This month we discuss mental health issues and resources for sibs with sib and psychologist, Emily Graesser.

Access the transcript here.
Acceda a la transcripción en español

Join the SLN for our FREE Mindfulness program!

"You are as deserving of compassion, and support and help and health and well being, as your sib. And in fact, you're going to do a better job with your sib if you're tending to those things."

Resources in this episode:

• Learn to be Mindful: A Virtual Program for Autistic Adults and Their Siblings
• Antioch College
• PCA = Patient Care Assistant
• Psychology Today
• Better Help
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) - Mindfulness
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Call 211 (a government-established hotline that connects people to community or government agencies)
• 988lifeline.org
• Walk-In Counseling Center Provides Free Mental Health Services (Minnesota)
• EMDR for trauma
• MyStrength
• PTSD Coach
• Other VA Apps
• SLN Policy & Advocacy Site
• The Arc
• thenadd.org
• SLN 2019 National Conference
• Sibnet
• SLN’s Mindfulness Program

Music Credit: Hope by Scandinavianz | https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz
 Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Support the show

We kick off 2023 by speaking about sibs and access to technology with one of our past Chairs and Associate Research Professor at the University of Kansas, Shea Tanis. 

Resources:

• SLN Endorses The Declaration of The Rights of People with Cognitive Disabilities to Technology and Information Access
• Technology First
• Self-Determination
• Assistive Technology Acts
• Digital Equity Act
• State Assistive Technology Program Information
• Affordable Connectivity Program
• Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
• National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD)
  • UCEDDs by State
• “digital equity forums” Google search
• State of the States
• Appendix K Waivers
• ARPA Funds
• American Rescue Plan
• SibNet on Facebook
• Sibling Support Project
• Consumer Electronics Showcase
• Haptic technology
• Tactile Internet

Music Credit: Hope by Scandinavianz | https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz
 Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Support the show

This month we speak with Social Policy Researcher,  Ariella Meltzer, about the similarities and differences in sibling support all over the world. 

Access the transcript of this episode here.
Acceda a la transcripción en español

Resources and terms mentioned in this episode:

• Contact Ariella Meltzer at:
  Email: [email protected]
  Twitter
  LinkedIn
• Publications from Ariella’s research are available at:
  What is ‘sibling support’? Defining the social support sector serving siblings of people with disabilities
  The operation of the social support sector serving siblings of people with disabilities: a cross-country analysis
  (These publications are behind a paywall for many. If you need help accessing a free copy, please email Ariella directly.)
• Centre for Social Impact at The University Of New South Wales
• Community of practice definition
• If you know of a group that’s primary focus is to support siblings of people with disabilities and you think they would be interested in learning more about this Community of Practice, feel free to contact [email protected]

"Sibling support really needs consistent recognition everywhere."

Support the show

This month we discuss challenges and blessings unique to sibs in the Baby Boomer and Gen X generations and hear some amazing advice and words of wisdom.  Our guests are Lynne Calloway and Barbara Corley of SilverSibs.

Access the transcript of this episode here.

Resources and terms mentioned in this episode:

• Sibling Leadership Network
• Silver Sibs
• Ohio SIBS
• Hamilton county DD services
• Charting the Lifecourse
• Pickway County Board of Developmental Disabilities
• Ohio SIBS Sib Talks
• Siblings with a Mission
• Sibling Support Project
• Sibteen
• Sibnet
• Sib20
• SLN COVID-19 Resource Center
• Where The Journey Leads; A Conversation with Silver Sibs (VIDEO)
• TERMS:
  • DSP (Direct Support Professional)
  • Dagwood sandwich
  • FMLA
    • Loco Parentis

Support the show

Our Executive Director, Katie Arnold joins us to talk about why voting is so important to our community and gives some ideas and resources to help you and your siblings to get out there and vote.

Access the transcript of this episode here.

Resources and terms mentioned in this episode:

• The SLN's Voting Center
• SABE: Self Advocates Becoming Empowered
• The Arc Voting Resources
• The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
• RevUp!
• The National Disability Rights Network 
• the Brennan Center for Justice 
• the Bazelon Center
  • State Laws Affecting the Voting Rights of People with Mental Disabilities
• the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network 
  • A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.
• Americans with Disabilities Act 

"Over 38 million people with a disability are eligible to vote, which is close to 1 out of every 6 voters."

Support the show

In lieu of the SLN’s 15th Anniversary Celebration in October 2022, this month, we are joined by our Executive Director, Katie Arnold to talk about the history of the sibling movement, our current struggles and SLN’s vision for siblings in the future.

Transcript of this episode

Resources discussed in this episode:

• SLN Mission Statement
• Sign Up for SLN News and Get Involved
• SLN State Chapters
• SLN Past Conferences
• BIPOC Sibling Roundtables
• The SLN Podcast
• Future Planning Resources
• Self-Advocacy Resources
• SLN Research Page
• SLN Policy & Advocacy Page
• DEI Committee
• Equity & Inclusion Scholarship Fund

“The future of the sibling movement is really in all of our hands." -Katie Arnold

Support the show

This month we discuss financial planning for siblings with  Colorado State Treasurer and brother, Dave Young and Founder and President of Oak Wealth Advisors and brother,  Mike Walther.

Access the transcript of this episode here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Vestlife

Highlights:

• “I entered elected office because my sister was struggling to get essential services." -Dave Young
• “Find the network in your community." -Mike Walther
• “You have to take the first step and listening to those trusted voices is a good way to start." -Dave Young
• “Take a break...celebrate the milestones:" -Mike Walther

Support the show

Disability Rights Activist, Emily Ladau joins us to talk about self-advocacy, sibling support and her book, Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally.

Transcript of this episode

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally
• Emily's Ladau: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram
• SLN Self-Advocate Resources page
• SLN COVID-19 Resource Center
• Social media accounts recommended by Emily:
  • https://www.instagram.com/disabilityreframed/
  • https://www.instagram.com/upgradeaccessibility/
  • https://www.instagram.com/diversability/
  • https://www.instagram.com/sitting_pretty/
  • https://www.instagram.com/nina_tame/
  • https://www.instagram.com/jtknoxroxs/
  • https://www.instagram.com/kamredlawsk/
  • https://www.instagram.com/techowlpa/
  • https://www.instagram.com/andraealavant/
  • https://www.instagram.com/fidgets.and.fries/

Give us your feedback! Tell us what you think of the SLN Podcast so far.

Quotes from this episode:

• “We need more allies that are willing to do the work of centering the disability community."
• "The most important thing is to know that you have a right to speak up for yourself."
• "Siblings can be accountability partners for each other in the world of advocacy."
• "Disability doesn't exist in a vacuum and no person is just disabled."
• "It's this strange tug-of-war that we experience as a disabled community where our lives are being devalued, and yet we're being told, "This is for your own good.""

In this episode:

• 00:22 - Introduction
• 03:39 - What is the difference between an advocate, a self-advocate and an ally? And In your opinion, which do we need more of?
• 06:55 - Why is self-advocacy so important?
• 08:17 - What are some ways that siblings can help support each other in advocacy?
• 09:51 - How can different intersections of identity influence a self-advocates advocacy journey?
• 11:54 - How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the self-advocacy landscape and how are advocates overcoming related challenges?
• 16:18 - What are some other current major challenges that self-advocates face and how can we support change in these areas?
• 18:19 - Are there any resources that you can recommend for any new and/or seasoned self-advocates out there?
• 19

Support the show

This month we speak with three sibling employment experts to discuss sib employment and how we can best support and advocate with our siblings with disabilities.  Our guests are:

• Ryan Rotundo, Sibling, Manager of Employment Programs at the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) ([email protected])
• Byran Dai , Sibling, CEO and Co-founder of Daivergent  ([email protected])
• Mike Carmody, Sibling, Executive Leader, Opportunity Knocks, ([email protected])

Access the transcript of this episode here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• CEO Commission for Disability Employment
• SLN COVID-19 Resource Center
• Microsoft Career Connector
• Inclusively
• List of State Agencies
• List of State Vocational Rehabs
• Rangam
• Special Olympics
• Buddy Walks
• Tim's Place
• North Carolina Council in Developmental Disabilities
• WIPA (Work Incentives Planning and Assistance)
• CWIX (Community Work Incentive Coordinators)
• Section 14C

Highlights:

• “Disability, non-disability; finding employment is hard." -Byran Dai
• “There are abilities beyond what they may see for that family member with a disability and sometimes siblings get a front row seat to that” -Ryan Rotundo
• “We have that unique position of being a built-in ally.” -Byran Dai
• “When I try to create a better life for him, I'm creating a better life for myself too.”  -Mike Carmody
• “Strong talent is going to come from this community.”  -Byran Dai

In this episode:

• 00:51 - Introductions
• 04:18 - Currently, just under 18% of individuals with disabilities in the US are employed.  Why do you think that number is so low?
• 08:31 - What challenges or roadblocks do our siblings with disabilities face when trying to be gainfully employed?
• 12:30 - Are racial discrimination and gender inequity concerns for our siblings as well?
• 14:03 - What role can siblings play in supporting their brother or sister with disabilities in employment?  
• 21:58 - How can we, as siblings, best advocate with our siblings with disabilities for inclusive and equitable employment opportunities?
• 26:05 - How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed employment for individuals with disabilities and their families?
• 31:09 - How has being a sibling of an individual with disabi

Support the show

In this episode we discuss spirituality for sibs and supports for our siblings with disabilities to participate in faith-based communities.  Our guests are Dr. Sarah Hall from the Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota and Texas A&M doctoral student Sehrish Shikarpurya.

Access the transcript of this episode here.

Highlights:

• “Her dedication is inspiring for me and kind of uplifting in my own faith journey.” -Sehrish Shikarpurya
• “As siblings we can say, he's going to make noise and that's OK.” -Dr. Sarah Hall
• “To have another layer of exclusivity is really hard to think about and manage.” -Sehrish Shikarpurya
• “How do you support someone with a faith different than your own?”  -Dr. Sarah Hall
• “It's OK to have a journey with your sibling or just a journey on your own.”  -Dr. Sarah Hall

In this episode:

• Introductions: 00:00:48
• Being a Sib & Spirituality: 00:02:38
• Challenges in Faith-Based Communities 00:5:43
• Benefits of Spirituality: 00:11:51
• Supporting Our Siblings: 00:15:09
• Resources: 00:18:17
• Identity & Spirituality: 00:21:46
• Lacking Resources: 00:24:56
• How to Influence Change: 00:30:35
• Impact of the Pandemic: 00:36:25
• Words of Encouragement: 00:39:06

siblingleadership.org

Support the show