New Video from The Arc Highlights Why FMLA Must Include Siblings

November 21, 2019

A new video from The Arc of the United States highlights why paid leave is a vital tool for families, including siblings, and people with disabilities. At some point almost everyone will need to take time off of work to care for themselves or a family member. But while the Family and Medical Leave Act…

Supported Decision-Making: Evan’s Story

October 7, 2019

In an article on the value of supported decision-making, sibling Emma Shouse shares: “Supporting someone like my brother to make decisions effectively requires some forethought and commitment on behalf of everyone involved in the meeting to “listen” to someone who has not yet figured out the best way to make himself “heard”. It’s my hope…

Travels With My Brother: A Sibling Adventure

August 12, 2019

by Nikki Donnelly There are many things that my brother contributes to my life, but the ability to see the world through his perspective is one of the best. Recently I attended the Sibling Leadership Network Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota. I have travelled extensively throughout the United States; you can say I am a…

Caring for Siblings After Parents Pass Away

July 8, 2019

In an insightful post for Black Youth Project, Ariam Alula, a member of the Sibling Leadership Network’s NY chapter, reflects on how to care for her brother with autism and his mental health after her parents pass away: “My parents have long avoided having the talk with me about how I can take care of…

Article Spotlight: “The Mistake We Made When Planning for the Future of My Sister With Down Syndrome”

January 30, 2019

Phillip Clark reminds readers that when planning for the futures of siblings with disabilities, it’s absolutely crucial to include your sibling in the conversation: “We had the best intentions. We strived to create a great future for my younger sister, Sarah, who has Down syndrome, no matter what future events would transpire. For weeks, we spent many…

A Self-Advocate’s Perspective

January 1, 2019

The SLN asked Liz Weintraub, a self-advocate who works for the Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD), about her experience with her siblings, and why siblings matter. SLN: Tell us a bit about your family. Liz: I have three sisters, and I am close to all of them. One of them lives close by,…

MASTER WOODY by Ann Talman

January 1, 2019

My parents faced heartbreaking decisions in the early 1950s when choosing what was best for their little boy Woody, born with severe cerebral palsy in 1948. Woody was diagnosed at age two as a non-verbal, spastic quad and his life expectancy was 12. His gifts are mental brilliance and a sweet disposition. At 8 years,…

From Meghan Burke, SLN Research Committee Co-Chair and Assistant Professor of Special Education at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

January 1, 2019

Ryan is my 20 year old brother. He loves broadway plays, movies, television shows, and bowling. Most weekends, we go out to eat at restaurants, get frozen yogurt, and watch movies at my apartment. Ryan also has Down syndrome. Most people focus on what I provide Ryan; however, he has given me so much…

The Value of Sibling Support

September 25, 2018

An article from Bloom highlights the value of sibling support for children who have siblings with disabilities. “The purpose is to connect siblings of people with disabilities so they can have a network and can ask questions in a safe space. It’s an opportunity for children to discuss with their parents any worries, concerns and…

Powerful Article on Grieving the Loss of a Sibling with a Disability

September 5, 2018

A piece in the New York Times shares the poignant, complex story of grief upon losing a sibling with a disability. Author Gina DeMillo Wagner writes: “Alan taught me that humans are imperfect, vulnerable beings. Watching the way people behaved around my brother, I understood there is incredible kindness and unimaginable cruelty in the world. Thanks…

New Video from The Arc Highlights Why FMLA Must Include Siblings

Supported Decision-Making: Evan’s Story

Travels With My Brother: A Sibling Adventure

Caring for Siblings After Parents Pass Away

Article Spotlight: “The Mistake We Made When Planning for the Future of My Sister With Down Syndrome”

A Self-Advocate’s Perspective

MASTER WOODY by Ann Talman

From Meghan Burke, SLN Research Committee Co-Chair and Assistant Professor of Special Education at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

The Value of Sibling Support

Powerful Article on Grieving the Loss of a Sibling with a Disability

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