TAC Social

Our goal is to create a community where youth with physical disabilities are empowered and supported.

What is Tac Social?

Inclusive Friendship.

TAC Social is a peer group for adolescents with physical disabilities co-led by adult mentors with physical disabilities. We provide an environment where youth will learn to advocate for themselves, while creating lifelong friendships, ultimately developing into young adults with an increased sense of independence, confidence, and happiness.

Our mission is to provide opportunities to adolescents with physical disabilities that foster their social, emotional, and mental health. We provide support, resources, and experiences. We believe inclusivity is about creating community.

Program info

Where Inclusive Friendship Thrives

What?

Our program offers a variety of activities and outings with both educational and social experiences where members will learn, share, grow and have fun! We provide an environment where youth will make friends, learn to advocate for themselves, and develop into young adults with an increased sense of independence and confidence. 

TAC Social mentors will attend all events and outings with the youth group and the TAC Social team. Mentors will serve as role models who will offer support, provide resources, help them to gain confidence in being independent, and encourage them to develop relationships with their peers. All of our mentors have completed and passed background checks.

To achieve the goals listed below, the majority of the events are drop-off only. 

Goals

Member Goals

  • Social and Emotional Growth
  • Relationship Development
  • Independence and Self-Advocacy
  • Community Immersion

 Community Goals

  • Equity
  • Inclusion
  • Accessibility
  • Collaboration

Who?

Individuals ages 10 to 18 who have a disability that is primarily physical.

Participants should be:

  • interested in engaging with peers and participating socially and emotionally through activities in a group setting
  • Comfortable managing activities of daily life, independently communicating any needs they may have, for a 2-3 hour timeframe.

While we accept and welcome all abilities from ages 10-18, this program is specifically tailored to those who primarily identify as having a physical disability. Our mentors have lived experience with physical disabilities, but may not have the same understanding in the EBD and IDD space. We are happy to refer you to other wonderful peer programs in the area!

When?

Events and outings are typically hosted the second Saturday of each month. Visit our Events Calendar for the most up to date schedule. 

Questions?

If you have any questions about the TAC Social program please email Becky Diamond

TAC Social Partners

volunteering

Become a Mentor

The Ability Center (TAC) mentors provide support, encouragement and real world advice to mentees (ages 10-18). Mentoring creates a trusting and helpful relationship between two people. Mentors assist with the navigation and problem solving of daily life activities based on personal experiences. They serve as role models who will occasionally push mentees to go outside their comfort zone, teach life skills, provide resources, help gain confidence and independence, and encourage the development of relationships with their peers.

Mentor Requirements

Have a disability that is primarily physical

Mentor-in-training: 18 years old or a senior in high school 

Mentor: 19 years old or graduated from high school

Maintain confidentiality with any shared information between mentors and mentees

Commit to attending at least eight events each year
(there are typically 12-18 events per year)

Complete and pass a background check

Mentors are expected to:

Support the mission and goals of TAC  

Follow the same guidelines and procedures
as TAC staff members

Get to know your mentee

Be positive, patient and dependable

Be consistent, but flexible

Encourage, praise and compliment

Be an active listener

Give concrete explanations

Be fair, straight, honest and sincere

Ask for opinions and participation in
decision-making.

Share your knowledge rather than giving advice

Be enthusiastic – it’s contagious

Use mistakes as learning experiences

Tell your mentee about yourself, especially memories from your youth at that age

Be open to what your mentee can teach you

Honor your commitment and have fun

Mentors will not:

Expect to have instant rapport with your mentee

Tell them what to do (instead, you should suggest, invite, encourage)

Share personal problems unless it is to explain your current disposition (e.g. tired or irritable)

Make promises you can’t keep

Be afraid to admit that you do not know an answer or that you have made a mistake instead, find the correct answer and learn together. It helps the mentee to see that you are learning too

Interpret a lack of enthusiasm as a personal rejection or reaction to you

Violate confidences, with the single exception of crisis intervention situations

(Adapted from “Disability:IN Mentorship Best Practices”)

Questions?

If you have any questions about the TAC Social program please email Becky Diamond

Partner with us