sibsNY.org Update

I am happy to report that we managed to update our still-new Web site http://sibsny.org to make it more comprehensive.

Many folks are writing in to inquire about services in their local areas, especially upstate. I encourage everyone who is looking to connect with or start sibling services in their local community to post on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sibsNYcommunity/ because people in your community are the best sources of information on local resources.

Moving Forward Statewide

It has been too long since my last post - where is the summer going and why is it movnig so fast?

As you can see from the photos below, our May 7 Sibling Day at the YAI Conference was wonderful. Don Meyer was an insightful, funny and fabulous presenter and we were thrilled to have him with us.

During our sibling day, in addition to the wonderful presentations, a number of siblings and professionals who work with siblings from across NY State met to discuss sibs' concerns, priorities, and needs for information and resources to help their brothers and sisters with disabilities enjoy the highest quality of life -- while enabling themselves to do the same. We identified five key areas of need:

• Outreach and training for young siblings (e.g. through Sibshops)
• Service system navigation
• Connecting with other siblings in person and online
• Future planning
• Advocacy

Moving forward, we hope to be able to connect with siblings and service providers across the state to create a comprehensive network of resources for siblings. If you are interested in being part of this, please let me know.

Sibling Support on TV Thursday May 28!

Don't miss a special episode of "A Place of Our Own" on your local PBS station on Thursday, May 28. The episode, "Supporting a Parent and Sibling of a Child with Special Needs" features Don Meyer, Director of the Sibling Support Project, and Sibshops. For more information and local listings, visit http://aplaceofourown.org/schedule.php.

"Thicker than Water" - Great New Collection of Sibling Essays!

I am so excited to share this great new collection of 39 essays written by adult siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities and edited by Don Meyer. It's called "Thicker than Water" and it incorporates a variety of perspectives on so many different topics pertaining to having a sibling with a disability. The authors (myself included, I have to confess) range in age, geographic location and background. No two voices are the same, which makes for a truly delightful read. I am learning so much about my co-contributors, many of whom I have met and now know in a whole different way, and about different takes on the sibling experience. Siblings, parents and professionals will enjoy this book and learn a lot. All proceeds benefit the Sibling Support Project and you can help even more by ordering through the Sibling Support Project store at Amazon. Read this and enjoy!

Scenes from the Sibling Day at the YAI Conference, May 7, 2009

Sibling Day is Almost Here!

May 7 is just around the corner and I am getting really excited for our Sibling Day at the YAI Conference. Every year this turns out to be a special day when siblings from all over get together to hear presentations, share stories and just be with others who have had similiar experiences, feelings and thoughts. There is nothing quite like the bond that the siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities share! And this year we are lucky enough to have Don Meyer, whom I always refer to as the "Father of the Sibling Movement," with us. He is one of my favorite people on the planet and a pleasure to be around. We end the day by getting together for dinner at a restaurant in midtown, within walking distance of the hotel. It's a great way to kick back and recap a wonderful day. I hope to see many of you there!

Don Meyer Training at the Brooklyn Public Library May 8 & 9

On May 8 & 9, after a fabulous sibling day at the YAI conference, Don Meyer will conduct a two-day Sibshop training for siblings, parents and service providers. Find out more at http://siblingsupport.wetpaint.com/page/Workshop+Series - Don doesn't get to NY very often so please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity! Hope to see you there!