Together Including Every Student (TIES)

• Participants: Students and young adults (ages 8 –22) with developmental and intellectual disabilities who join activities to build recreational interests, connect with peers, and have fun.
   
• Peer Volunteers: Students in grades 8–12 who support participants based on their individual needs, gain understanding of disabilities and diversity, and make a positive difference in their peers’ lives.
   
• Activity Leaders: Adults in charge of the activity who ensure all individuals are included and help foster community awareness and inclusion.

For Participants

1. Complete the Participant Application (must be at least 8 years old).
2. The TIES Coordinator will contact you for a short phone interview to learn more about the participant’s needs.
3. Choose a school, community, or event activity you’d like support for and share details with the coordinator.
4. The coordinator will match the participant with a volunteer and create an Individual Support Plan (ISP). This plan helps volunteers and activity leaders provide appropriate support and encourages positive peer interactions.

For Volunteers

1. Complete the Volunteer Application (grades 8–12). Be sure to include non-related references.
2. Attend a short, 30-minute training on the TIES Program and how to support participants.
3. The coordinator will check your references, then you’re ready to volunteer! You’ll be contacted when a participant requests a peer volunteer, and the coordinator will share their ISP so you feel prepared.

No. Participants and volunteers must arrange their own transportation to and from activities.

No. TIES does not host activities. Instead, it provides trained volunteers to support participants in existing school or community activities. Parents/caregivers are responsible for registering participants and paying any associated fees.

The possibilities are endless!

Examples include:

• A single event (school dance, football game)
• An ongoing class (dance, music, cooking, martial arts, gymnastics)
• A community group (Scouts, youth group, drumming circle)

A great place to start is your school—check out after-school clubs or local community programs (Williamsville Community Education, YMCA, karate studios, etc.). The TIES Coordinator can also help brainstorm options and provide resources.

No. Volunteer registration fees are covered by TIES or waived by the hosting organization.

Volunteers can:

• Speak with the Activity Leader during the event, or
• Reach out directly to the TIES Coordinator for guidance or support.

• All activities are existing, structured, and supervised by an Activity Leader.
• The coordinator connects with the leader and provides them with the participant’s support plan.
• Safety concerns are addressed with families and included in the plan.

The coordinator conducts a phone interview with the parent/guardian to gather details about the participant’s strengths, needs, and helpful strategies.