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Siblings Australia

Phone: +61 8 8253 4937

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25.01.2022 A great opportunity for a communications specialist to join our team at Siblings Australia :)

24.01.2022 As I sit to write this post, of course I am thinking of the fires and all of the suffering around us. I hope that members of this community are safe or getting appropriate support if affected in any way. But I also want to talk about the school holidays. These longer ones can be a test for any family, but maybe even more so when you add disability to the mix. How do your child with disability and his/her siblings get along? What do they do to have fun together? If there are difficulties, have you ever accessed help (e.g. behaviour support) to support their interaction? Did it improve things? Sending lots of good wishes to you all.

24.01.2022 Info about our first new job is now online! The JD is on the home page of our website https://siblingsaustralia.org.au/ Current one is for a Program Manager. Others to follow soon include an Office Manager, Project Officer (on same project), Comms/Marketing. So exciting!

24.01.2022 I have decided to change this 'page' to a group to allow for more interaction - here is the link so come on over. I will close this page in about a week .. thanks for your support

23.01.2022 We are pleased to announce our first Siblings Australia ambassador! Over 21 years ago Dr Jon Jureidini supported Kate in setting up Siblings Australia at the Womens and Childrens Hospital in Adelaide. It has since become a separate entity but Jon has remained on the Board during that time. He recently resigned from this role and we have appointed him as our first Ambassador!

23.01.2022 Hello! I have been quiet on here of late but certainly not sitting still. So many things to prepare in order to carry out the Individual Capacity Building Project (funded through NDIS) so many policies/procedures to get right, writing job descriptions for 4 other positions, finding an office and setting up all the infrastructure. I will share more as things get more interesting

21.01.2022 Just sharing the latest publication of Impact (a journal from the University of Minnesota) - this edition focuses on sibs :) you can browse the contents but I will also share in the comments below specific pages that I contributed to - one re teen sibs and one re sibling support approaches in Taiwan, Japan and Australia

21.01.2022 I have been in touch for some time with Marie, the mum in this story, who is adapting our Sibworks program for online use ... at the same time we are reviewing the original program and hope to release a new program with added elements next year. We will also roll out training for facilitators. Watch this space!

21.01.2022 Announcing our final five winners for the Siblings Australia photo competition! We will be updating our website with these beautiful photos in the coming days. Many of the photo entries that did not make the final five were also worthy of being on our website - so some of these will be uploaded as well! In addition to this, we will be sharing some of the sibling stories that came with these photos.

21.01.2022 We have received info about this raffle and are just passing it on from Interchange Outer East Victoria

21.01.2022 A thoughtful piece from the UK ...

20.01.2022 The Tune Report, i.e. the Review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 has been released and it is so good to see siblings mentioned.... below are some snippets inc quotes which are in "..." :) and full report link below those 6.37. Other submissions indicate NDIS operational policies place an overreliance on the informal supports provided by family members, including siblings, and further supports should be provided by the NDIS to maintain consistency and stab...ility in the home environment, including relieving caregivers from any stress they may be experiencing. [The NDIS should] recognise family burnout exists and establish protocols for prevention, diagnosis and associated treatment options. The whole family suffers from the child's disability, including siblings. Carer of NDIS participant, regional Victoria Support families. For children there needs to be a family centred practice to build the capacity of the parents to support the child with disability. Many of the group funded or block funded supports for families and siblings have gone. Supporting siblings and families will help prevent future issues and therefore long term costs. Carer of NDIS participant, metropolitan Victoria I would like NDIS to take the time to really understand myself and my familys needs and my goals. Help me manage my disability so I can reach my goals and live a normal life. To help support and understand that my siblings need support as well to reach their goals. That my disability impedes all my family members especially my siblings as they miss out on so much emotionally, their education and social activities because my family (informal supports) are always supporting me. Carer of NDIS participant, regional Queensland 6.44. Consultation feedback also indicated that family-centred supports such as social and community support, family capacity building and peer group learning and support are typically not funded for young children. The experience of having a child with an intellectual or developmental disability almost inevitably has a significant impact on the family, including siblings, and they need such support.

19.01.2022 Siblings Australia is looking for office space in ADELAIDE .... for 4-5 staff, about 100sq metres, near public transport (preferably near the tram between Glenelg and city but closer to city) .... also happy to share a larger space with another agency. Thank you!

19.01.2022 EDIT ADDED I think we are covered for this now... thanks to those who responded... I will be in touch with you I have been approached by Marie Claire magazine to see if I could find a family that includes a child with disability, to be interviewed and photographed for a feature they are doing on all sorts of love. They say, "The criteria would be a duo or trio under the age of 12, with at least one girl. We’d want the children, or their parents, to speak to us about the sib...lings’ bond the love and the complexities. We’ll be shooting in a studio in inner city Sydney potentially next Friday December 18. There is also potential to do the shoot in early January, but we’re keen to do it next Friday if possible." If you are interested please email [email protected] with some details of your family One way of raising awareness of the sib experience Thanks See more

19.01.2022 It is very easy, when one child has disability, for siblings to be overlooked. There can be several reasons why. Sometimes it can be difficult for sibs to express their feelings and concerns. They might feel that they don’t deserve attention, or that they don’t want to add to parent stress. Providers are often too focused on the child with disability to recognise that the whole family needs support. And, more generally, the community lacks awareness about the contributions an...d needs of siblings. If we support siblings, they are likely to: become stronger and more able to manage difficulties. feel better about themselves. enjoy a stronger relationship with their brother or sister with a disability. feel more connected to their family.

18.01.2022 An important reminder that our voices matter!

18.01.2022 This could be fun this coming Saturday! During this #NAIDOCWeek2020 we show respect to the traditional owners of this land and give a special shout out to siblings in those communities. #alwayswasalwayswillbe

18.01.2022 Alerting South Australians in regional areas that there are some free workshops coming up for people with disability and their families through a Purple Orange SKILL Project. https://www.peerconnect.org.au/skill/

16.01.2022 A message from our founder/CEO :)

16.01.2022 Relationships are key to anyone’s wellbeing. And ‘relationships’ are a key theme within the NDIS. However, the focus is often on assisting a child with disability develop relationships in the community. We believe that sibling relationships should be more acknowledged and supported through the NDIS. If a sibling can be supported to manage any challenges, they are often more able to contribute to the wellbeing of their brother/sister with disability. I provide one on one sessions for parents on supporting siblings and these can be claimed from the NDIS. What other supports have you found?

15.01.2022 Attention all adult sibs, teen sibs and parents of sibs! Today we launch FamilyVoices, our three advisory groups for either adult sibs, teen sibs or parents! We are looking for people who want to influence change and share ideas to contribute to Siblings Australias projects and activities. Read about it - Share this post Register your interest by Tuesday 6th October... https://siblingsaustralia.org.au/sibvoices-2/ #makeyourvoicebeheard #bepartoftheconversation

15.01.2022 Hi everyone, the Siblings Australia 2020 photo competition is now open! We are calling all amateur or professional photographers who can portray a snapshot of a sibling with their brother or sister with a disability. Photographic entries should celebrate your story and character. Winners will receive a high-resolution framed copy of the photo and the chance to have your photo featured prominently in the Siblings Australia new office! Check out the details and enter today! https://siblingsaustralia.org.au///photo-competition-2020/

14.01.2022 Final 2 jobs are now on our website homepage. If you are interested in a Project Officer role or Marketing/Comms role please head over and apply :) The other 2, a Program Manager and Office Manager, are still open as well.

14.01.2022 Late In the day .... but ... on this special day of recognition, the IDPWD, we think of all people with disability and their families

14.01.2022 I am thrilled to share this news! Siblings Australia was a successful recipient of an Individual Capacity Building grant through the Dept of Social Services of approx. $1.7 million spread over 3 years to train Sibworks facilitators around Australia, provide peer support, education for parents, and build the organisation. This will lead to greater capacity and stronger relationships for people with disability and their families. Those of you who have followed the Siblings Australia journey will know how significant this is! Unbeknownst to me, my daughter Erin filmed me telling my other daughter Tess via Skype!! Siblings Australia now has a future! Watch this space, Kate xx

14.01.2022 Our first contribution to the National Disability Outlook 2020 magazine check out our article called Why the disability sector should consider siblings? https://siblingsaustralia.org.au/news/

13.01.2022 I cant tell you how much all of your responses and comments about our funding success have meant to me... they have lifted me up and will help to carry me over the next months as we map out plans for the next 3 years. I will keep you updated as I can. I hope you have a happy festive season, whilst still remembering those who might be going through particular hardship. Thank you again for your support.

11.01.2022 Today is the International Day of Sign Languages! Check out this link for the Auslan sign for SISTER - http://www.auslan.org.au/dictionary/words/sister-1.html and the Auslan sign for BROTHER http://www.auslan.org.au/dictionary/words/brother-1.html

11.01.2022 I have now set up a group for the book 'Siblings' to allow for more interaction than on the page I originally set up ... hope to see you there and please join in :) https://www.facebook.com/groups/543085923286565/ ... I will close the old 'page' soon

10.01.2022 LinkedIn is telling me its my 21st anniversary of setting up Siblings Australia ... not feeling overly celebratory but here is a nice pic to note such a milestone

10.01.2022 here is a nice link to some activities for your family from Nature Play SA

09.01.2022 Hey #siblingsaustralia has been hearing from teen siblings that they would like a closed group on Facebook to connect with each other and share experiences. We already host SibChat, a FB group for adult sibs. As some of you would know I co-facilitate a group for teen sibs alongside the Sibling Support Project based in Seattle, but we are hearing that local teens would like a group for Aussie teens. We would like to test the water as it will only work if it has a good number o...f members. We will let you know the results and, if there is enough interest, we plan on starting the group soon, hopefully over the summer holidays. :) If you are a parent of a teen sib, please ask them if they would be interested and LIKE this post if they say yes. If you are a teen sib yourself, of course we would love you to LIKE the post too! Please share with other people you know as well.

08.01.2022 Our next recruitment ad for a PT Office Manager (inc JD and link to apply) is listed on our website homepage http://siblingsaustralia.org.au/ Please share this exciting opportunity :) The Program Manager details are still there, and more to come in a couple of weeks... yay!

08.01.2022 As schools head back I am sure you will be talking to teachers about the needs of your child with disability. The Growing Space had a great post on this yesterday ... but it can be helpful to also talk to the teachers of your child/children who are siblings. Let them know that your child/sib may have a number of challenges e.g., feeling tired or unable to finish homework if home life is disruptive, struggling to make friendships if they have missed some learning of social s...kills, being teased because of their brother/sister, or feeling extra responsible/protective for/of their brother/sister. Also ask that they dont call on the sib whenever there is an issue with their bro/sis, and that they dont ask the sib to look after a vulnerable child in their class as they have plenty of experience. Share the link below with teachers and would love to hear your own experiences with advocating for your child/sib at school See more

07.01.2022 interesting report on how sibs fared during lockdown in the UK from our sister org there Sibs - for brothers and sisters https://www.sibs.org.uk//20/06/Life-in-Lockdown-Report.pdf

07.01.2022 ZOOM for teen sibs!! As you may know I co-facilitate with the Sibling Support Project in Seattle, a closed Facebook group for teen sibs called SibTeen. It is a wonderful community of young people who share and support each other. We are hosting a zoom meeting for the members of SibTeen this coming weekend. It will be at 11am Sunday for Adelaide teens and 11.30am for those in the eastern states. All the details about signing on are on the SibTeen page. So if you know a teen sib let them know about it....and a reminder.... SibTeen is JUST for teen sibs!

06.01.2022 Whilst we believe that siblings should be supported regardless of whether they provide a caregiving role or not, we also recognise that many sibs do provide care. During National Carers week we especially thank them and the other many unpaid carers for their many valuable contributions.

06.01.2022 An interesting article from the UK Conversation: How people with disability have been completely disregarded during the coronavirus pandemic Their siblings and parents will find it equally difficult to navigate their return to public spheres without increasing the risk of infection for their potentially clinically vulnerable family member. For them, prolonged isolation seems likely. The new normal must be a place where disabled people and their families, along with others who have been adversely affected by this pandemic, are given a role in creating a society which offers everyone the chance to live a fulfilled life. https://theconversation.com/how-disabled-people-have-been-c

05.01.2022 I may come to Perth early Feb and wonder if there would be interest in a parent workshop? If yes please comment below with time preference eg weekday/weekend; day/evening; and where you are, ie, suburb. And also if you have any suggestions for free/low cost venue. Or PM me if prefer

05.01.2022 Hey... we are reviewing our Sibworks program! Calling all people who have been involved in Sibworks either as a: Service provider who has facilitated a Sibworks program. Parent of a sibling who participated in Sibworks. A sibling participant (currently aged 18+) who participated when a child. (Younger siblings will have an opportunity to give feedback through parents.) If you fall into any of the above categories, please fill out this initial form by Wednesday 22nd July... to let us know which category you fall into and to provide contact details. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx We will then send you a very short survey that will enable you to give us your experience of Sibworks and help us shape the future of this invaluable program. Please note that we are only interested here in experiences with Sibworks; we realise there are other programs out there but this review is related only to Sibworks. Your feedback is very much appreciated. :)

04.01.2022 When we talk about anxiety and stress, its easy to focus on the parents and forget the siblings, said Yssa. Yet they are so profoundly impacted. We need to make sure were caring for the siblings emotional well being, too. Thanks Meg!

04.01.2022 Australian Childhood Foundation shared this graphic which might be useful for your littlies... click on the picture :)

04.01.2022 Kate recently provided the following submission to the National Disability Strategy Review, reinforcing the importance of sibling relationships. Happy to hear your thoughts http://siblingsaustralia.org.au//Submission-to-National-Di

04.01.2022 Hi everyone, just over 2 weeks left to get your entries in for the Siblings Australia photo competition! Thanks to all who have entered so far. Just a friendly reminder that we need high resolution pics so we can enlarge them on canvas. If you arent sure - message us to check Enter at https://siblingsaustralia.org.au///photo-competition-2020/

03.01.2022 Some lovely books to share with your children, children with autism and their sibs

03.01.2022 Hi everyone, our photo competition closed earlier this week. We are so happy to report that we received many beautiful photos and we are still undergoing the review process to decide the final ones. Stay tuned for when we announce the winners hopefully next week. We also intend to publish some photos with their stories of those that did not reach the finals, but are worthy of being shared and displayed on our social media and our Siblings Australia website.

01.01.2022 Hi Sydneysiders... a parent of a child with CP is looking for a psychologist who understands family issues when a child has disability, to support her as the mother, but also a psychologist for the little sib who is a twin to the child with CP and is having multiple behavioural issues. Doesn't have to be the same person but family therapy or joint therapy might be helpful. They live in the eastern suburbs (Woollahra/Paddington) Thank you