The MSSN has produced a summary brief on current research trends that affect siblings of people with disabilities. Please read State of Siblings of People with Disabilities to learn how research in the field informs the work of the Massachusetts Sibling Support Network. 

Executive Director Emily Rubin was recently featured on Wild Peace’s Podcast Series. In this episode, she explains the many emotions siblings experience when their brother or sister is struggling with mental health issues, and describes the various ways that siblings might respond.

  In this post, we revisit and share a video from Susan Cauley’s cable access show Your Disability Connection. MSSN Board Member, Cynthia Haddad, CPA, and a colleague from the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) explore how parents can provide an atmosphere of support and love for siblings of people with disabilities.

The work of the MSSN focuses on supporting siblings of people with disabilities. At any age, being a sibling can be challenging — and this is especially true for young children who are still learning to navigate the world and their place in it, as well as their own complex emotions.

  MSSN Executive Director, Emily Rubin, and Board Co-President, Hillary Dunn Stansiz, participated in the Cooperative for Human Services’ event in honor of National Sibling Day. Emily moderated the panel discussion about sibling experiences, challenges, and opportunities to connect individuals with disabilities to our communities.

This beautiful and honest short video captures the challenges, wonders, and wide range of emotions that siblings of people with Angelman Syndrome experience. Moreover, it brings to light the important role of siblings and the transition to a caretaker role that some siblings assume as they age.

  The MSSN was honored to co-sponsor the 41st Annual Legislative Reception on March 6, 2019 at the State House! The Arc of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council hosted this inspiring event. People with ​disabilities, family members, advocates, state agency heads and their staff, and legislators gathered to discuss legislative priorities. The MSSN shared […]

Meet Zach Rossetti! Zach joined the MSSN Board in June 2017 and was named Co-President in February of 2019. As an Associate Professor of Special Education in Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, Zach teaches undergraduate and graduate students who will become general education teachers, special education teachers, and related service providers. He conducts research […]

Meet Brittany Bohrer! She is a wonderful new volunteer at the MSSN, where she is helping to organize adult sibling “meet and greets” and other types of outreach to siblings of people with disabilities. Brittany currently works as a special education science teacher. and enjoys hiking, travel, and reading in her leisure time.

2/15/2019 By Cynthia Haddad Originally published by: Special Needs Financial Planning LLC, a specialty practice to Shepherd Financial Partners For my brother Ron, it has always been about his birthday. Every summer of my adult life, the phone calls would begin with “Are you getting ready for my birthday?”. It would be Ron calling, giddy with […]