The Sibling Network
What a great turn out for the Sibling Network get-together on September 30, 2011. We had a total of 14 people who attended our very first meeting. It was a special evening for me because this is something that I had envisioned for a long time and to see it actually come to fruition was amazing. Dee Coccia, Co-Director of Vision for Equality is the catalyst for this project. Once she asked me if I would start a sibling group, I was more than happy to begin to organize the group.
After researching what other sibling network groups were doing around the country I had my model for our group. The group is the Sibling Network of PA, the plan is to network with other groups across county lines and cities to build our membership. We are planning monthly meetings and looking forward to new members joining this important effort.
Sibling’s networking with each other as they navigate the ID system, supporting each other and advocating together for people with disabilities has the potential to become a very important group. The general public especially, elected officials need to know that there are additional family members besides parents who care for and are invested in the lives of individuals with disabilities. They need to know there are family members who wish to speak on behalf of and for their family members-speak to their rights as citizens. They need to enlighten others as they enlighten themselves on the issues that affect their family members with disabilities lives.
We are planning to have speakers come to our group and inform us on various topics, we will share information and most of all have a network of support for each other for all those that join.
We took a few pictures at our first meeting you can see those on this web site. Our next meeting is October 28 @ 6pm. If you are a sibling or family member who would like to join our group. Please call Lynne Mack @ 215-923-3349 ext. 109. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.
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