BACKGROUND

      The TIES program is the happy offspring of parent/government union, developed by two parents of children with developmental disabilities in 1997 in response to a New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council request for innovative, cost effective ideas to enhance the quality of life, productivity and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities. 

     The principles of inclusive education have been mandated by federal statute and are in various stages of implementation throughout the country.   However, extending this principle to the social arena, universally recognized as an essential part of life’s experience, learning and enjoyment, has been left largely to chance.

      The goal is to provide a secure and informed environment that is also free from too much adult intervention, so children with disabilities can take part in traditional community and extra curricular activities in the most natural possible manner.

      The program employs a coordinator to work in close conjunction with the school district to identify eligible participants, recruit and train volunteers, communicate with activity leaders and make the necessary arrangements for each activity.

A program of the Advocacy Center