Patty Paduano is the director of Family Support Services at  Saratoga Bridges in Ballston Spa, New York.  She is also an accomplished Sibshop facilitator.  Below,  she reflects on what Sibshops mean to her and the kids who attend her program:

I have worked with families and children with developmental disabilities for over 25 years and running Sibshops has been the highlight of my career. 

When I first considered running a Sibshop I was actually quite nervous. I was familiar with kids with disabilities.  But all these typical kids?  I wondered: can I do this?

As it turns out, there was no need to worry.  Once we put our creative heads together and planned our Sibshops around themes, it was a breeze.  The kids were having fun and were also developing some wonderful listening and coping skills and feeling really good about themselves and their unique qualities as sibs and individuals. 

Themes that we used and enjoyed include “Game Shows,” “Sibshop Survivor,” “USS Sibshop Sailing Adventure,” “Beam me up Scotty – Transporter” and so on.  Themes gave the kids a fun way to explore issues relating to growing up with a sib that has special needs and to use their own strengths to help each other. 

When the kids were asked what Sibshops mean to them, some responses included: “Having great snacks!” “I don’t feel alone, I made some new friends!” “Sibshops are fun--I loved the Possible Bridge activity.”  This last quote refers to an activity where kids must build a bridge to get to Sibshop Island.  The bridge supports were cardboard cut-outs of people who support them in their lives.  The steps were made of cardboard too.  But to add a step, kids had to identify a quality they had and write it on the step. 

Sibshops are a wonderful addition to our agency and the kids keep coming back for more!!

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