White Paper: Understanding the Sibling Experience

In 2017 a few of siblings were curious about our experience as caregivers for our adult siblings with disabilities. We decided to put together a survey and promote it on social media.

To our surprise we received responses from over 360 siblings from across Canada. We found that these siblings wanted to tell their stories, to connect with each other and be recognized for their important role in the wellbeing of their brothers and sisters with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We compiled the results into a white paper entitled Understanding the Sibling Experience Sibling: Needs Assessment Survey 2017 and launched it on social media. This white paper helped us to apply for small grants to start supporting adult siblings through, meet ups, mentoring and workshops.

This white paper inspired the launch of Siblings Canada (formerly The Sibling Collaborative).