Overview
The role of a sibling in the life of a person with an intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) is as complex as it is meaningful. Siblings can be friends, confidants, and caregivers. Whatever their role, a sibling is a unique person in the life of someone with I/DD.
Why It Matters
The Arc recognizes that siblings play an important role in the lives of their brother or sister with I/DD. It is crucial that siblings are supported to be the best advocate they can be. To achieve this goal, they must have access to information and resources to help them make informed decisions – whatever their involvement.
Many of us at The Arc know firsthand what it is like to grow up with a family member with I/DD. We understand and share the vision you have for a healthy, full, and independent life for your sibling. Helping your sibling achieve this vision can take many forms, including:
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What The Arc Is Doing
The Arc is here to support you be a better advocate for your family.
Join Our Fight: Grassroots Advocacy
Mobilize with us! By joining our fight for a more inclusive future, you’ll be kept in the loop on key policy developments at the federal level. We’ll keep you up-to-date on opportunities to share your story and make sure Members of Congress keep families front and center as they consider the implications of proposed legislation.
Connect with Your Local Chapter of The Arc
The Arc has hundreds of state and local chapters across the United States. Chapters provide a wide range of services and support. This includes individual and community-specific policy advocacy; residential, educational, and vocational services, and recreational activities. Find your chapter today!
Our Resources
In addition to our Sibling Scene e-newsletter, The Arc has fact sheets, webinars, and other resources available on a variety of topics. These topics include policy basics, financial planning, self-advocacy, education, and more. Access them!
Other Sibling Resources
There are other organizations that provide sibling-specific information and support. Visit them to see what they have to offer!
The Arc’s Center for Future Planning
Future planning is creating a guide for a person with I/DD to lead a good life as independently as possible. A plan is important throughout all stages of life and especially in the future after the parent or caregiver is no longer able to provide support.
The Arc’s Center for Future Planning® exists to help families with this possible—and necessary—planning through information and assistance on housing, person-centered planning, financial planning, and more.
How You Can Help
JOIN OUR FIGHT
Sign up for advocacy alerts and ways to act
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Receive updates on sibling-specific work and opportunities at the national office
ACCESS RESOURCES
Visit our Center for Future Planning for family-specific resources
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
