Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Sibling Support Groups

2010

Throughout their lives, brothers and sisters will share many if not most, of the same concerns that parents of children with special needs experience, as well as issues that are uniquely theirs. With the exception of a child's parents, no one in the family spends more time with children who have special needs than do brothers and sisters. 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 a child with special needs longer than anyone, including a child's parents. SibSaturdays acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, others a not-so-good thing, and for many, somewhere in-between. They reflect a belief that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another if they are given a chance. SibSaturdays are a spirited mix of new games (designed to be unique, off-beat, and appealing to a wide ability range), new friends, and discussion activities. SibSaturdays are a part of the VKC UCEDD and the VKC national center for research on developmental disabilities with a Family Outreach Center providing broad, family-centered resources and supports. SibSaturdays have been a collaborative effort of several disability groups in the Nashville area. We include siblings from ages 5 to 7, and 8 to 13 years, with plans to expand to serve older teens. Siblings of children with a wide variety of disabilities are invited.

sibling, Sibshops, SibSaturdays

Developing & Disseminating Information

Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Cultural Diversity

Family Members/Caregivers

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban, Specific Groups

State

N/A