​SibShops
The SibShops Support Project is a research driven sibling support group for siblings of individuals with disabilities or specialized needs. Connections EIAS has trained group facilitators to lead this program.
What Are SibShops?
SibShops are best described as opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with special health needs and developmental needs to obtain peer support and education within a recreational context.
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SibShops acknowledge that being the brother or sister of an individual with special needs is sometimes a good thing, sometimes a not-so-good-thing, and sometimes somewhere in between. SibShops believes that when given the chance brothers and sisters have much to offer each other!
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SibShops are not therapy; though, they may be therapeutic for some individuals that attend. SibShops are designed to be lively-fun celebrations of of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of kids with special needs!
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Connections EIAS SibShops
Who:Our SibShops is designed for children 8-13 years old.
When: Offered every other month on the third Friday of the month from 6-8PM.
Where: At our office at 1497 South Queen St. York.
Cost: $15/session
Includes: Dinner and drink​
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Benefits of SibShops
According to a research study completed out of the University of Washington, Seattle found that:
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-Over 90% of the respondents said SibShops had a positive effect on the feelings they had for their siblings
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-SibShops taught coping strategies to over two-thirds of respondents
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-Three-fourths reported that SibShops affected their adult lives
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-94% said they would recommend SibShops to others
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Johnson, A.B., & Sandall, S. (2005). SibShops: A Follow- Up of Participants of a Sibling Support Program. University of Washington, Seattle.
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What Are the Goals of SibShops
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Goal 1: SibShops will provide brothers and sisters of children with special needs an opportunity to meet other siblings in a relaxed, recreational setting.
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Goal 2: SibShops will provide brothers and sisters with opportunities to discuss common joys and concerns with other siblings of children with special needs.
Goal 3: SibShops will provide siblings with an opportunity to learn how others handle situations commonly experienced by siblings of children with special needs.
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Goal 4: SibShops will provide siblings with an opportunity to learn more about the implications of their sibling's special needs.
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Goal 5: SibShops will provide parents and other professionals with opportunities to learn more about the concerns and opportunities frequently experienced by brothers and sisters of people with special needs.
