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. Youâ (TM)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 theyâ (TM)re not alone
• Learn how their peers handle situations commonly experienced by siblings
• Get answers to their questions about their siblingsâ (TM) support needs
• Develop friendships that will be ongoing sources of validation and support

WHATâ (TM)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.

Don Meyer, M.Ed., Director, Sibling Support Project, 6512 23rd Avenue NW, Seattle, Washington 98117

Don Meyer is the director of the Sibling Support Project, a Seattle-based national project dedicated to the lifelong concerns of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns. A sought-after speaker, Don has conducted workshops on sibling issues and trainings on the Sibshop model in all 50 states and in seven countries. He is the editor of The Sibling Slam Book: What Itâ (TM)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). 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.

Patricia Vadasy, Ph.D., is Senior Researcher at Washington Research Institute in Seattle, Washington, where she conducts research on early reading instruction. She is most interested in research that may help children at risk for reading disabilities and children who are English language learners. Patricia and her colleagues have developed programs that paraeducator tutors can effectively use to supplement reading instruction for beginning readers.