“UPFRONT AND PERSONAL”

     Three of the Upfront and Personal stories in this issue are articles from families who have participated in the TIES program. TIES (Together Including Every Student) is an innovative approach to developing inclusive communities that offer friendship, growth, and socialization for all participants. The major goal of TIES is to increase the participation of students with developmental disabilities in extracurricular and community activities by creating effective naturalized support. Trained student volunteers provide individualized support to students with disabilities to maximize their belonging and success in the activity.

     ---From The Bridge, Vol. VII, Issue vi, December 1998, a publication of The Advocacy Center (www.advocacycenter.com), 277 Alexander St., Suite 500, Rochester, New York 14607; (585) 546 1700.

By Carolyn Campbell

“Ian heard David talk about camp and asked why he had to go to school even during the summer.

“Ian saw the art projects David brought home from the classes held by the Webster Parks and Recreation Department (WPRD) and didn't understand why he couldn't go too.

“Ian noticed his younger brother, David, got to go on field trips but Ian couldn't join him.

“My husband and I didn't think about these things when Ian was born almost ten years ago. When the doctors told us he had Down Syndrome, recreational opportunities were not foremost in our minds. And yet, here we are after years of Early Intervention, choosing a school program, toilet training (too many years of that), and all the therapies -here we are, trying to keep our son entertained, and fairly.

“I used to receive the WPRD and YMCA brochures and see offering after offering of things Ian couldn't do - without one of us accompanying him. What nine-year-old wants Mommy along when no one has a parent with him or her?

“TIES {Together Including Every Student) and WPRD came to our rescue. Last year, TIES provided a volunteer who accompanied Ian to a WPRD art class. Ian had a blast; I worried -nervously waiting for the phone to ring for the first hour. When the phone stayed silent, I began to relax, and to celebrate my son's entry into normal childhood recreation.

“It didn't stop there.

“Last summer, Ian went to camp. Camp! WPRD worked with the Webster School District to incorporate the children with special needs into their Fun Camp pro-gram; Ian was overjoyed, and still is. Not a week has gone by since that last day that he hasn't asked to go back to camp. It was a milestone experience for him.

“And just a few weeks ago, Ian joined David on a WPRD trip to Adventure- Quest, accompanied by a TIES volunteer.

“I no longer read through the WPRD and YMCA brochures thinking of Ian's limits, but of the possibilities. What a wonderful change for our point of view! And how exciting for Ian, who no longer feels left out, and who is proud that he can participate, just like everyone else.”

By Pam Stripe

“When I was asked to write about my daughter Ashley’s experience With TIES (Together Including Every Student) I was very excited. As a parent of a child with special needs it was great to be able to share a fun, positive and rewarding experience with other readers.

“Ashley is the eldest of five and has severe learning disabilities; her speech being the most difficult. From day one our goals for Ashley included inclusion—inclusion into every part of her life that was possible. The one area of inclusion that seemed to be more than the usual challenge was in the area of sports and recreational activities. This area was probably the most important since we had many other children involved in these activities.

“TIES promotes the participation of children/young adults with developmental disabilities in extracurricular and community activities by providing effective support. Participants join activities where they can develop recreational interests, learn about their community and have fun with peers. The TIES program has offered Ashley several opportunities to successfully participate in activities of her choice, things that provide enjoyment to her.

“One of Ashley's loves is swimming, so when the call came that there was a TIES volunteer to assist Ashley in a synchronized swimming class at the YMCA, we jumped all over the offer. Ashley ended up signing up for three six-week sessions. She looked forward to her Wednesday night classes, not only for the swimming, but she looked forward to spending time with her volunteer and also socializing with some new friends she had made.
Since joining the TIES family Ashley has enjoyed many rewarding experiences, which have fostered many new interests and friendships. TIES has also exposed us to many other great organizations in our community which help kids with disabilities enjoy life to the fullest.

By Linda Burke

“My son Patrick is 13 years old. He would like to go to summer camp, to floor hockey at the Y, to Amerks’ hockey and high school basketball games with his friends, and to play in sports leagues. He doesn't understand why he can't do some of the things that other kids do. Patrick has Down Syndrome, and even though he is very independent in many ways, he has the intellectual capability to know that he is different from other kids his age. It is hard for him to understand his limitations. I feel that it is my job as his mother to see that these things happen for him.”

“With the help of some volunteers from the TIES program, Patrick has been able to participate in an afternoon recreation program, play floor hockey at the Y, and attend an Amerks game. He is looking forward to attending a high school basketball game next month with a TIES volunteer {much more fun than going with Mom or Dad when you are thirteen!). He feels like a regular kid when he can do things with people his own age. With the help of TlES, a willing school system, recreation department and community, Patrick is able to have his wishes come true.”