Originally founded by two parents, TIES has grown to approximately 420 participants regionally and over 950 volunteers. TIES provides students who have disabilities the opportunity to fully engage in activities that they would have otherwise refrained from joining or done so only with the direct supervision of an adult.  

Trained student volunteers in grades 8-12 serve as peer mentors to students who have developmental disabilities so they can successfully participate in an afterschool club, a town recreational program, or a community activity. While volunteers may accrue hours to satisfy the community service requirement for specific courses, most report that the experience has provided far more.

Attica has a long-established tradition of inclusion and believe strongly in the value of diversity. All children are entitled to participate in meaningful ways across the full range of the educational experience and TIES provides another venue by which to provide these essential experiences. Participants and volunteers, alike, develop a positive understanding of themselves and others, along with a respect for similarities and differences. Providing more naturalized support to students enhances involvement, encourages engagement, promotes independence and facilitates socialization. Since the activities chosen are driven by student interest and choice, a greater sense of autonomy and feelings of efficacy are natural by-products of participation in the program.