Sibshops: Workshops for Siblings of Children with Support Needs

Widely used for more than 40 years in hundreds of communities worldwide, Sibshops are lively, low-cost workshops where siblings can share their joys and challenges, learn from their peers, and just have fun together. Enhanced with new research, online materials, and 100+ engaging activities, this updated guide makes it easier than ever to create and launch a Sibshop in your own community. You’ll get practical instructions for every step of planning, promoting, budgeting, and running a successful Sibshop,

plus insights from siblings and Sibshop facilitators throughout the world. Perfect for all programs and professionals serving families of children with disabilities, this complete how-to guide will help you create upbeat, rewarding, and welcoming workshops that give siblings much-needed support.

WHY SIBSHOPS?

Sibshops are a great opportunity for siblings to:

• Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting and enjoy fun activities together
• Reduce their sense of isolation by affirming that they’re not alone
• Learn how their peers handle situations commonly experienced by siblings
• Get answers to their questions about their siblings’ support needs
• Develop friendships that will be ongoing sources of validation and support

WHAT’S NEW: Learn from new research and guidance on timely topics: creating safe and supportive spaces for all children, planning online Sibshops, designing Sibshops for teens, applying trauma-informed practices to Sibshops, and using technology to help recruit and register participants. Plus, get new field-tested recreational and discussion activities and online supplemental materials that are easy to print and photocopy.

Patricia Vadasy, Ph.D., is a Senior Research Scientist at Oregon Research Institute in Eugene, Oregon where she conducts research on early reading instruction. She is most interested in research to help children at risk for reading disabilities and children who are dual language learners. Patricia and her colleagues have developed programs that paraeducator tutors can effectively use to supplement instruction for beginning readers. Patricia also works with colleagues at Influents Innovations in Eugene to translate educational research findings into technology-based interventions for underserved students and families.

Don Meyer, M.Ed. is the Founder of the Sibling Support Project and creator of Sibshops. Meyer created the Sibling Support Project, a Washington State-based international program dedicated to the lifelong concerns of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns. Don was the director of the Sibling Support Project from 1990-2019 and has conducted workshops on sibling issues and trainings on the Sibshop model in all 50 states and in eleven countries. He is the editor of The Sibling Slam Book: What It’s Really Like to Have a Brother or Sister with Special Needs (Woodbine House, 2005), Views from Our Shoes: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs (Woodbine House, 1997), and Uncommon Fathers: Reflections on Raising a Child with a Disability (Woodbine House, 1995). With Patricia Vadasy, Mr. Meyer wrote Living with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs (University of Washington Press, 1996). With Emily Holl, Don co-edited The Sibling Survival Guide: Indispensable Information for Brothers and Sisters of Adults with Disabilities (Woodbine House, 2014). His work has been featured on ABC News and National Public Radio and in Newsweek, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Don is married to Terry DeLeonardis, a special education preschool teacher and consultant. They have four children and two grandchildren.

Emily Holl, MFA, LMSW

is the Director of The Sibling Support Project at Kindering, the first national program dedicated to the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of siblings of people with developmental and health concerns. Emily is a sibling, social worker, author, and trainer who has provided workshops and groups for siblings and families, presented extensively on sibling issues, and has conducted and published sibling research. A board member of the national Sibling Leadership Network, Emily has written about her experiences in blogs, magazines, and books such as Thicker than Water. She was a co-editor of The Sibling Survival Guide: Indispensable Information for Adult Brothers and Sisters of People with Disabilities, published by Woodbine House in 2014. Emily earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts, a Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University, and a Master of Social Work from Hunter College at the City University of New York. Emily resides outside of Seattle, Washington, with her husband, sons, and very energetic dog.