Athe
Side By Side:
Navigating Life with
Siblings with Disabilities
The Arc State Convention 2022
Lisa Coates,
Director of Children & Youth @ SOAR365
Sibling, Advocate, Cat Lover
Session Norms
Respect Neurodiversity
Respect Trauma
This is YOUR learning session
Practice Equity of Voice
Laughter Encouraged
MY BROTHER’S KEEPER
Siblingship
Navigating Through the Lifespan �
Birth
Early Intervention
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
Graduation
World of Work
Adulthood
Passage
“A Life Like Yours”
Individuals with disabilities want the same things we all want-
These are the things that make up a quality of life.
Importance & Impact of Sibling Experience
To ensure professionals are prepared to include siblings in their work with people with disabilities and families.
To provide knowledge and resources that professionals can use in their work with families so siblings can receive more support throughout the lifespan.
To encourage professionals to view siblings as partners in the journey to ultimately improve outcomes for people with disabilities throughout their lives.
The Health & Wellbeing of Siblings with disabilities :�Psychological Needs
Feelings include sorrow, anger, jealousy, guilt and confusion.
Common challenges: communicating feelings with parents and others, concern for the future and health of brother or sister, and distress from reactions of strangers. (1)
Siblings often feel alone in their experiences.
Siblings becomes ling-term caregivers for their brother or sister with a disability. (2)
TOOLBOX OF TIPS
Emotions.
Acknowledge
In age-appropriate discussions about siblings.
Engage
Explaining.
Practice
Battles.
Choose
A moment before speaking.
Take
Siblings’ experiences.
Learn
NAVIGATING LIFE ALONE
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