Welcome! This course is for people who want to make a difference in the lives of siblings of children with developmental, health, and mental health concerns (also called “support needs”) by becoming a certified SibshopsTM Facilitator. Jump in to learn about the experiences of siblings and how to connect, learn, and play through lively Sibshops in your community.
What are Sibshops?
Sibshops Long-Term Benefits
Researchers from the University of Washington surveyed adult siblings, ages 18-34, who participated in Sibshops as children to explore potential long-term program benefits. We were pleased that the majority of siblings said that because of their involvement in Sibshops as children, they felt more ready, willing, and able to support their brothers and sisters with disabilities later in life. This demonstrates that when we support siblings, we strengthen their entire families.
You are about to join an amazing community of people who are dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of siblings of kids with support needs. In this training, you will learn about siblings and how Sibshops empower, celebrate, and validate them.
Key information:
- Affiliation required: Facilitators must be affiliated with an organization that serves children and families. If you are not currently affiliated, we recommend reaching out to local providers in your community to partner with you to host a Sibshops program.
- Course length: 4 weeks from the day you open your first lesson. Start any time. Participants work independently on their own schedule, with suggested pacing, prompts, and interaction with the instructor and peers.
- Mandatory live coaching session: You will select a date for a 60-minute small group coaching session during the training.
- Weekly time commitment: About 4 hours per week
- Only people taking the training should register for themselves. If your organization is paying for 3 or more people, or paying by check or ACH, use group and invoice registration. Each person still gets their own account. For anything else, contact info@siblingsupport.org.
- Cost: $449 USD per person. Online payment only.
- Group discount: 15% off for groups of 3 to 10 people ($381.65 per person). Register a group.
- We are here to help! If you have any questions about the training, please contact info@siblingsupport.org and write “Online Training Question” for the subject.
We are excited for you to join the Sibshops family and thrilled about the difference you are about to make in the lives of young siblings in your community.
“I took part in Sibshops in the early 1990s. I still remember its impact on me. For the first time ever, I felt no need to overly explain my sister, so she was seen as valuable. The sib world understood the words I never had to say. For Little Kid Me, that was everything.”
– Evan B., 39, WA
About the instructor
Emily Holl is the Director of The Sibling Support Project, the first national program devoted to the lifelong and evolving concerns of siblings of people with developmental and health care needs. A social worker, author, and trainer, she has led workshops for siblings and families, presented widely on sibling issues, and conducted and published sibling research. As a sibling herself, Emily has written about her experiences in blogs, magazines, and books, including Thicker than Water. She co edited The Sibling Survival Guide: Indispensable Information for Adult Brothers and Sisters of People with Disabilities (Woodbine House, 2014). Emily holds a BA from the University of Massachusetts, an MFA from Columbia University, and an MSW from Hunter College at the City University of New York. Learn more at www.siblingsupport.org.
Individual Certification
- Full Sibshop Facilitator Certification
- 4-week self-paced online course
- Live coaching session
- Certificate of completion
Registering 3 or more people, or paying by check or ACH? Group and invoice registration
