This Siblings Day, our network across Inclusion International celebrates the bond between siblings, especially those with a brother or sister who has an intellectual disability. 

Siblings play an important role in the lives of their loved ones, offering support, fostering personal growth, and advocating for their needs.

It is amazing to be siblings. My sisters love, make me laugh, and care for me. They are there for me, we have a great time together and goof around all day.

Melissa, Self-Advocate & Sister, Canada

Melissa, a sister and self-advocate herself, said: “It is amazing to be siblings. My sisters love, make me laugh, and care for me. They are there for me, we have a great time together and goof around all day.”

Melissa continued, “My sister Kimber is an adult and now has an amazing opportunity to be doing work about Down Syndrome, like me! We are sibling superstars!” Kimber, Melissa’s sister, works for Inclusion International as Director of Programmes and Network Development.

Siblings Day 1

The experiences Melissa speaks to show why siblings are so important in our movement.

To recognise siblings and give siblings their own space to talk, Inclusion International has a group called the Siblings Working Group. 

The group is all about siblings connecting, sharing experiences, and making their voices heard.

More than family

Jane, a self-advocate and sister, explained the important support role that siblings play in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities: “Siblings are support persons who understand you, so they have the potential to support you better.”

However, siblings of people with intellectual disabilities need their own support to provide the best support they can to their brothers and sisters.

Siblings are support persons who understand you, so they have the potential to support you better.

Jane, Self-Advocate & Sister, Kenya

Siblings have come together across Inclusion International’s network to form the Siblings Working Group to meet this need.

The group provides a platform for siblings to share their experiences and receive support.

The working group also seeks to better understand the size of sibling advocacy globally and within the Inclusion International network.

Siblings Day 2

Through the group’s work, they plan to increase sibling involvement in the decision-making processes of Inclusion International’s member organisations and other important organisations. Including siblings strengthens our network’s shared advocacy.

Making a difference in 2024

This year, the Siblings Working Group has several goals:

  • Mapping Sibling Support: Create a global map of existing sibling organisations around the world.
  • Sibling Survey: Survey current Inclusion International members to determine sibling presence in leadership or other roles within their organisations.
  • Sibling Engagement: The group is building a toolbox to help Inclusion International members figure out how to involve siblings in decisions.

Siblings Working Group Infographic

Join the Sibling Working Group!

Are you a sibling in the Inclusion International network? We invite you to join the Siblings Working group and lend your voice and support! As Fayel, Co-Chair of the Siblings Working Group, says:

If you are interested in joining please email Fayel (fayel@inclusion-international.org) or Marc (mmuschler@inclusioncanada.ca)

With our collective voices, we can support to make positive change in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities around the world. 

The Sibling Working Group is a haven for siblings of people with intellectual disabilities worldwide, supporting siblings to speak up on issues that matter to them personally and their siblings with intellectual disabilities. Join us and share your experiences!

Fayel Achieng Odeny, Sister, Co-chair, Siblings Working Group