What are Sibshops? 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 pedal-to-the-metal events where they will meet other sibs (usually for the first time), have fun, laugh, talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sib with special needs, play some great games, learn something about the services their brothers and sisters receive, and have some more fun.
Are Sibshops a form of therapy? Sibshops may be “therapeutic” for kids to attend, but they’re not therapy. The Sibshops model takes a wellness perspective. They’re a celebration of the many lifelong contributions made by brothers and sisters of people with special health and developmental needs.
Who attends Sibshops? Sibs, of course! Most Sibshops are for sibs of kids with developmental concerns. Increasingly, Sibshops are being offered for brothers and sisters of kids with health concerns (often at children’s hospitals) and we’re beginning to see Sibshops emerge for sibs of kids with mental health concerns. While Sibshops were developed for sibs in the 8-14 year-old age range.
Who sponsors Sibshops? Typically, Sibshops are sponsored by not-for-profit groups who work with children with health and or developmental challenges. This session is sponsored by The Miracle League of CT along with Creative Development, LLC. and Create Independence, LLC.
Who facilitates Sibshops? We very much like having adult sibs as Sibshop facilitators–and adult sibs tell us that they get much out of running the program. Ideally, we would have someone from the provider group and a professional (Social Worker, Special Ed Teacher, PT or OT). The facilitator who is a service provider will know about the special needs represented in the group and about services available in the community. Regardless of whether the facilitator is a family member or service provider, we seek certain qualities in a good Sibshop facilitator. We want them to truly enjoy the company of kids and have had experience working with kids; to be especially good listeners; and to have the ability to convey a sense of joy, wonder, and fun.
When and where are Sibshops held?
The Miracle League of CT Sibshops will be held on the second Sunday of each month, with a couple of exceptions, October – April, 10am-12:30pm. We meet at the Create Independence Center – 100 Hopmeadow St. in the Weatogue section of Simsbury.
Meeting dates will be October 6, 2024, November 3, 2024, December 1, 2024, January 5, 2025, February 2, 2025, March 2, 2025, and April 6, 2025. Dates are subject to change.
Registration is now open for the 2024-2025 program.
Space is limited, we can take only the first 20 sibs who register. The program is open to siblings of any child who has special needs. Please register by clicking on the button below.
The goal of the Miracle League of CT is to remove all barriers that prevent children with special needs from participating in recreational, educational, and cultural activities. If one of those barriers is a financial one, please email us at miracleleaguect@comcast.net to request a fee waiver for any of our programs. We will do our best to accommodate your request which will be kept strictly confidential.
