EXPERT UPDATE Sibshops: Celebrations of the Contributions Made by Brothers and Sisters
What are Sibshops?
For the adults who run them and for the agencies that sponsor them, Sibshops are evidence of the loving concern for the family member who will have the longest-lasting relationship with a person who has a disability.
However, for the kids who attend them, Sibshops are pedal-to-the-metal events where they meet other siblings, or sibs, (usually for the first time), have fun, laugh, talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sib with special needs. They play some great games, learn about the services their brothers and sisters receive and have more fun. More than 400 Sibshops have been established in almost every state and in eight countries.
Are Sibshops a form of therapy?
Sibshops may be “therapeutic” for kids to attend, but they are not therapy. Sibshops takes a wellness perspective. They’re a celebration of the many lifelong contributions made by brothers and sisters of people with special health and developmental needs.
Who attends Sibshops?
Sibs, of course! Most Sibshops are for siblings of kids with developmental concerns. Increasingly, Sibshops are being offered for brothers and sisters of kids with health concerns and we’re beginning to see Sibshops emerge for sibs of kids with mental health concerns. While Sibshops were developed for sibs 8-to-13-years-old, they are being offered for sibs as young as six and for teens as well.
Who sponsors Sibshops?
A wide range of agencies: early intervention centers, school districts, children’s hospitals, local Arc chapters, Easter Seals programs, autism societies, Down syndrome groups, developmental disabilities councils, Jewish community centers, churches, parks and recreation programs, etc. Often, local agencies work with other like-minded agencies to co-sponsor one Sibshop for all the brothers and sisters in a given community.
What is the impact of Sibshops?
According to a University of Washington survey of adults who attended Sibshops as kids, over 90% of the respondents said Sibshops had a positive effect on the feelings they had for their siblings. Sibshops taught coping strategies to over two-thirds of respondents; three-fourths reported that Sibshops affected their adult lives; and 94% said they would recommend Sibshops to others. The authors concluded: “The positive effects of the Sibshop program are not only apparent, but enduring.”
Are there Sibshops in Georgia?
Yes! Here are two:
Lekotek of Georgia Sibshop, Helene Prokesch
Lekotek of Georgia, Atlanta, GA
404.633.3430, mailto:
Georgia Sensory Assistance Project
Sibshops, Jennifer Garrett
University of Georgia College of Education
570 Aderhold Hall, Athens, GA
678.923.4185, mailto:
gsap.coe.uga.edu
The Georgia Sensory Assistance Project, based out of the University of Georgia, hosts Sibshops for children ages 7-12 and Teen Mentors ages 13-21. These Sibshops are designed for brothers and sisters of individuals with deaf-blindness as well as other disabilities. Sibshops are held three or more times per year in the Atlanta area and other areas of Georgia.
How can I start a Sibshop in my community?
Visit the Sibling Support Project’s website or call us for more info:
http://www.siblingsupport.org
mailto:
206.297.6368
Another expert resource from Don Meyer:
The Sibling Survival Guide: Indispensable Information for Brothers and Sisters of Adults with Disabilities
(2014, Woodbine House) http://www.woodbinehouse.com/main.asp?product_id=978-1-60613-013-1&.asp
Don Meyer is the director of the Sibling Support Project and is best known for creating Sibshops, programs for young brothers and sisters of kids with special needs.
Read more from the winter 2016 edition of Making A Difference here:
