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TIES Program

Together Including Every Student

 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 (Participants) who have developmental disabilities in inclusive, organized extracurricular and community activities through the support of trained student Volunteers.

Fairport TIES Program Coordinator

Kristen Lopez

(585) 233-2839

Fairport Special Education Department

Sarah Klosner or Pam Ciranni

(585) 421-2038

Fax: (585) 421-8114 

How Do I Get Involved?

Use the links below to apply to be a volunteer or participant! Already a TIES participant? Check out the school calendar on the home page of each school building, and contact TIES if you would like the support of a Volunteer at school events!

  • Volunteer Application

    Click here to have fun and make a positive difference in the life of a fellow Red Raider!

  • Participant Application

    Hey Red Raider! Click here to join the fun and get connected with a TIES Volunteer!

Participants

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

Peer Volunteers

Students (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 long is each activity?

An activity may be one event, such as attending a school dance or after school football game, or an ongoing class (dance, martial arts, music, gymnastics) or continuing participation in a community organization such as Scouts. If an activity is ongoing, two or more peer volunteers may share the commitment.

What does an activity look like?

It can be any organized recreational or extracurricular school activity in which students typically take part. TIES arranges a trained student partner for each participant to facilitate a successful experience for all members of the group.

Two people are in a swimming pool, one is helping the other.            Two men in a gym setting, one lifting a barbell while the other watches.

Raider Nation Pride!

What are people saying about TIES?

A young couple smiles for a photo, the woman in a blue gown, the man in a suit.A woman and a boy smile at the camera on a tennis court.

~Volunteers are amazing! (MANY parents and activity leaders)

~we had peace of mind while our son enjoyed an activity (from parent)

~TIES Volunteer was enthusiastic (from parent)

~Having someone to ski with and help me be brave going up in the chair and have fun was most meaningful (from Participant)

~feeling like our son was a part of something his peers do on a regular basis was most meaningful (from parent)

~I learned the benefit a great match (volunteer) can have on a child's self esteem (from parent)

~My son really enjoys feeling like he belongs (from parent)

~Volunteer was patient, fun and absolutely awesome (from parent and Participant)

~TIES is an excellent program for inclusive opportunities (parents) 

~I liked the Halloween dance event, it was very enjoyable (from Volunteer)

~it was a fun activity to do with the Participant (from Volunteer)

~I learned to have better patience (from Volunteer)

Activities

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Participants who have developmental disabilities join activities where they can develop recreational interests, learn about their community, and have fun with peers.

    Peer 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.

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

  • For Participants

    First step, if you are interested in joining as a Participant and are at least 8 years of age, complete the application. Our TIES Coordinator will contact you to complete the application process. This involves a brief phone conversation to get specifics to better support the Participant.

    Second step, you find the school/community/church event you would like a Volunteer to support the Participant in and share that specific information with the Coordinator. 

    Next, the Coordinator will match Participant with Volunteer and work with you to create an Individual Support Plan (ISP). This ISP will assist the Volunteer and Activity Leader (adult in charge of the event) in providing appropriate guidance and support. It will also give the Volunteer talking points and ways to encourage social interactions with peers while enjoying the activity.

    While most activities are initiated from the Participant or Parent/Care Giver, TIES does at times offer some activities. Examples of activities include Drumming Circles (Self-Direction eligibility required), Cooking classes, and free activities offered through SUNY Brockport.

    For Volunteers

    First step, if you are in grades 8-12,  complete the Volunteer Application. Be sure to list references who are not related to you. Next, attend a brief training (30-45 minutes) about the TIES Program and ways you can support Participants. And get some free snacks! Next, the Coordinator will reach out to the References listed on the application and then you are all set to support a Participant! The Coordinator will contact you as Participants request Volunteers. An Individual Support Plan will be share with you so you have some talking points and strategies to support the Participant. It's that easy! 

  • No. Participants and Volunteers must have their own methods of transportation. 

  • No. TIES offers Volunteers to support Participants who want to engage in activities in our Community but may need assistance from a Peer to be successful. Parents/Care givers must register the Participant in an activity and pay any fees that may be involved with the activity. 

  • No. Registration fees for Volunteers are paid for by TIES or waived by the agency coordinating the activity.

  • Possibilities are endless. 

    Activities can be –

    • A single event, such as a school dance or after-school football game.

    • An ongoing class, such as cooking, dance, martial arts, music, or gymnastics.

    • Ongoing participation in a community organization, such as Scouts.

    • A Drumming Circle.

    A great place to start is your school. Are there after school activities or clubs the Participant is interested in? What community resources do you want to participate in? Church? the Perinton Rec Center? The Y? Local Karate studio? Reach out to your Coordinator to seek input or ask for resources. Participants are able to sign up for any community event/activity with an Activity Leader (adult in charge).

  • You are encouraged to speak directly with the Activity leader during the activity or reach out to the TIES Coordinator. The Coordinator is there to answer questions or address any concerns you may have as a Participant or a Volunteer.

  • Together Including Every Student (TIES) was developed in 1997 by two parents of children who have disabilities and is currently in over 25 school districts across New York State.