Siblings often become the next generation of caregivers when parents
are unable to provide care. As a result, right here in Illinois we have
witnessed the creation of Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters (SIBS)
and the Sibling Leadership Network. SIBS and the Network are becoming
a force on the state and national policy levels. They want to also be
seen as a local resource here in Illinois. I ask siblings and disability
leaders, what are you doing to create and support the next wave of
leadership?
This past year, The Arc of Illinois was proud to be a community partner
for the Sibling Policy Forums. As a result, the Sibling Policy Forums
developed some great products and resources through this project that
you can share with your network.
They include the following:
Advocacy Toolkit: A toolkit of strategies for civic engagement to
engage in policy debates. Tools include research and policy briefs,
sample letters to policymakers, sibling talking points, and steps to
share one’s story. The Advocacy Toolkit for siblings has been put
online by the Sibling Leadership Network (SLN) so siblings across
the country can access it at: http://siblingleadership.org/sibling-
policy-forum/.
Sibling Policy Brief: A Sibling Policy Brief was developed in
conjunction with our national partner, the SLN. For each policy, the
“sibling significance” section highlights how the policy is particularly
relevant for siblings of people with disabilities. The Sibling Policy
Brief can also be found on the SLN website at: http://siblingleadership.
org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/SLN-PolicyBrief-Final-20141.pdf
Policy Videos: Two policy videos on sibling perspectives were created
from the stories of participants. The two videos can be found on the
SLN website: http://siblingleadership.org/sibling-policy-forum/
Employment First Policy: Sibling Perspectives (3:27 minutes)
Policy Video by Siblings on Future Planning (4:43 minutes)
Whitepaper policy recommendations: A policy whitepaper was
developed that provides recommendations for disability policy that will
improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families. This is
also on the SLN website at http://siblingleadership.org/sibling-policy-
forum/.
Special thanks to Katie Arnold for all of her work to advance the involvement
of siblings in our advocacy efforts and our great partner here in Illinois, SIBS.
Tony Paulauski Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@www.thearcofil.org
