We took the NY Sibling Survey

Earlier, I had written about the NY Sibling Survey posted online by Cornell University.

Today, my husband and I took it - he answered it and I input it.

In all honesty- will it make a difference?

Realistically, I don't think so.  But first, a comment:

It would have been nice if some of the questions had space for explanation.

For example - how often do you talk to your siblbing?

Well, it isn't too often because Bil is very reluctant to use the phone.  His brothers only talk to Bil if they are visiting in person, and both of his brothers live out of town.  But saying "less than once a month" implies we the siblings don't care. That is very far from the truth.

There also seemed to be an emphasis on training. Questions like: what kind of training do you need?

Siblings don't need training as much as they need help!  Physical help.  Not just referrals or education. Aging parents who don't want to let go of their caregiving responsibilities need help big time!  Training isn't going to give siblings and aging parents the help they need.

Apparently we will be trained to death but won't get the help we need.

What help is that?  Let's start with appropriate housing for our siblings, and go from there.

Oh well.  I didn't have high expectations.

The NY Sibling Survey is Live

Passing this along to all NY sibs of a disabled person!

 NYS Sibling Survey Page!

Are you an adult (over 18)?

Are you the brother or sister (sibling) of a person with a developmental disability*?

Does your sibling reside in NYS (including NYC)?

If you answered "yes" to these questions we want to hear from you! Please complete our New York State Siblings Needs Survey. We are trying to better understand the needs of siblings in New York State. The findings from this survey will help us plan the next steps to support adult siblings of persons with developmental disabilities. We will also give you a list of sibling web resources at the end of the survey.
The survey will take about 10-15 minutes of your time.

Click on this Survey link:

New York State (NYS) Siblings Needs Assessment Survey

We want to include as many siblings as possible. Please promote the Sibling Needs Assessment Survey by forwarding this email and/or encouraging siblings to complete the survey.
The survey may also be reached at this easy to remember web address: www.nyssibsurvey.org
You can find out more about the survey and the organizations and people that are helping with the project at this link:
http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/p-NYSSiblingNeedsAssessment.cfm
In May 2013, information regarding the survey findings will be posted at this link as well.
Please forward this message on and help us find more siblings!