Welcome To S.I.B.S.

SIBS (Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters) is a group that supports brothers and sisters of all ages in Illinois that have a sibling with special needs. This includes, but is not limited to developmental disabilities, chronic illnesses, and mental health issues.

SIBS recognize that growing up with a brother or sister who have special needs can be very rewarding and very difficult at the same time. We also recognize that growing up with siblings who have special needs creates enormous pressures that can go unnoticed by parents, friends and support services. This can make children feel isolated, guilty, angry and confused, and leave them vulnerable to a range of emotional and health problems, which can continue into adulthood.

The single biggest issue for young siblings is not getting enough attention from their parents. For adult siblings the biggest issue is worrying about the future."Who will care for my sibling when my parents are no longer here?" "Where will my sibling live?" "What will my role be?"

SIBS strive to give siblings a voice and knowledge that they are not alone; to educate families and service providers on how they can support siblings; and to raise the issue of sibling needs wherever and whenever we can.

It is the intent of SIBS to make life easier when growing up with someone with special needs. It is also our desire to assist siblings off all ages in feeling supported, connected to other sibs, and providing advocacy tools for their sib in the future.