AHRC-NYC online/Sibling Services and Support

13th Annual Helen & Jack Gorelick
Sibling Scholarship

Do you have a brother or sister with Developmental Disabilities? If so, you may be eligible for the 13th Annual "Helen & Jack Gorelick Sibling Scholarship." Two awards will be given in the amount of $1000.00 each. For more information, please download the application form and the eligibility requirements (pdf). Submission deadline for application is March 15, 2010. The award will be given at the Annual Meeting on June 10, 2010.

SIB is written by members of the Sibling Committee of the AHRC Board of Directors and is produced and disseminated by AHRC. Past SIB issues are available here for download in pdf form or abstracts for viewing online. If you would like to become part of the sibling mailing list, fill out our Information Request Form, or call Annette Spallino at 212-780-2592.

SIB Winter 2008 - Planning for Emergencies
SIB Winter 2008 - Guardianship
SIB Winter 2005 - What Is It Like to Grow Up With A Mentally Challenged Sibling? (384 KB)
SIB Winter 2004 - Take a Break and Enrich Your Sibling's World (40 KB)
SIB Fall 2000 - Genetics & Genetic Counseling (159 KB)
SIB Fall 1998 - Advocacy (81 KB)
SIB Fall 1997 - Health & HealthCare (57 KB)
SIB Fall 1996 - Respite & Residential Services
pdf in spreads: pages 1 & 8, 2 & 3, 4 & 5, 6 & 7
SIB Fall 1995 - Entitlements
pdf in spreads: pages 1 & 6, 2 & 3, 4 & 5
SIB May 1994 - Guardianship
pdf in spreads: pages 1 & 8, 2 & 3, 4 & 5, 6 & 7

SIB Fall 2000 - Genetics & Genetic Counseling
SIB Fall 1998 - Advocacy
SIB Fall 1997 - Health & HealthCare

SIB Abstracts

SIB Volume 5, Number 1 Fall 2000

Genetics and Genetic Counseling

The new fall issue of the SIB Bulletin focuses on a topic that is of great importance to people whose siblings have mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. The topic is Genetics and Genetic Counseling, a very useful branch of science that has made it possible for scientists and doctors to determine some of the forms of mental retardation that are inherited. Although a lot remains unknown and geneticists aren’t always able to provide a definite answer it is important to know that there are options available to help in the decision making process. A list of valuable Genetic centers throughout the metropolitan area along with some helpful websites that can provide you with more detailed information on the subject is also provided. In order to insure that readers get a true feel of what to expect and what may be expected of them with regard to genetics and genetic counseling, “scenarios” are offered from siblings who have undergone genetic testing and counseling. These siblings share their own experiences as well as their opinions on the subject. AHRC’s Sibling Committee has gathered a lot of information in order to provide their readers with a clear, well-rounded understanding of this difficult and relatively new field of science so don’t miss it!

to top

SIB Volume 4, Number 1 Fall 1998

Advocacy

To advocate is to support for a particular issue or cause on behalf of others or yourself. The latest SIB publication focuses on advocating for your sibling with a developmental disability. Acting as an advocate on your siblings behalf may allow you to directly affect the issues and concerns you and your sibling with a disability are faced with daily. SIB offers tips on how siblings can effectively advocate with their sibling's agency and/or service provider; the best approaches for making changes at local, state and federal governmental levels and advice related to public education. Additionally there is guidance on starting an advocacy group. Recommendations for specific issues are also offered in scenarios taken from real life situations where advocating for a sibling had favorable outcomes. This SIB issue contains a list of some important websites that can assist one in effecting systems change. Guidelines are also provided to ensure that your online advocacy attempts will be as effective as possible. Lastly, the Sibling Committee has included a list of telephone numbers that will aid you in your attempts to gather information and to begin networking with others who are in the position to support your advocacy efforts.

to top

SIB Volume 3, Number 2 Fall 1997

Health and Healthcare

Healthcare systems are difficult for most of us to navigate, but people with developmental disabilities are likely to need special support in this realm. Because they often pay for healthcare services with Medicaid, people with developmental disabilities are sometimes less privileged patients than those with more "purchasing power" to wield at private practices. Communication is also an issue, as people with disabilities might have trouble providing healthcare workers with necessary information regarding their ailments. These financial and communication issues are often compounded by the fact that many people with developmental disabilities have multiple physical problems and sometimes mental health problems, such as depression and substance abuse. This edition of SIB outlines several important factors to consider when helping developmentally disabled siblings to arrange for healthcare. Topics discussed include: Choosing a Health Care Provider (with information on general medical care, specialized clinics and managed care); Special Needs to Think About; Caring or Overseeing Care For Your Sibling (including information on hospitalizations, treatment decisions, informed consent, surrogate court decision making, advanced directives and home care); Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities (dual diagnoses); Dental Care; Health and Wellness; and Long-Distance Care. The issue contains much important information and advice on healthcare matters.

to top

For further information on services and events , call Annette Spallino, Sibling Services Manager, at 212-780-2592.

Please visit the Family and Sibling Resources section on the AHRC Web Site for additional resources available on the internet. If you would like more information on discussion groups and listservs, please click here for a sibling support website.

to top