Relationships between siblings are often one of the longest and strongest connections they have. Siblings are companions for life. This relationship is becoming even more fundamental as more people with a disability are outliving their parents and siblings are stepping into the role of caregiver.
Siblings Canada (formerly The Siblings Collaborative) was founded to ensure that Canadian siblings of people with disabilities are recognized, valued and supported. They welcome adults who have a sibling who identifies as having a disability. They also welcome siblings-in-law, cousins and second-generation caregivers.
Adults with a sibling with a disability have diverse and profound experiences. Yet, their stories are often overlooked and even forgotten as our families wrestle with the pressing issues that affect their siblings, such as ensuring inclusion in the school system, meaningful participation in the community, access to support, employment, appropriate medical care and planning for the future.
While this can be a lonely journey, Siblings Canada has been created to support others as they become caregivers.
The relationships with siblings with a disability evolve over time, especially as parents, who are the main source of care, age.
Eventually, many siblings find that they must prepare for, step into or take on new roles and responsibilities in the lives of their siblings with a disability. Too many siblings are unprepared and lacking the necessary support and resources for this life-changing transition. They are often left out of the discussions, decision-making and policies that affect the life-long care of their siblings.
Siblings Canada strengthens and empowers siblings* of people with disabilities to fulfill their changing roles with greater confidence and influence..
Siblings Canada is an initiative of the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE) that seeks to raise awareness and provide resources about the role that adult siblings play in planning and providing care for their siblings with a disability. They recognize the importance of supporting and empowering siblings as they are put into a changing role as a caregiver. Furthemore, Siblings Canada empowers siblings by providing them with resources that they need to care for their loved one with a disability.
Resources from Siblings Canada
To help support siblings as they become caregivers, Siblings Canada has created and curated the following resources:
A virtual collection of free resources for siblings to help build their knowledge of important disability-related issues.
Siblings Canada hosts a number of free virtual events with experts and stakeholders to discuss important topics.
Sibling Peer Mentorship Program
A program that matches adult siblings to build supportive relationships.
Reports
Siblings Canada partners with organizations and institutions to research and publish works about the diverse and profound experiences of sibling caregivers.
• Check out the Sibling Canada’s website, their resources, and any of their upcoming events.
• If you are interested in learning more about Siblings Canada, you can email info@siblingscanada.ca