Central College Sibshops

Join us for an exciting event on campus this fall! In collaboration with the Geisler Penquite Foundation, Marion County Community Foundation, Mahaska County Community Foundation, The Autism Society of Iowa and other grant partnerships we are excited to bring internationally known speaker and author, Don Meyer, to campus for a two-day Sibshops event in October! October 28th & 29th Sutphen Room in Graham Annex 812 University Street, Central College campus Sibshops provide young siblings of children with special needs peer support and information in a lively, recreational setting. This event will allow parents, community members and professionals an opportunity to discuss the unique joys and concerns of siblings of people with special needs as well as providing a Sibshop Facilitator Training for those interested in learning how to offer Sibshops. This event is free and open to the public thanks to grants from the Geisler Penquite Foundation, Marion County Community Foundation, Mahaska County Community Foundation, Autism Society of Iowa and varying other grant sources. Registration is required! We welcome you to learn alongside us in this exciting and engaging opportunity! The schedule will be as follows: Friday, October 28th - COMMUNITY-WIDE WORKSHOP ON SIBLINGS OF PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. A lively large-group discussion about the concerns and opportunities frequently experienced by brothers and sisters of people with special needs. Implications for parents and service providers will be discussed throughout the workshop. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Panel of adult siblings of people with special needs 2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Introduction to Sibshops for trainees and others interested Saturday, October 29th - DEMONSTRATION SIBSHOP FOR YOUNG SIBLINGS & SIBSHOP FACILITATOR TRAINEES 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Preparation for Sibshops (Trainees only) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Demonstration Sibshop (Trainees & siblings age 8-13 years old) 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Debriefing (Trainees only) REGISTER HERE FOR THE SIBSHOP EVENT! PLEASE NOTE: To become a first-generation Sibshop facilitator you must attend all sessions on both Friday and Saturday! Additional information on Don Meyer or Sibshops: Don Meyer Speaker Fact Sheet Sibling Support Project Contact Jen Diers, Associate Professor of Education, Central College at (641) 628-5443 or diersj@central.edu with questions.