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What are Sibshops
Throughout their lives, brothers and sisters will share many—if not most—of the same concerns that parents of children with special developmental and health concerns experience, as well as issues that are uniquely theirs. Siblings spend a considerable amount of time with their brothers and sisters who have special needs. And, because the sibling relationship is usually the longest-lasting relationship in a family, brothers and sisters will likely be involved in the life of the child who has special needs longer than anyone—including the child’s parents.
Sibshops provide siblings of kids with disabilities with peer support and information in a lively, recreational setting
For the adults who run them and for the agencies that sponsor them, Sibshops are evidence of their loving concern for the family member who will have the longest-lasting relationship with a person who has a disability. However, for the kids who attend them, Sibshops are lively, pedal-to-the-metal events where they will:
- Meet other sibs (usually for the first time);
- Have fun;
- Talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sib with support needs with others who “get it”;
- Play some great games;
- Explore how other siblings handle sticky situations sometimes faced by sibs;
- Laugh;
- Learn about the services their brothers and sister receive; and
- Have some more fun!
The Sibshop curriculum is used throughout the United States and Canada and in Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Argentina, Ecuador, Iceland, Ireland, England, Italy, Malta, Singapore, and Turkey.
Learn more about Sibshops:
- Frequently Asked Questions about Sibshops.
- Find a Sibshop near you
- University of Washington Study on the impact of Sibshops
- Learn how to start a Sibshop in your community
- Get a copy of the Sibshop curriculum
- Sibshop T-shirts, Sweatshirts, Mugs and More!