A new program at NIU will allow peers with and without disabilities to participate together in their common world.

Natural Ties, a program created in 1988, integrates people with disabilities into organizations and lets them share common activities.

Most importantly, Natural Ties creates new friendships and provides hope for the disabled community.

Patrick Hughes, a graduate of the University of Kansas, began the program. He had met a person with a disability who inspired him to create Natural Ties.

Signe Ruddy, Natural Ties campus coordinator and NIU student, saw Hughes speak and subsequently initiated the program here.

“We have just started the program and hope that it will really take off,” Ruddy said.

“The people who have disabilities, or ‘ties,’ who are involved in the program are from Opportunity House and other local agencies,” she said.

Alpha Sigma Alpha was the first organization at NIU to begin involvement with Natural Ties. Alpha Phi also is involved with the program.

Merritt Arndt, sophomore Alpha Sigma Alpha member, said she will try to meet her tie once a week for an hour or two.

“We’re hoping to get it to be a regular thing, for instance meeting every Monday, to make sure the people involved can be available each week,” Arndt said.

Krista Jones, sophomore Alpha Phi member, will be matched up with her tie from the community this week.

“I’m really excited about it,” Jones said. “I’m looking forward to becoming friends with my tie.”

Even though people in each organization will graduate, it’s hoped the friendship with the organization will continue with its new members.

Arndt said she thinks the program is a great idea. “People should take a look at how important what we’re doing is, and how important it is to give something back to the community,” she said.

“These are fun people and it can really be beneficial for everyone,” Arndt said.

Arndt is not the only one from her house making ties. “There are about seven other girls from our house who are interested in getting involved.”

Jones says she knows other people who are interested also. “There are about 15 other girls in my house who are interested. They really want to get involved with this,” Jones said.

Ruddy said she has high hopes for the future of the program. “We would eventually like to have every greek organization at NIU involved,” she said.

Ruddy said the Natural Ties program is just the start. “Community integration will definitely be happening in the future. It’s something you can count on,” she said.

For more information about getting involved with Natural Ties, call Ruddy at 758-7498.