Ohio SIBS

Ohio SIBS Ohio SIBS (Special Initiatives by Brothers & Sisters) https://linktr.ee/ohiosibs

You can also join us virtually on National Sibling's Day - April 10th with Steve Beha!We will miss you at our in-person ...
04/01/2026

You can also join us virtually on National Sibling's Day - April 10th with Steve Beha!

We will miss you at our in-person Sibling Celebration and Retreat, but we know that you also have a lot on your plate and we still want you to join us!

Join us for our virtual celebration as Steven shares his perspective as both a leader in Ohio’s disability community and a sibling. Through personal stories and insight, he will highlight the important role siblings play in supporting their loved ones, why their experiences deserve recognition and celebration, and how siblings are helping shape the future of the disability community.

Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UJBuD4ZXTiWOKuvcT_nZog

A Zoom link will be provided to you.

03/31/2026
03/31/2026
Congrats Kelly!!!! Kelly is also a huge advocate for siblings and families of people with disabilities! She has done so ...
03/31/2026

Congrats Kelly!!!!

Kelly is also a huge advocate for siblings and families of people with disabilities! She has done so much for Ohio SIBS and is on our board leadership team as our secretary!

Thank you for all that you do for families of people with disabilities!

We are pleased to share the exciting news that Kelly Barnett, MSW, LISW-S, has been appointed to the role of Associate Director of The Ohio State University Nisonger Center. Kelly brings a wealth of experience, dedication, vision, interdisciplinary teamwork, and leadership to this role, and we are confident that her appointment will greatly support and advance the Center’s mission.

Last week for our Apparel Shop! T-shirt starting at $15 and $4 of every sale goes directly to Ohio SIBS!
03/30/2026

Last week for our Apparel Shop! T-shirt starting at $15 and $4 of every sale goes directly to Ohio SIBS!

Wear your support for SIBS!

For the next 2 weeks only, our Ohio SIBS online apparel store is open—and every purchase helps make a difference.

$4 from every item purchased goes directly to supporting siblings of people with disabilities through our programs and events.

Siblings often support everyone else. This is one small way we can support them.

Grab a shirt, hoodie, or gear to show your support and help us continue building connection and community for siblings across Ohio.

The store is only open for a limited time, so don’t wait!
https://marktapparel.com/ohiosibs

💛We are Sibs for Life: Emme & Mirabel 💛Emme is one truly “Kool” sibling! Her older sister, Mirabel, was diagnosed with K...
03/25/2026

💛We are Sibs for Life: Emme & Mirabel 💛

Emme is one truly “Kool” sibling! Her older sister, Mirabel, was diagnosed with Koolen-de Vries Syndrome (KdVS) as an infant—and together, they are part of a community of amazing “Kool Kids” and equally incredible “Kool sibs.”

For the past 11 years, Emme has been so much more than a sister to Mirabel—she’s a playmate, friend, advocate, cheerleader, and even a teacher. While having a sibling with complex needs can bring challenges, Emme has met each moment with empathy, love, and a spirit that lifts everyone around her.

Emme’s impact goes far beyond her family. As a buddy for Mirabel’s Miracle League baseball team, she shows up not just for her sister, but for all of the players—greeting them by name, sharing encouragement, and making sure everyone feels included and celebrated.

At school, Emme continues to lead with kindness. She intentionally connects with students of all abilities, even choosing to spend more time with peers in resource rooms so she can build friendships and support others. She is a true friend and champion for inclusion in every space she’s in.

Her love for the Koolen-de Vries community was especially evident at the Patient Advocacy Summit, where she spent days connecting with children, supporting families, and even contributing to research efforts to help advance understanding of KdVS.

Emme’s heart, energy, and dedication make a lasting impact on everyone she meets. She is a powerful example of what it means to be a sibling who leads with love and creates a world where everyone belongs.

💛 We are so proud to celebrate Emme as a sibling who truly makes a difference. 💛

Wear your support for SIBS! For the next 2 weeks only, our Ohio SIBS online apparel store is open—and every purchase hel...
03/24/2026

Wear your support for SIBS!

For the next 2 weeks only, our Ohio SIBS online apparel store is open—and every purchase helps make a difference.

$4 from every item purchased goes directly to supporting siblings of people with disabilities through our programs and events.

Siblings often support everyone else. This is one small way we can support them.

Grab a shirt, hoodie, or gear to show your support and help us continue building connection and community for siblings across Ohio.

The store is only open for a limited time, so don’t wait!
https://marktapparel.com/ohiosibs

Join us SIB Community!Attend Friday, Saturday, or both! Registration link in comments.SIBS—join us to celebrate you at t...
03/20/2026

Join us SIB Community!
Attend Friday, Saturday, or both! Registration link in comments.

SIBS—join us to celebrate you at the beautiful Mohican Lodge. Nestled in the woods and overlooking the peaceful Pleasant Hill lake, it’s the perfect place to step away from the busyness of everyday life and just breathe.

We created this experience for siblings who are always showing up for others. This is your time to relax, connect, and spend time with people who truly understand what it means to be a sibling. Whether you come for a few hours or the full experience, you’ll be surrounded by others who just get it.

Friday (free) - We celebrate with speaker Steven Beha from DODD free pizza and a cash bar

Saturday ($75) - A retreat just for sibs where we talk about what's next together. We also will be eating lunch over looking the lake. Partial scholarships available
*Please Register by March 27th

email me for scholarships or questions: dtemple@ohiosibs.org

Share with your SIBS!
03/20/2026

Share with your SIBS!

Applications are now open for the ElevateDD Voices Fellowship!

This leadership program is for Ohio adults with developmental disabilities who want to strengthen their leadership skills and help improve systems and supports.

Fellows will learn about:
• Storytelling and public speaking
• Community leadership
• Communicating in decision-making spaces

Participants will also complete a leadership project that helps improve their community.

The program runs June 2026 – June 2027 and will include up to 10 participants.

If you care about making Ohio better for people with developmental disabilities, we encourage you to apply.

Apply today: https://www.elevatedd.org/elevateddvoicesfellowship

Applicants will be notified no later than May 1.

✨ A well-deserved shoutout to Kristen Smith! ✨Kristen is one of the most dedicated Sibling Mentors in our program, suppo...
03/17/2026

✨ A well-deserved shoutout to Kristen Smith! ✨

Kristen is one of the most dedicated Sibling Mentors in our program, supporting multiple groups in Ross County (Pioneer Center / Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities) for ages 7–12 while also creating meaningful spaces for both Little SIBS and Teen SIBS to grow and thrive.

From the very beginning, Kristen has been a cornerstone of our program. Families consistently share that she makes their children feel seen, heard, and truly valued—and that kind of impact is everything.

We are so grateful for her heart, her leadership, and the care she brings to every sibling she supports.

💙 Thank you, Kristen, for Supporting SIBS! 💙

💛 Siblings — this weekend is for you.Join us April 10–11 at Mohican Lodge for our National Siblings Day Celebration & Re...
03/11/2026

💛 Siblings — this weekend is for you.

Join us April 10–11 at Mohican Lodge for our National Siblings Day Celebration & Retreat, created especially for siblings of people with disabilities.

Spend time with people who get it — connect, relax, laugh, and talk about the future with other siblings.

Friday Night Celebration (FREE) | April 10 | 6–8pm
Pizza, campfire connection, and a talk from Steven Beha, sibling and Chief Policy Officer at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.

Saturday Retreat ($75) | April 11 | 10am–2pm
Coffee, breakfast, and connection activities with the Nuhop Center for Experiential Learning plus a light, practical conversation about life and the future using Charting the LifeCourse tools with Barb Sapharas. Lunch overlooking the lake included.

✨ Attend one day or both.
✨ Only 15 spots available for the Sat retreat

Come find your people.
(registration link in the comments)

Address

1391 W 5th Avenue, # 370
Columbus, OH
43212

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