Sibling Leadership Network with Autism NOW March 13, 2012

8/2/2019 Sibling Leadership Network with Autism NOW March 13, 2012

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Involving Siblings in the

Transition Process for

Young Adults with Autism

and Other Disabilities

March 13, 2012

Sarah Hall, Ph.D., Ashland UniversityTom Fish, Ph.D., Ohio State University


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www.siblingleadership.org

Mission: To provide siblings of individuals

with disabilities the information, support,and tools to advocate with their brothers and

sisters and to promote the issues important to

them and their entire families.


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Background

Founded in 2007, the SLN has held annual

conferences to connect siblings andprofessionals

Developed a policy white paper with

recommendations on policy and advocacy,research, and services and supports


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Partnership

Key partnerships include:

Sibling Support Project

Self Advocates Becoming Empowered

The Arc

AutismNOW, a national initiative of The Arc


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State Chapters

Alabama

DC

Georgia

Illinois

Massachusetts

New Hampshire

New York

Ohio

Oklahoma

Tennessee

Utah

Wisconsin

For more information on how to start a state

chapter of the SLN, contact Ashley Coulter at

[email protected].


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6

Join the SLN

Visit www.siblingleadership.org

Find us on Facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/siblingleadership

Email [email protected]
http://www.siblingleadership.org/http://www.facebook.com/siblingleadershiphttp://www.facebook.com/siblingleadershiphttp://www.siblingleadership.org/


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Ohio SIBS

Ohio SIBS (Special Initiatives for Brothersand Sisters) is a program designed toempower adult siblings of people with

developmental disabilities by supplyinginformation about services, supports,resources, and quality outcomes.

Ohio SIBS provides education and training inpublic advocacy and offers emotional supportand wellness opportunities.


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Ohio SIBS

Tom Fish organized the first conference in2001 for siblings across the state.

Ohio SIBS became a nonprofit organization in2011.

Diverse board of 15 members from acrossthe state

In process of hiring an executive director

Holds regional information sessions


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A group of sibling advocates meet with U.S. Senator Edward M.

Kennedy, who was also a sibling.


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Ohio SIBS Conference

The purpose of the Ohio Adult Sibling Conference isto create an environment where adult siblings cangather together to share family experiences, developnew relationships, obtain relevant information, and be

recognized as an integral part of the familys success.

Attendees have heard presentations from state andnational IDD professionals, educators, and

politicians. Attendees also enjoy meeting other adultsiblings and exploring topical areas of interest.


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Importance of Siblings

Longest life relationship

Often have unique insights andperspectives

Able to provide a continuum of supportand information


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Importance of Transition for

Individuals with Disabilities

A time of significant change from high schoolto adult life

Students prepare for

Employment

Education/ training

Community Living

Social Activities

Time for community and family support


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Important Roles Siblings Can and

Often Do Play

Caretaker/ caregiver

Advocate

Teacher

Role Model

Behaviorist

Translator

Friend/ companion


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Things Parents and Professionals Can

Do to Support Siblings

Listen

Ask questions

Ask open ended questions Be open to any response or feeling

Dont make assumptions

Connect to other siblings

Realize things might change Involve them in planning

Keep them informed and updated


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Sibs Looking Forward:

A Retreat about Transition

The sibling retreat is a weekend wherestudents with autism and other disabilitiesand their siblings will explore transition topics

and enjoy recreation and leisure activitiestogether.

The retreat will help promote awareness,understanding, and dialogue about transition

and develop self-awareness and confidencefor students and their siblings.


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15 pairs of siblings

Students with disabilities from age 16-22

Siblings from age 15-25

Counselors will be Ohio SIBS members

Overnight camp from Friday to Sunday

Pre/post evaluation measures

Monthly engagement after the retreat

Opportunity for ongoing mentorship


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Retreat Goals:

To gain knowledge about transition, options

for the future, and supports available. Participants will know how to advocate for

themselves and others.

Participants will explore their current andpotential roles of advocate, support, andfriend to their brother or sister.


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Retreat Activities:

Group discussions

Teambuilding challenges Advocacy practice

Sharing thoughts and experiences

Sibling bonding time

Campfires and outdoor fun!


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Contact Information

Sarah Hall Ph.D., Ashland University

[email protected]

Tom Fish Ph.D., Ohio State University [email protected], 614-685-8723

Ohio SIBS www.ohiosibs.com
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.ohiosibs.com/http://www.ohiosibs.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

Sibling Leadership Network with Autism NOW March 13, 2012

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