Program Quick Clicks: Already a Member? Login to POL now! Ready to Join? Submit an online youth or adult application. Or contact Meryl Libbey at mlibbey@pyd.org or 617-556-4075 x19. Be Our Guest! Check out forums that are public.

Partners Online Program (POL)

Partners Online was created to enable youth and adults with disabilities to share resources, advice and encouragement through mentoring relationships made possible with technology. Partners Online offers a secure online community with forums and chat rooms and much more. Youth who are 14-24 have access to forums and weekly chats that bring them together with other youth throughout Massachusetts as well as Mentors, who can offer much needed advice. Forums and Chats cover topics from independent living to sports to managing stress. Check out our forums that are public and open to guests by signing on as a Youth Guest. Submit an application to access all the discussion forums, chat rooms, mail and talk with other participants.

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Be matched with a Partner!

In addition to participating in the Partners Online group mentoring program youth can request to be matched in a one-to-one relationship with a mentor. For more information, read about the Mentor Match Program. If you wish to be matched, go to the program applications page and complete the appropriate application. Note: All mentors must complete an application, interview, criminal background and reference checks.

Partners Online for Parents

Parents need just as much support but cannot always find the time in their day. Partners Online Parent Forums give you the flexibility to seek advice and support anytime. No question will go unanswered. There is no better support for you than other parents and our Mentors who have been there. Check out our forums that are public and open to guests. Submit an application to access all the discussion forums, chat rooms, mail and talk with other participants.

Program Requirements:

• Youth must be aged 14-24 and complete Partners Online Group Mentoring or Youth Programs Application
• Partners Online Adults must apply for acceptance as a mentor first.
• Parents must complete the Parent Connection Application.
• Must have a valid email address (this is not shared with other members of the community but is necessary to activate an account.*
• Try to Log-in weekly to check messages, announcements and respond to other user posts
• Complete your user Profile
• Complete a program satisfaction survey (this helps us improve the program and continue to secure funding support)

* If no email presently, we recommend a free web-based account such as hotmail or yahoo mail.

Program Benefits:

• Partners Online offers a safe, and respectful environment where youth and parents can seek support and advice from others who have "been there".
• You get what you give - the more you participate the more you benefit from the community.
• You can feel good about helping someone else!

Partners Online Program Support

Partners Online (POL) was made possible through funding from the US Department of Commerce Technology Opportunities Program, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, and the Boston Foundation.   Additional support for the Partners Online national replication project was provided by the NEC Foundation of America (www.necfoundation.org).  The POL program was founded in 2001. 

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A Success Story on the Partners Online Program