How a Sibling Connection Inspired Advocacy and a Career

• By: Nicholas Lombardi The Arc Westchester
• October 1st, 2020
• advocacy, compassion, diagnosis, fall 2020 issue, family, responsibility, siblings
• 3060    1

When I was nine years old, I became an advocate. We were out in public and a woman chastised my mom for being unable to control my younger brother, Joey. My blood started to boil and I was outraged by this woman’s lack of empathy. However, my mom handled the situation with poise and grace,...

Supporting Siblings is a Family Affair: Thoughts From an Insider to Help Guide the Conversation for Best Outcome

• By: Suzanne Muench, MSS, LCSW Mary Jane Weiss, PhD, BCBA-D Melmark
• October 1st, 2020
• adults, caretaking, children, fall 2020 issue, family, future planning, open communication, personal experience, responsibility, siblings, transition
• 2478    1

The impact of having a child with a disability extends far beyond that individual and impacts the parents and siblings over the course of the family’s lifetime (Harris & Glasberg, 2003: Powell & Ogle, 1985). Developmental disabilities are certainly not universal in how they impact the...

Sheltering at Home with My Brother Douglas During COVID-19

• By: Gerri Zatlow Siblings for Significant Change
• October 1st, 2020
• adults, caregiving, COVID-19, fall 2020 issue, family, fear, love, responsibility, siblings
• 2118    0

After the death of my mother I became my brother Douglas’ legal guardian and sole relative who would advocate for, protect and welcome him every weekend and holiday. The only time he was not able to come to me was when there was an epic snowstorm preventing travel, when I was sick, injured and or...