Siblings

At present, more than 526,000 adults with disabilities are older than 60 years of age, and that number is expected to triple-- to over 1.5 million -- by 2030. Most of these adults are in some way cared for or supported by their siblings. Although some research exists on sibling relationships in early to middle childhood, much less is known about the nature of adult sibling relationships and the factors that contribute to positive relationships and developmental outcomes in adulthood.

Services and Programs

Families United Network (FUN)
A free peer support program for people who provide support for adults with disabilities.
National Siblings Consortium
A collaborative effort of researchers from several universities interested in siblings of individuals with disabilities and The Arc of the United States, with leadership provided by the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Family Research Program.
SibSaturday Day Camp Program
A family-centered resource and support program for siblings of children with special needs.
Tennessee Adult Brothers and Sisters (TABS)
A support and networking group for adult siblings of individuals with disabilities.
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder - An internet community and statewide helpline
Phone, web, and print resources in English and Spanish to connect the Tennessee disability community with service providers. Referral services, free of cost, are provided to persons with disabilities, family members, service providers, and advocates.

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Printable Resources and Materials

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Links and Resources

Sibling Support Project
The Sibling Support Project is a national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns.
Siblings - Health Library, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
Links and information concerning siblings of children with chronic illness and disability.

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