February: The Sibling Issue |
|
Myla and her sister Avery |
|
Brothers and sisters of those who have disabilities often have a mix of feelings about their family role, both in the present and the future. Though many siblings report feeling more empathetic, responsible and insightful as a result of their experience, they often also feel overwhelmed, resentful and conflicted.
We honor these brothers and sisters and the truly unique love and commitment they selflessly give to their parents and siblings. This month, we're featuring a few of our clients and their stories. We appreciate you and all that you do! We hope the resources in this month's newsletter helps you along your journey...
|
|
There are several resources and support groups for siblings:
-
Nationally, the Sibling Leadership Network (SLN) organizes information, supports, and tools for siblings to assist them in advocating with their brothers and sisters and promoting issues that are important to families. Specific resources for Young Siblings, Teen Siblings, Adult Siblings, and Parents and Family Members are available.
-
The Sibling Support Project (SSP) is a national program best known for helping communities start Sibshops, meet-ups for young brothers and sisters to gather, support, and have fun with other siblings.
-
Locally, the organization S.I.B.S. (Supporting Illinois Brothers & Sisters) connects siblings of people with disabilities in Illinois with resources, information, and networking opportunities to enhance the lives of the whole family.
|
|
Elliot: Sam is kind and generous and so calm, cool, and collected. She is the most wonderful person on earth.
Sam: Elliot is thoughtful, helpful, and always makes sure his loved ones are happy. He goes out of his way to brighten my day if he knows I’m having a rough time. We consider each other best friends and love to have deep talks about what’s going on in the world. We support each other in everything we do, and celebrate each others’ victories, small and big!
|
|
Sam and her brother Elliot |
|
|
|
"Without a doubt, growing up as the sister of a person with a disability helped to form who I am today and guide me toward my career path. My experience helps me forecast the issues and legal decisions my clients will make now and in the future. I bring this practical knowledge to each family I serve.
Jeff and I have a close relationship. We love following Illini sports and going to see game shows. We've now seen the Price is Right three times!"
|
|
📢 Upcoming Events and Resources
|
|
In Case You Missed It...
Last month we shared our Annual Review Checklists. Here they are again for our newly subscribed readers (and those procrastinators from January)!
|
|
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 7:30 PM
- Meeting ID: 843 4012 0312
- Passcode: 630034
|
|
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 7:00 PM
Learn how to create an insightful and comprehensive Letter of Intent for your child’s future care in this hands-on clinic. Jennifer Sabourin, Kate Schye and Katie Clancy, attorneys and parents of children with special needs, will lead you through the steps and provide examples and templates.
|
|
The Arc of Illinois invites you to join the following webinar series in Spanish, focusing on "Puberty, Sexuality and Disability" for parents of individuals with disabilities. Registration is required, but these virtual presentations are FREE of charge.
|
|
The NEXT STEPS Transition team of DuPage County presents 4 new workshops starting Tuesday, February 7th virtually with "Advocacy & Family Resources for Transition".
Tuesday, February 21: Medicaid Waivers & Creative Housing Solutions
Tuesday, March 7th: Future Legal Planning - Government Benefits, Special Needs Trusts, and Guardianship (Clancy & Associates presenting)
Tuesday, March 21st: Community Resource Fair
|
|
|
|
The Senate and House have cleared the passage of a year-end $1.7 trillion appropriations bill that will affect people with disabilities on several fronts. The bill, which runs more than 4,000 pages and includes a wide variety of legislation, heads to President Biden next for his signoff. Learn more here. |
|
|
|
Despite support from both sides of the aisle and appeals from disability advocates across the country, proposed legislation intended to offer greater financial support to millions of older adults and people with disabilities is not part of Congress’ year-end spending package. Learn more here.
|
|
Connect with us on Facebook and tell your friends about us!
|
|
Planning for individuals with special needs and their families. |
|
 |
Clancy & Associates, Ltd. is Illinois's only full-service special needs planning law firm dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and their families. Our mission is to help families protect and empower their loved ones with a disability through streamlined, comprehensive planning. We use our innovative full-service approach to both identify opportunities and secure solutions and benefits for our clients at our Firm. We “keep watch” for families so they can attend to the daily priorities of their loved one’s life and leave the legal planning to us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
