The Sibling Leadership Network

Sibling Grief and Loss


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In this episode we discuss some ways that siblings of individuals with disabilities can experience grief & loss throughout their lives.  We also discuss various resources and methods for dealing with different forms of grief & loss.  The sibs also share some of their favorite memories with their siblings that they have lost.

"When my brother passed away I felt immediately lost. Not just the loss of him, but lost." -Tara Conley

Our guests in this episode are:

  • Tara Conley - Former President and Vice President, co founder, current Independent Consultant for SUPPORTING ILLINOIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS – S.I.B.S. 
  • Zach Rossetti - Associate Professor of Special Education Boston University & SLN Co-Chair of Research
  • Nora Handler - SLN Illinois State Chapter Representative and Board Member of SUPPORTING ILLINOIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS – S.I.B.S.
  • Shruti Tekwani - Mental Health Counselor, Life Coach & Sibling 


In this episode:

  • Introductions: 00:00:42 
  • Personal Experiences with Grief: 00:13:41
  • Disenfranchised Grief and Survivor’s Guilt: 00:25:05 
  • Grief and Loss from Death and Support: 00:38:01
  •  Grief During the Holidays: 00:56:04  
  • BIPOC Grief Experience: 00:59:52
  • Grief During COVID-19: 01:05:01 
  • Sharing Memories: 01:07:01 

Access the transcript of this episode here.


Some resources discussed in this episode are:

  • SLN's Grief & Loss Resources Page
  • S.I.B.S (Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters)
  • The Todd Rossetti Memorial Fund
  • The Loss of a Special Needs Sibling Facebook Group
  • Sib Grief Webinar by Shruti Tekwani
  • The SLN Newsletter
  • Become a Member of the SLN
  • SLN's COVID-19 Resources Page
  • Know Your Rights: People with Disabilities Can Have a Supporter in the Hospital during COVID-19
  • SibNet Facebook Group
  • Uddina (Shruti Tekwani)
  • Grief Speaks: Cultures and Grief

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The Sibling Leadership NetworkBy The Sibling Leadership Network