Fall is here and winter is approaching, but that doesn’t mean fun and recreation need to be put on hold. Luckily, a number of organizations offer a variety of activities your kids can enjoy.



Does your child (age 8-21) need support to participate in a school or community class or activity? Then you will want to check out Starbridge’s TIES program – Together Including Every Student! Read on for more details. 

Best to you and yours,

Maria Schaertel

All Activities For All Abilities Together! Would your child like to attend an after-school club, a sporting event at school, an activity through your Parks and Recreation Department, or YMCA?

TIES promotes the participation of students and young adults who have developmental disabilities in inclusive, organized extracurricular and community activities through the support of trained peer volunteers. 

Students who aren’t attending inclusive activities because they do not have the support or are attending with the support of an adult, such as a parent, teacher or paraprofessional, can now attend any activity of their choice with a peer!

Participants join activities where they can develop recreational interests, learn about their community, and have fun with peers. Support is individualized and can be in physical, social/behavioral, or language areas.

The Coordinator discusses the chosen activities and needed support with the participant and parents. An individualized plan is developed that guides the peer volunteer’s support.

Peer volunteers (students within the school district in grades 8 to 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. After completing an application form and training, volunteers are paired with participants based on mutual interests, personal attributes, and availability.

TIES Parent Perspective

“TIES has been impacting my daughter and my family for many years. My daughter, Bethany is now 17 years old. When TIES first came to our district, we began regularly availing ourselves of this magnificent program. Over the years, we have used TIES volunteers so that Bethany could participate in activities with her typical peers such as gymnastics, swimming, girl scouts, and dance.

TIES volunteers have made it possible for Bethany to go to choral retreats at school as well as the homecoming dance, musical try-outs, and community theater productions. This school year Bethany made the high school musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She is SO excited and two of her friends are her TIES volunteers. These two girls are also in the musical. They sit together during rehearsals and her TIES volunteers help Bethany with difficult dance steps. TIES has made it possible for Bethany to do what she loves most - musical theater - with her typical peers!!!” 

For more information, please contact Kathy Costello, TIES Program Director, at [email protected] or (585) 414-5345 and see www.starbridgeinc.org/ties-program.