No Sibling Left Behind, one of the MSSN’s signature presentations, covers a wide range of useful and practical information that pertains to siblings of individuals with disabilities. The presentation addresses what it’s like for siblings to grow up with a brother/sister with disabilities, strategies to support siblings, and diverse research findings on sibs.


Patric Barbieri of LABBB recently interviewed MSSN Executive Director Emily Rubin about the importance of special needs planning and the integral part that siblings play in the process. Emily shares her research on sibling support groups and her perspective and knowledge on this subject is profound. This is a must-listen for families and siblings.
Listen to the podcast here!

Facilitating a sibling support group may be an effective way for mental health trainees to gain skills and confidence in delivering family-centered care. Mental health training programs aiming to imbue trainees with the importance of family-centered care may consider creating opportunities for trainees to facilitate sibling support groups.

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.

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.

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.

Check out an interview with Emily Rubin, an Innovator in Sibling Support Services.
TASH Connections 2017- Interview with Emily Rubin