
"Resources for Siblings,"
By Bethany Light, Leader of the Cerebral Palsy Group
Resources for siblings of those with disabilities have been growing rapidly in recent years! Depending on the area you live in, you even get options on the kind of support you want. For those of us in rural areas, there are even online resources. See below:
One resource is the Sibling Support Project. It was founded in 1990, started sibling workshops called SibShops, and have several age-based online support groups (SibTeen, Sib20, and SibNet). As the name implies, they are all about providing support to siblings of those with disabilities and other health concerns, at every stage of life. While they’re not for everyone, I really enjoy being a part of the Facebook groups; I started in SibTeen, and am now a member of the Sib20 and SibNet groups. Whichever group you’re in, it is a great place to vent, share happy news about your sibling that your other friends might not understand, and to get advice. No one outside of the group can see the posts, and only siblings are allowed to join. While I’ve never attended a SibShop, they seem really cool. It is a time and place for younger sibs to get together with other sibs. Teenage sibs can volunteer to help out with activities, and adult sibs can go through the training to host one. Find out more on their website!
There is also the Sibling Leadership Network which is a resource to help advocate for your sibling. They offer webinars, have state chapters, and host conferences. Becoming a member is free and easy. After joining, they recommend joining one of four committees: research, policy & advocacy, chapter development, and diversity & social justice. Find out more at their website!
If your sibling has cancer, there is another site called SuperSibs! They offer a section of the website with special activities just for you, an option to share your story, and they’ll mail you different resources and fun activities. Their goal is to provide encouragement and fun in such a turbulent and challenging time. Find out more on their website!
For more one-on-one support, there is always counseling. While not everyone is open to it, it can be a very helpful option. A counselor can teach coping methods for working through emotions, help you make a plan and goals, and help you find your own identity. A medical doctor could give you a referral, and most college campuses have a counseling center available. The search for a therapist who is familiar with sibling issues and understanding may be rough, but you may be able to get suggestions within the sibling community, either online or in person.
Of course, you also have family and friends. Don’t forget to look around and see who’s there. Don’t count yourself alone, if you have neighbors or close trusted friends to rely on and/or confide in. I know, it can be different relying on people you see and know. I’m not saying vent all your frustrations to them, but know they are there.
There are tons of books, movies, and now, even some TV shows about those with special needs and their families. The Sibling Support Project’s Amazon Store has a ton of books available. (http://astore.amazon.com/thesibsuppro-20). TV shows like Speechless (ABC Family) or Atypical (Netflix) are recent examples. The Fundamentals of Caring (Netflix), Tru Confessions (Disney), and My Sister’s Keeper are all examples of movies. More movies can be found at http://www.toptenz.net/10-movies-get-people-special-needs-right.php
If you are looking for more suggestions or if you have questions, feel free to contact us here. We are happy to help.
Siblings with a Mission is a non-profit, international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for educational purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
By Bethany Light, Leader of the Cerebral Palsy Group
Resources for siblings of those with disabilities have been growing rapidly in recent years! Depending on the area you live in, you even get options on the kind of support you want. For those of us in rural areas, there are even online resources. See below:
One resource is the Sibling Support Project. It was founded in 1990, started sibling workshops called SibShops, and have several age-based online support groups (SibTeen, Sib20, and SibNet). As the name implies, they are all about providing support to siblings of those with disabilities and other health concerns, at every stage of life. While they’re not for everyone, I really enjoy being a part of the Facebook groups; I started in SibTeen, and am now a member of the Sib20 and SibNet groups. Whichever group you’re in, it is a great place to vent, share happy news about your sibling that your other friends might not understand, and to get advice. No one outside of the group can see the posts, and only siblings are allowed to join. While I’ve never attended a SibShop, they seem really cool. It is a time and place for younger sibs to get together with other sibs. Teenage sibs can volunteer to help out with activities, and adult sibs can go through the training to host one. Find out more on their website!
There is also the Sibling Leadership Network which is a resource to help advocate for your sibling. They offer webinars, have state chapters, and host conferences. Becoming a member is free and easy. After joining, they recommend joining one of four committees: research, policy & advocacy, chapter development, and diversity & social justice. Find out more at their website!
If your sibling has cancer, there is another site called SuperSibs! They offer a section of the website with special activities just for you, an option to share your story, and they’ll mail you different resources and fun activities. Their goal is to provide encouragement and fun in such a turbulent and challenging time. Find out more on their website!
For more one-on-one support, there is always counseling. While not everyone is open to it, it can be a very helpful option. A counselor can teach coping methods for working through emotions, help you make a plan and goals, and help you find your own identity. A medical doctor could give you a referral, and most college campuses have a counseling center available. The search for a therapist who is familiar with sibling issues and understanding may be rough, but you may be able to get suggestions within the sibling community, either online or in person.
Of course, you also have family and friends. Don’t forget to look around and see who’s there. Don’t count yourself alone, if you have neighbors or close trusted friends to rely on and/or confide in. I know, it can be different relying on people you see and know. I’m not saying vent all your frustrations to them, but know they are there.
There are tons of books, movies, and now, even some TV shows about those with special needs and their families. The Sibling Support Project’s Amazon Store has a ton of books available. (http://astore.amazon.com/thesibsuppro-20). TV shows like Speechless (ABC Family) or Atypical (Netflix) are recent examples. The Fundamentals of Caring (Netflix), Tru Confessions (Disney), and My Sister’s Keeper are all examples of movies. More movies can be found at http://www.toptenz.net/10-movies-get-people-special-needs-right.php
If you are looking for more suggestions or if you have questions, feel free to contact us here. We are happy to help.
Siblings with a Mission is a non-profit, international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for educational purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.