This wonderful program provides a comfortable and fun environment to meet other brothers and sisters of children with special needs. This program allows children to share the positives and negatives of having a sibling with special needs, as well as providing coping strategies and educational tools to the children so they can learn to adapt to common experiences more easily. At Sibshops, children who have a sibling with special needs, play fun, new games and activities that promote team-building, self-awareness, a positive self-image, disability awareness, and discussions about the joys and challenges of having a sibling with special needs.This program is offered to 8-13 year olds in Baltimore, Harford, and Montgomery Counties, and 4-7 year olds in Howard County. If you are interested in having your child participate in our program, please contact the Sibshops Coordinator for a registration form and flyer for your preferred location. When you receive this information, please mail in your completed registration form along with a check with the designated registration fee cost.
A common question parents ask is if they are allowed to stay if their child is nervous. While parents can stay for the first trickle-in activity (which is usually a ball game) until their child is comfortable, Sibshops is a time for this child to meet new friends and talk about different issues that they may not feel comfortable discussing if their parent or someone else’s parents are there. If there are any significant concerns we observe, we will touch base with you about this. Otherwise, this is a time for this child to focus on themselves and most importantly, to HAVE FUN with other children they can relate to. Please feel free to call with any questions or concerns on the Sibshops line: 410-578-5169.
Baltimore County is hosting groups for ages 8-13 on Sundays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm on March 20, April 17, and May 15. The location is Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, 1708 West Rogers Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21209. The cost is $30 for all three sessions and includes a snack. A limited number of scholarships available. Sponsored by Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital.
Harford County is hosting groups for ages 8-13 on Saturdays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm on March 13, April 10, May 8, and June 12. The location is Mountain Christian Church, 1824 Mountain Road, Joppa, MD 21085. The cost is $40 for all four sessions and includes lunch. A limited number of scholarships available. Sponsored by The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, Partners for Success Resource Center, and Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital.
Montgomery County is hosting groups for ages 8-13 on Sundays from 1:00 - 5:00 pm on March 14, April 11, and May 2. The location is The Arc of Montgomery County at 11600 Nebel Street, Rockville, MD 20852. The cost is $30 for all three sessions and includes a snack. A limited number of scholarships available. Sponsored by The Arc of Montgomery County and Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital.
Howard County is hosting groups for ages 4-7 on Saturdays from 2:00 - 4:00 pm on April 10, 17 and 24. The location is The Arc of Howard County at D.H. Wright Building, 11735 Homewood Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042. The cost is $27 for all three sessions and includes a snack. A limited number of scholarships available. Sponsored by The Arc of Howard County, The Howard County Family Support and Resource Center, and Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital.
Sibhops of Maryland also offers support workshops at Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore. For mor information contact 1-800-999-9442 Ext. 5169 or sibshopsofmaryland@yahoo.com.