised, inclusive community activities such as sports, dance, martial arts, Girl/Boy Scouts, and activities at the Amherst Youth and Recreation Department, etc. The activities are chosen by the participant.
Volunteers 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. Volunteers complete an application and attend a 45-minute training session at their school or virtually. There is no minimum time commitment, volunteers can work based on their own schedule and earn community service hours. We are always excited to welcome new volunteers!
Participants are children and young adults between the ages of 8 and 22 who have developmental disabilities. The participants join activities where they can develop recreational interests, learn about their community, and have fun with peers. Participants will be able to choose meaningful activities they would like to participate in, both in school and in the community. Support from a peer volunteer is individualized and can be in physical, social/behavioral, or language areas.
You can read more about the program on the TIES website and through their brochure.
You can find the participant application here.
For more information on the Sweet Home TIES program, contact Laura Maciejewski, TIES Coordinator: lmaciejewski@starbridgeinc.org
