Ohio SIBS

We’re looking forward to the next installment of our ConnecteDD webinar series, with Derek Graham of Philipps & Graham, LLC, for Part II of Planning for the Future! Join us on June 2 to learn about special needs trusts, STABLE accounts, waivers, and benefits.

Register for the webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U-xYdR5KQjSKAWMsTmxeAQ

If you missed Part I, you can find that recording (as well as recordings of our other webinars!) at https://www.elevatedd.org/webinars.

LAST CHANCE!
Do you know a sibling ages 7-12 who would love to meet other siblings that have brothers or sisters with disabilities in Ohio?

Our camps were full, but we have opened up a few additional spots!

Registration for Nuhop - June 6th or until full (3 spots)
Registration for Kern - June 12th or until full (2 spots)

Kids will also receive a camp t-shirt and a Supporting SIBS bag!


Supporting SIBS members attend for free

Learn more & Register at the link in the comments

The OSU Nisonger Center is excited to announce an opportunity for adults with depressed mood and intellectual disability to participate in a free therapy group. We are now recruiting participants to start the next round of group at the beginning of June. It will be run on Wednesday afternoons (exact time TBD based on interest). Please see the attached flyer for details.

Thank you to the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities for sponsoring and hosting our Sibling Summit!

What an incredible day at our Ohio SIBS Sibling Summit!

Siblings from across the region came together to connect, share their experiences, and learn from one another about the unique journey of being a sibling to a person with a disability.

Throughout the day, we explored:
✨ The importance of sibling stories and peer connection
✨ Real-life experiences navigating major family transitions and emergencies
✨ Legal and future planning topics including guardianship, Medicaid, Medicare, and supported decision-making with Attorney Amanda Buzo from Hickman Lowder
✨ Important updates and resources impacting individuals with disabilities and their families from Jo Elle Barath & Janet Keeler
✨ Family roles, relationships, and support networks through Charting the LifeCourse activities with Barb Sapharas

We are especially grateful to Quentin Moden for sharing his family’s experience.

Most importantly, siblings had the opportunity to build friendships, have honest conversations, and realize they are not alone.

Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, volunteered, and helped make this summit meaningful. The sibling voice matters, and together we are building stronger support and community for siblings across Ohio. 💙

Next Weekend!!
Attend our upcoming Sibling Summit in Cleveland on May 9th!

Speakers include:
Attorney Amanda Buzo
Director of Service & Support of Cuyahoga CBDD Jo Elle Barath
Charting the LifeCourse tool with sibling Barb Sapharas

Sibling Story from Quentin Moden of the Sibling Transformation Project

Learn more & Register in comments

ElevateDD has invited Attorney Derek Graham to offer this presentation on Guardianship & Supported Decision Making on May 5, 2026. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tkXL09obShuoAPBlL6FOBg #/registration

Camp for Siblings of those with disabilities 7-12 years old.

Spots are filling quickly! We have a few remaining for our Empowering Young Voices Camp at Mohican (Camp Nuhop), and we’re opening four more spots for Camp Kern—join us while space is still available!

Register on our website. Link in the comments.

Please share with families!

Attend our upcoming Sibling Summit in Cleveland on May 9th!
Learn more:
https://www.ohiosibs.org/sibling-summits

Register here:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/k8zx2u4

Happy National Siblings Day!!

Today we celebrate Colleen and the incredible love, dedication, and advocacy she shows for her siblings—especially her sister Barbara. As a sibling, Colleen goes above and beyond to stay connected with her family and ensure Barbara is supported in every possible way.

Colleen serves as Barbara’s POA (power of attorney) and is a constant advocate for her health, safety, and quality of life. She manages appointments, supports her medical and dietary needs, coordinates with caregivers, and creates tools like detailed notes and resources to help ensure Barbara’s daily life is organized and well supported. Despite a full life of her own, with a husband, children, and grandchildren, Colleen consistently makes time to be there for Barbara, including traveling long distances to attend appointments and meetings.

Her steady presence, thoughtful care, and unwavering commitment reflect the true heart of sibling love and advocacy.

Happy National Siblings Day!

Today, we’re proud to celebrate Sydney Biggs and the incredible way she shows up as a sibling. Even in the busyness of college, work, and life, Sydney continues to be there for her brother supporting him, encouraging him, and making time for the moments that matter most. From being his biggest supporter to coaching with Special Olympics and helping create inclusive spaces, her love has grown into a true passion for supporting others with developmental disabilities.

Sydney not only shows up for her brother, but for her entire family always willing to step in, spend time together, and make sure everyone feels supported. She even brings that same spirit into her friendships, helping create opportunities where her brother is included and welcomed.

We are also so excited that Sydney is stepping into a leadership role as a volunteer for our new Ambassador Program! If you’re interested in getting involved, reach out to [email protected].
Sydney truly represents the heart of what it means to be a sibling.