|
| |
Young Siblings
Christiana's story: At age 7, Christiana had already learned much about
taking care of her four-year-old brother who had physical and cognitive
disabilities. She had learned that he wasn't learning the skills to become
independent like the sisters and brothers of her friends. One day as she was
playing soccer with her brother and mom (she helped him balance in his walker
and move his leg to kick the ball), she lifted her head and asked her mom, "When
you and Daddy die, will I be taking care of Phillip?"
| Most likely she will. It is estimated that over 60 percent of today's children
who have a brother or sister with a disability expect to care for their sibling
as adults, many caring for them in their own home at the expense of their own
family and career goals. Advances in medical care have dramatically increased
the life expectancies of people with disabilities so that most of these
individuals will outlive their parents. |
 |
For example, only half the children with
Down syndrome born in 1968 survived past their first birthday. By 1997, the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the median age of death had
risen to 49 years. Together with state and federal support decreasing and
waiting lists for services increasing, adult siblings will likely assume at
least the financial, emotional and social responsibilities of their brother or
sister, if not also their physical care and housing.
Acknowledging siblings' many unique opportunities is not to view their
experience from Pollyanna's perspective--many of these benefits are hard-earned.
One method of addressing these concerns is to utilize models specifically
designed for brothers and sisters of children with special needs. One model,
Sibshops, was developed
at the University of Washington's Child Development and Mental Retardation
Center by Don Meyer, M.Ed., director of the
Sibling Support Project.
The Sibling Support Project, provides training and technical assistance to
agencies wishing to create peer support and education programs for brothers and
sisters throughout the U.S. In addition to providing awareness training and
developing awareness and curricular materials, the Sibling Support Project
provides specific training on the Sibshop model.
|
|
|
Views from our World
sibshop
for children ages 6-12 who
have siblings
with special needs
Sat., oct 8
10am-2pm
oshkosh YMCA
or
Sat. Oct 22 10 am-2pm
Cerebral Palsy Center
2801 S. Webster Ave Green Bay
Register by October 6.
Cost: $12* per
child at the door OR
for discount rate of $7, register in advance as a
Super Sibshopper
*Financial assistance available if needed. Contact
FVSSN office
|
Siblings always enjoy this Sibshop, no matter what diagnosis their brother or
sister has...autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and any other developmental
disability or long-term illness. Its all about meeting other siblings with
experiences in common and having fun while better understanding their sibling’s
condition and their own role as a brother or sister.
SWIMMING—GAMES—FUN
and “Ask Any Question” session. PLUS our famous
SIBWAY
SANDWICH SHOPPE
Don't forget your swimsuit and towel.
Register by clicking
here or calling 920-968-1742.
|
| |
|
| |
|
.JPG)
Young sibs have a great time at SibDays of Summer
|
