Are you a sibling whois concerned about the day your parents no longer can care for your sibling?  Or you’ve become responsible for your sibling and are unsure about the future and need some answers?

For adults who have a sibling with developmental disabilities or long-term illnesses, the journey together is lifelong. You may already be in a care giving role or expect to in the future. This program helps you clarify your role, get the planning tools to move forward, and connect with other siblings and local resources that will change your future.

Journey Forward has one main goal— to help you as an adult sibling move forward with peace of mind. 

When you are finished with both workshop sessions, you will have a written document which describes your sibling’s desired future living arrangement, community role, and lifestyle preferences.  You will have a plan that includes practical directions and information for maintaining continuity in your sibling’s daily life and needed supports to achieve these outcomes.  Some call this peace of mind. 

This is the first session of a two-session program.  Adult siblings are encouraged to invite parents, siblings (including any with disabilities), and other family members as their guests. The program includes all materials and lunch for adult siblings and their guests (spouse, other siblings, parents, and any other significant members of their family or team) for both sessions.

If you have questions about Journey Forward in general, contact us at the WisconSibs office.

Siblings of people with disabilities who are 13-17 years old may apply to be selected as a Teen Sib Leader. Selected teens receive a free one-day leadership training session.  This day is focused on personal leadership skills and having fun with other teen sibs.  Teen Sib Leaders are then eligible to become camp counselors and mentors at SibDays of Summer and leaders at a variety of WisconSibs events and opportunities.

The theme for Teen Sib Leadership Day 2020 is Transitions: Awake Your Strengths

The event is being held on June 11, 2020 at Bubolz Nature Preserve. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event.

More information and application

Wondering about the annual K.I.T.E. Conference? Wonder no more. We’re moving it to Zoom and offering it as a FREE four-part learning series focusing on emerging from COVID-19 with Knowledge, Independence, Togetherness, and Empowerment.

This FREE four-part, four-week series is brought to you by SOAR Fox Cities, WisconSibs and The Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin.

Each session features experts discussing everything from self-care to staying connected, to what needs to be in your“transition suitcase” to embracing resilience & acceptance of “what is” and being hopeful of “what can be.”

Click for a full description of each session.

Sibshop at Circles of Life

Circles of Life is Wisconsin’s annual conference for families who have children with disabilities. This event brings together families and the providers who support them to learn, connect, and become more knowledgeable about programs and services for their children.

To learn more about the conference go to CirclesofLifeConference.com

This Sibshop kicks off the 2021-2022 season for WisconSibs Sibshops in the Northeast Wisconsin.

The outdoor event will feature Sibshop activities and lots of fun reconnecting with other kids who have siblings with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or mental health conditions.  Parents: drop off your sibling child at 1 pm and return with your family between 3 pm – 4 pm for some family fun and networking with other families.

It takes place at the Small Shelter inside Plamann Park at 1375 E Broadway Dr., Appleton. (Same location as SibDays for older campers.)

Advance registration required. Limit: 15 Sibshop participants.  TO REGISTER, CLICK

Watch for more details about this Sibshop and Sibshops planned for October, November, and December 2021.

Teen Sib Leadership opportunity. Click to volunteer.

October Sibshop

This event will feature Sibshop activities and lots of fun reconnecting with other kids who have siblings with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or mental health conditions.  Bring your mask and wear a costume.

Advance registration required. Limit: 15 Sibshop participants.  TO REGISTER, CLICK

Watch for more details about future 2021-2022 Sibshops.

Teen Sib Leadership opportunity. Click to volunteer.

Sibshop for ages 8-17 at Circles of Life conference

Circles of Life is Wisconsin’s annual conference for families who have children with disabilities. This event brings together families and the providers who support them to learn, connect, and become more knowledgeable about programs and services for their children.

This year’s conference will be held on May 12–13, 2022. You can attend
either in person or remotely (online). Attend in Person The conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The Holiday Inn is holding some rooms for conference attendees who want to stay at the hotel. We recommend making hotel reservations early.

To learn more about the conference go to CirclesofLifeConference.com

Sib Camp – June 23-26 Ages 9-14  Peninsula State Park, Door County (sleeping in tents)  $375/camper

Great adventure for ages 9-14.  4 days, 3 nights hiking, biking**, swimming, paddling, and camping. Guided by experienced Door County Adventure Center staff certified in education, ropes course, kayak, lifeguard, CPR and first aid.  Siblings get to kick back and experience the freedom and thrill of adventure while sharing a great time with other Sibs who “get it”.

Sib Camp is outfitted and guided by experienced DC Adventure Center staff. The camp session at Peninsula State Park features sleeping in tents and is limited to 10 campers.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND ONLINE REGISTRATION

** Camper brings their own bike.

Health and Consent Forms will be sent to you after Registration is received. Enrollment is complete once all paperwork and payment have been received.

Save the date!  More details to come.

Are you a sibling whois concerned about the day your parents no longer can care for your sibling?  Or you’ve become responsible for your sibling and are unsure about the future and need some answers?

For adults who have a sibling with developmental disabilities or long-term illnesses, the journey together is lifelong. You may already be in a care giving role or expect to in the future. This program helps you clarify your role, get the planning tools to move forward, and connect with other siblings and local resources that will change your future.

Journey Forward has one main goal— to help you as an adult sibling move forward with peace of mind. 

When you are finished with both workshop sessions, you will have a written document which describes your sibling’s desired future living arrangement, community role, and lifestyle preferences.  You will have a plan that includes practical directions and information for maintaining continuity in your sibling’s daily life and needed supports to achieve these outcomes.  Some call this peace of mind. 

This is the first session of a two-session program.  Adult siblings are encouraged to invite parents, siblings (including any with disabilities), and other family members as their guests. The program includes all materials and lunch for adult siblings and their guests (spouse, other siblings, parents, and any other significant members of their family or team) for both sessions.

If you wish to register yourself, your sibling, or your parents or you have questions about Journey Forward in general, contact us at the WisconSibs office.

Save the date for this Sibshop for children ages 6-12 who have siblings with disabilities. More information soon.

Workshop #2 of Journey Forward

This is the part 2 of the 2-part Journey Forward program. It is open to adult Sibs and their guests who attended Workshop #1 or would like a refresher after having attended any Journey Forward workshop in the past.

Topics will include:

• Letter of Intent progress and how to use it to get what you and your sibling with disabilities need and want.
• Housing for people with disabilities – Assessing needs and interests, options and challenges
• Employment Options or Day Program options – Assessing skills, interests, and navigating local options.

Who benefits from Journey Forward workshops? Directed at adults who have a sibling with developmental disabilities or long-term illnesses, the journey ultimately benefits you AND your sibling with disabilities AND others in your family, even your community. You may already be in a care giving role or expect to in the future. This program helps you clarify your role as a sibling, get the planning tools to move forward, and connect with other siblings and local resources that will impact your future.

Journey Forward has one main goal— to help you as an adult sibling move forward with peace of mind. 

When you are finished with both workshop sessions, you will have a written document which describes your sibling’s desired future living arrangement, community role, and lifestyle preferences.  You will have a plan that includes practical directions and information for maintaining continuity in your sibling’s daily life and needed supports to achieve these outcomes.  Some call this peace of mind. 

This is the second session of a two-session program.  Adult siblings are encouraged to invite parents, siblings (including any with disabilities), and other family members as their guests. The program includes all materials and lunch for adult siblings and their guests (spouse, other siblings, parents, and any other significant members of their family or team) for both sessions.

If you wish to register yourself, your sibling, or your parents or you have questions about Journey Forward in general, contact us at the WisconSibs office.

Sibshop for ages 8-12 at Circles of Life conference

Circles of Life is Wisconsin’s annual conference for families who have children with disabilities. This event brings together families and the providers who support them to learn, connect, and become more knowledgeable about programs and services for their children.

This year’s conference will be held on May 11-12, 2023. WisconSibs will be offering a Sibshop on Thursday, May 11 from 9 am – noon.

To learn more about the conference go to CirclesofLifeConference.com

Sib Camp June 22-25 for Ages 12-16 at Devil’s Lake State Park*, Baraboo WI (sleeping in tents)

This Sib Camp is  4 days, 3 nights of hiking, swimming, and much more. Guided by experienced Door County Adventure Center staff certified in education, ropes course, kayak, lifeguard, CPR and first aid.  Siblings get to kick back and experience the freedom and thrill of adventure while sharing a great time with other Sibs who “get it”. This camp session features tent sleeping and is limited to 10 campers.

Health and Consent Forms will be sent to you after Registration is received. Enrollment is complete once all paperwork and payment have been received.

NOTE: Campers will meet at 3pm on June 22 at the lower Ice Age Trail Campground and should be picked up by 12pm on June 25.

Teen Sib Leadership opportunity. Click to volunteer.

We are excited to be working with Syble Hopp School in DePere. We’ll get to spend some time in their awesome sensory courtyard and swimming. Join us for an afternoon of fun.

The Sibshop fee will be $15, use the code FIRST if this is your child’s first time participating.  Registration required in advance.

MORE INFO & REGISTER

MORE INFO & REGISTER