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.
