Sibling Advocacy

Research Summary

Title: Sibling Advocacy: Perspectives about advocacy from siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities 

Purpose: Most research focuses on advocacy among self-advocates and parents of individuals with disabilities. However, siblings may also advocate with their brothers and sisters with disabilities. Yet, little research has examined advocacy among siblings. The purpose of this study was to examine sibling advocacy.  

Method: Four focus groups were conducted with 18 siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in one state.   

Findings:  

  • Siblings defined advocacy as: case advocacy and cause advocacy.  
  • Case advocacy refers to providing support and giving a voice to individuals with disabilities.  
  • Cause advocacy refers to educating others and creating systemic change with individuals with disabilities.  
  • There were different advocacy methods with respect to case and cause advocacy.  
  • Case advocacy refers to being inclusive and securing services.  
  • Cause advocacy refers to collective advocacy, legislative advocacy, and educating others.  
  • Siblings had different reasons for advocacy with respect to case and cause advocacy.  
  • Reasons for case advocacy included love and obligation, role identity, and to receive services.  
  • Reasons for cause advocacy included paying it forward and educating the public.  

For more information, see:  

Burke, M.M., Arnold, C.K., & Owen, A. (2015). Sibling advocacy: Perspectives about  

advocacy from siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inclusion, 3, 162-175. DOI: 10.1352/2326-6988-3.3.162