PPSA — Free Sibshops for Siblings of Kids with Disabilities — Tucson
Pilot Parents of Southern Arizona (PPSA) is a nonprofit, self-help network for Arizona families whose children have disabilities, chronic illness, or special needs. Among its free programs is Sibshop — a workshop series built specifically for the often-overlooked members of these families: the brothers and sisters. Based on the national Sibshop model developed by Don Meyer, the program gives siblings their own space, their own peers, and their own support.
What to Expect
Sibshops blend conversation with recreation. Kids talk with other boys and girls who are having similar experiences with a brother or sister who has special needs, learn how other siblings handle situations they all recognize, and discuss the common joys — not just the concerns — of life in their family. Sessions also help siblings understand more about the implications of their brother’s or sister’s special needs, all in a lively, kid-friendly format. Schedules are set throughout the year; contact PPSA for current dates.
Who This Group Is For
Sibshops are for children ages 7 to 14 who have a sibling with a disability, chronic illness, or other special needs. PPSA serves families throughout Southern Arizona, and all programs are offered free of charge regardless of the child’s diagnosis, age, family income, or other eligibility factors.
Why Peer Support Works
Siblings of children with special needs grow up with a unique mix of love, responsibility, worry, and pride — and few places to talk about it. Meeting peers who share that experience validates feelings that can be hard to voice at home, reduces isolation, and builds lifelong coping skills. The Sibshop model has been used nationally for decades precisely because siblings will likely have the longest-lasting relationship with their brother or sister of anyone in the family.
How to Join
Sibshops are free. Call Pilot Parents of Southern Arizona at (520) 324-3150 for information and current Sibshop schedules, or email PPSA@pilotparents.org. PPSA is located at 2600 North Wyatt Drive, Tucson, AZ 85712, and also offers parent-to-parent peer matching, information on disabilities, and advocacy training for the whole family.