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Sibling Engagement

Three panelists sitting at a table during an interview session.
Siblings are connectors of three groups central to our movement: athletes, families and youth. Through Special Olympics, siblings can find a supportive community, a platform to share their experiences, and an opportunity to develop as leaders. This section will provide resources for youth-age siblings of individuals with intellectual disabilities. 

Guides

A Guide for Sibling Youth Engagement in English (PDF)

This guidebook outlines opportunities for youth-age siblings of people with intellectual disabilities to become involved in Special Olympics. ArabicChineseFrenchPortugueseRussianSpanishSwahili

A Program’s Guide for Sibling Youth Engagement in English (PDF)

This guide outlines for Programs provides specific recommendations for promoting sibling engagement in Special Olympics Programs. ArabicChineseFrenchPortugueseRussianSpanishSwahili

Sibling Engagement One-Pager in English (PDF)

This one-page resource provides a brief overview of sibling engagement in Special Olympics, including its definition, opportunities for siblings to get involved, and the benefits it offers to siblings. ArabicChineseFrenchPortugueseRussianSpanishSwahili

Sibling Engagement Brochure in English (PDF)

Sibling Engagement Brochure: This brochure provides a brief overview of sibling engagement in Special Olympics, including its definition, opportunities to get involved, an example of long-term involvement, and benefits for siblings. ArabicChineseFrench •| PortugueseRussianSpanishSwahili

A Parent’s Guide for Supporting Siblings in English (PDF)

Siblings of people with intellectual disabilities may face a number of challenges as they grow up. This guidebook provides parents with strategies for supporting their children without disabilities. FrenchSpanish

Sibling Experiences Research One-Pager (PDF)

Summary of findings from a study exploring the experiences of siblings of people with intellectual disabilities in Latin America, Africa and Asia Pacific. EnglishSpanish

Sibling Relationships: The Current Literature (PDF)

An overview of the experiences of siblings of people with intellectual disabilities based on findings from a literature review of the current research.

Sibling Relationships: Athlete Leader Perspectives (PDF)

Results and recommendations from a survey and interviews with Special Olympics Athlete Leaders about their relationships with their siblings.

Tips for Inclusive Research (PDF)

Tips to conduct research which meaningfully includes people with intellectual disabilities throughout the entire research process.

Strong Siblings Workbook (English)

This workbook helps siblings navigate their journey as a sibling of a person with ID
EnglishArabicChineseFrenchRussianSpanish

Videos

Sibling Youth Leadership

This 3-minute cartoon video follows Jessica, a sibling of a person with an intellectual disability, as she learns about Special Olympics Youth Leadership and opportunities to advocate for people with intellectual disabilities in her community. No CaptionEnglishFrenchSpanish

Introduction to Sibling Engagement in Special Olympics

This 3-minute cartoon video follows Sarah, a sibling of a person with an intellectual disability, as she learns how to be involved in Special Olympics and the importance of doing so. No CaptionsEnglishArabicChineseFrenchPortugueseRussianSpanishSwahili
3:42

Sibling Engagement Fitness

This 4-minute cartoon video follows Yui, a sibling of a person with an intellectual disability, as he learns about Special Olympics Fitness opportunities and the importance of being healthy. No CaptionsEnglishFrenchSpanish

Sibling Engagement Unified Sports

This 3-minute cartoon video follows Thabo, a sibling of a person with an intellectual disability, as he learns about Special Olympics Unified Sports and what it means to be a Unified Partner. No CaptionsEnglishFrenchSpanish

Strategies

COVID-19 Adaptation Strategies for Siblings (PDF)

Five strategies to help siblings of people with intellectual disabilities adjust to life during COVID-19. EnglishSpanish

Self-Care Strategies for Siblings (PDF)

Five strategies for siblings of people with intellectual disabilities to practice self-care. EnglishSpanish