IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

 The TIES program is guided by a district Coordinator and encompasses three groups of individuals: the participants, their volunteer partners, and the activity leader who is the adult in charge of the proposed activity.

 The Coordinator.  The Coordinator is selected by the school district from interested applicants and is ideally the parent of a child receiving special education services.  The role requires the following qualifications: 

¨      Strong knowledge of developmental disabilities 

¨      Familiarity with resources and services in the school district and community 

¨      Effective communication and interpersonal skills 

¨      Strong organizational skills 

¨      Ability to deliver presentations to groups 

¨      Ability to build and coordinate a team of volunteers 

¨      Willingness to be active in the community 

¨      Desire and ability to promote teamwork among the family, school district and community. 

The Coordinator begins with an active recruitment process using a variety of approaches to invite students and community activity leaders to join the TIES program.  The constituent groups are introduced to TIES in the following ways:

¨      TIES participant families - An introductory information/application package is mailed from the office of the Director of Special Education to all students with developmental disabilities, ages 8 to 21.  The application form is focused on interests, experience and support requirements. 

¨      TIES student volunteers - The TIES Coordinator welcomes 8th through 12th grade students, in both general and special education settings, to volunteer as support partners, using an application form similar to the participant’s. 

¨      Community activity leaders/instructors - The TIES Coordinator shares information, through meetings and mailings, with administrators of local community organizations.