The Sibling Leadership Network

Certified Sexuality Educator, Terri Couwenhoven, discusses barriers for our siblings with disabilities getting sex education and gives us some great resources and advice to help us support our siblings who are seeking romance. Access the transcript of this episode here.Acceda a la transcripción en español."Listening and helping your sib feel heard are really important" —Terri CouwenhovenResources in this episode:Terri Couwenhoven MS, CSEElevatus trainingsDiversities in sexuality handout...

This month, we speak with the Director of Advocacy for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Zoe Gross, all about plain language; what it is, why it's important and where and how to ask for it. Access the transcript of this episode here.Acceda a la transcripción en español."Get things out of the subtext of what you’re saying and into the plain text." —Zoe Gross"Become awake to the wonderful world that is plain language and spot all the places that it can be brought into your life."&...

This month, Founder of the Natalie Project, Julie Neward, shares her story, discusses statistics and causes of sexual assault in the disability community and tells us about how we can advocate for change with our siblings. PLEASE NOTE: This podcast episode is about sexual assault and may contain content that is unsuitable for listeners under the age of 18 and may contain triggers for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. Access the transcript of this episode here.Acceda a la t...

This month, we talk with Harriet Redman, founder of one of SLN's first chapters, Wisconsibs, and founder of SLN's newest chapter, Oregon Sibs, Nikki Donnelly. We discuss why sib meeting spaces are so important and how you can get involved or start your own chapter. Access the transcript of this episode here.Acceda a la transcripción en español."The power in having people in your community that can help you navigate through this sib life." —Nikki Donnelly"Don’t give up…there’s all ...

This month, we speak with the SLN's Co-Chairs of Policy and Advocacy, Tiffany Banks and Nina Bihani. We discuss why advocacy is so important for sibs, the many ways sibs can get involved in policy & advocacy, the challenges siblings face in policymaking and current issues being worked on by sibs.Access the transcript of this episode here.Acceda a la transcripción en español"If you're not showing up, you're not going to be a part of that important decision-making process"—Nina Bihani...

This month we speak with the SLN's new Executive Director, Kaitlin McNamara, about her sibling experience, resources she has found helpful and her vision for the future of the sibling movement at SLN. Access the transcript of this episode here.Acceda a la transcripción en español"We have to be having some very serious conversations about what we want the next 40 years to look like and not resting on the laurels of the really important disability movement work of the last 40 years."—Kait...

This month, we speak with sib-in-laws Sumithra Murthy and Cory Hartman about their experiences as sib-in-laws and hear their advice for sibs and potential future sib-in-laws.Access the transcript of this episode here.Acceda a la transcripción en español"We are the people who are insiders, outsiders." —Sumithra Murthy"This is new to us"—Cory HartmanResources in this episode:Department of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at ChicagoFamily Caregiver Alliance Nat...

In this special National Siblings Day 2023 episode we hear the stories of 2 siblings with different backgrounds and ask them about their visions for the sibling community.We are joined by social work doctoral student Aaron Quick who is the Public Policy Fellow on the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, and by Social Impact Consultant, Sukanya Mukherjee.Access the transcript of this episode here.Acceda a la transcripción en españolResources in this episode:2020 protestsGeorgia Counc...

This month we discuss mental health issues and resources for sibs with sib and psychologist, Emily Graesser.Access the transcript here.Acceda a la transcripción en españolJoin the SLN for our FREE Mindfulness program!"You are as deserving of compassion, and support and help and health and well being, as your sib. And in fact, you're going to do a better job with your sib if you're tending to those things."Resources in this episode:Learn to be Mindful: A Virtual Program for Autistic Adults and...

We kick off 2023 by speaking about sibs and access to technology with one of our past Chairs and Associate Research Professor at the University of Kansas, Shea Tanis. Resources:SLN Endorses The Declaration of The Rights of People with Cognitive Disabilities to Technology and Information AccessTechnology FirstSelf-DeterminationAssistive Technology ActsDigital Equity ActState Assistive Technology Program InformationAffordable Connectivity ProgramBroadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BE...

This month we speak with Social Policy Researcher, Ariella Meltzer, about the similarities and differences in sibling support all over the world. Access the transcript of this episode here.Acceda a la transcripción en españolResources and terms mentioned in this episode:Contact Ariella Meltzer at:Email: a.meltzer@unsw.edu.auTwitterLinkedInPublications from Ariella’s research are available at:What is ‘sibling support’? Defining the social support sector serving siblings of people wi...

This month we discuss challenges and blessings unique to sibs in the Baby Boomer and Gen X generations and hear some amazing advice and words of wisdom. Our guests are Lynne Calloway and Barbara Corley of SilverSibs.Access the transcript of this episode here.Resources and terms mentioned in this episode:Sibling Leadership NetworkSilver SibsOhio SIBSHamilton county DD servicesCharting the LifecoursePickway County Board of Developmental DisabilitiesOhio SIBS Sib TalksSiblings with a Missi...

Our Executive Director, Katie Arnold joins us to talk about why voting is so important to our community and gives some ideas and resources to help you and your siblings to get out there and vote.Access the transcript of this episode here.Resources and terms mentioned in this episode:The SLN's Voting CenterSABE: Self Advocates Becoming EmpoweredThe Arc Voting ResourcesThe American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)RevUp!The National Disability Rights Network the Brennan Center...

In lieu of the SLN’s 15th Anniversary Celebration in October 2022, this month, we are joined by our Executive Director, Katie Arnold to talk about the history of the sibling movement, our current struggles and SLN’s vision for siblings in the future.Transcript of this episodeResources discussed in this episode:SLN Mission StatementSign Up for SLN News and Get InvolvedSLN State ChaptersSLN Past ConferencesBIPOC Sibling RoundtablesThe SLN PodcastFuture Planning ResourcesSelf-Advocacy ResourcesS...

This month we discuss financial planning for siblings with Colorado State Treasurer and brother, Dave Young and Founder and President of Oak Wealth Advisors and brother, Mike Walther.Access the transcript of this episode here.Resources mentioned in this episode:VestlifeHighlights:“I entered elected office because my sister was struggling to get essential services." -Dave Young“Find the network in your community." -Mike Walther“You have to take the first step and listening to those...

Disability Rights Activist, Emily Ladau joins us to talk about self-advocacy, sibling support and her book, Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally.Transcript of this episodeResources discussed in this episode:Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an AllyEmily's Ladau: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | InstagramSLN Self-Advocate Resources pageSLN COVID-19 Resource CenterSocial media accounts recommended by Emily:https://www...

This month we speak with three sibling employment experts to discuss sib employment and how we can best support and advocate with our siblings with disabilities. Our guests are:Ryan Rotundo, Sibling, Manager of Employment Programs at the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) (rrotundo@ndss.org)Byran Dai , Sibling, CEO and Co-founder of Daivergent (bdai@daivergent.com)Mike Carmody, Sibling, Executive Leader, Opportunity Knocks, (mike@opportunityknocksnow.org)Access the transcript o...

In this episode we discuss spirituality for sibs and supports for our siblings with disabilities to participate in faith-based communities. Our guests are Dr. Sarah Hall from the Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota and Texas A&M doctoral student Sehrish Shikarpurya.Access the transcript of this episode here.Highlights:“Her dedication is inspiring for me and kind of uplifting in my own faith journey.” -Sehrish Shikarpurya“As siblings we can say, he's going to ...

In this special National Siblings Day 2022 episode we hear the diverse stories of 3 siblings with very different backgrounds and explore how peer support has played a vital role in their sibling journeys.We are joined by SLN's Board of Directors Chair, Shawnnita Buckner, SLN's Board of Directors Secretary, Stephanie Lanham and Co-Founder of Saarthi sibling support group, Piyush Mishra.Access the transcript of this episode here.In this episode:Introductions: 00:00:52Siblings' stories: 00:04:33...

In this episode we discuss some ways that siblings of individuals with disabilities can experience grief & loss throughout their lives. We also discuss various resources and methods for dealing with different forms of grief & loss. The sibs also share some of their favorite memories with their siblings that they have lost."When my brother passed away I felt immediately lost. Not just the loss of him, but lost." -Tara ConleyOur guests in this episode are:Tara Conley - Forme...