Return to: Georgia Sensory Assistance
Project | On-line Newsletter | Revised 04/24/2004
Sibshop Mania
“Fun, excitement, sharing, caring, friendships,
definitely not boring….” these are words Sibshop participants have
used to describe their experiences in GSAP Sibshops. Sibshops provide an opportunity
for brothers and sisters, “siblings,” of children with health and
developmental concerns to make friends in a fun, uplifting atmosphere. Children
are invited to participate in activities that encourage peer support, problem
solving, and self esteem building through energetic creative games. Sibshop
are not therapy, however, children usually leave a Sibshop feeling really great!
Highly qualified professionals facilitate the Georgia Sensory Assistance Project
Sibshops. All Sib Advisors are knowledgeable of children with special needs
and have received training based on the Don Meyer Sibshop Model. Don Meyer is
the originator of Sibshops. Our sibshops are registered and support the following
Don Meyer sibshop goals:
- Sibshops will provide brothers and sisters of
children with special needs an opportunity to meet other siblings in a relaxed,
recreational setting.
- Sibshops will provide brothers and sisters
with opportunities to discuss common joys and concerns with other siblings
of children with special needs.
- Sibshops will provide siblings with an opportunity
to learn how others handle situations commonly experienced by siblings of
children with special needs.
- Sibshops will provide siblings with an opportunity
to learn more about the implications of their sibling's special needs.
- Sibshops will provide parents and other professionals
with opportunities to learn more about the concerns and opportunities frequently
experienced by brothers and sisters of people with special needs.
GSAP typically conducts one or two Sibshops a year
in the Atlanta area. We continue to expand Sibshops to other parts of Georgia
and diligently seek out professionals who have a passion for meeting the needs
of Sibs in their area.
Children ages 7 to 13 are invited to attend our workshops. There is no cost
to attend a GSAP Sibshop. The only qualification is to have a brother or sister
with special health or developmental concerns. During the next five years we
will be expanding our Sibshops to include teen sibshops. Teen sibshops will
seek to address the unique needs of teens with an exciting array of activities
geared toward teenagers.
If you’d like to see some of the fun activities, check our web page at:
http://education.gsu.edu/georgiadeafblindproj/
and look for the Georgia Sib Connection. On the Sib Connection, you will find
information about future Sibshops, and other great opportunities such as SibKids.
SibKids is a list serve for kids to communicate with other sibs around the country.
Don Meyer staff monitors this list serve.
If you have questions about GSAP Sibshops, want
to know about sibshops in your area, or would like information on how to schedule
a sibshop in your area, please call Debbie Parkman, Sibling Coordinator for
GSAP, at 1-800-490-1567 Access Code 02 or email at: dparkman1020@charter.net
Till Next Time…..Here’s Looking at You…. SIBKIDS ROCK!!
Coming SOON….
Would you like an opportunity to meet other teens with vision
and hearing loss in Georgia? Could your teen benefit from an opportunity to
develop leadership and self-determination skills, socializing with other teens,
forming new friendships, and meeting successful adults who have vision and hearing
loss? Would your teen enjoy a overnight retreat?
Today is your lucky day! The Georgia Sensory Assistance Project
(GSAP) is developing a support group that will meet these needs. The teen group
is designed to meet communication and social needs of teens that are mainstreamed
into academic and vocational classes. To participate, a teen must be 14 through
22, have vision and hearing loss, and have communication skills. For further
information, contact Debbie Parkman at 1-800-490-1567 Access code 02, or email
at dparkman1020@charter.net