Ohio SIBS

Ohio SIBS Ohio SIBS (Special Initiatives by Brothers & Sisters) https://linktr.ee/ohiosibs

!Attention Siblings! We want to make you aware of a proposed change in House Bill 795 that could directly impact sibling...
06/04/2026

!Attention Siblings!

We want to make you aware of a proposed change in House Bill 795 that could directly impact siblings who provide paid caregiving support to their brother or sister with a disability.

The current version of the bill includes language that would prohibit Medicaid waiver payment for personal care services provided by family members, including siblings. If passed, this change could prevent many siblings from being paid caregivers for their brother or sister, even when they are the most trusted, consistent, and qualified support person available.

For many families, sibling providers play a critical role in helping individuals with disabilities remain in their homes, participate in their communities, maintain employment, and avoid more restrictive care settings. In some areas of Ohio, especially rural communities, finding qualified caregivers is already extremely difficult.

HB 795 is moving quickly through the legislature, and lawmakers need to hear from families about the importance of sibling caregivers. If you or someone you know serves as a paid provider for a brother or sister with a disability, consider contacting your state legislators and sharing your story.

Your voice can help lawmakers understand the real-life impact this proposal could have on individuals with disabilities and the siblings who support them.

Find your Ohio House representative here:
https://www.ohiohouse.gov/members/district-map?home-address-entry=

06/04/2026

🚨 ACTION ALERT: Protect Family Caregivers in HB 795 🚨

HB 795 could restrict or prohibit Medicaid waiver payment for family caregivers who provide personal care services to loved ones with developmental disabilities.

For many families, especially in rural and Appalachian communities, family caregivers are not a backup option, they are the only available, trusted provider.

Family caregivers help people with developmental disabilities live at home, stay connected to their communities, work, participate in daily life, and avoid more costly crisis or institutional care.

HB 795 is expected to be voted out of House Medicaid Committee on Tuesday, June 9, with a possible House floor vote as soon as Wednesday, June 10.

Contact your state legislators and urge them to remove or amend the family caregiver restriction in HB 795.

Find your legislators here: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/members/district-maps

05/29/2026

We’re looking forward to the next installment of our ConnecteDD webinar series, with Derek Graham of Philipps & Graham, LLC, for Part II of Planning for the Future! Join us on June 2 to learn about special needs trusts, STABLE accounts, waivers, and benefits.

Register for the webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U-xYdR5KQjSKAWMsTmxeAQ

If you missed Part I, you can find that recording (as well as recordings of our other webinars!) at https://www.elevatedd.org/webinars.

LAST CHANCE!  Do you know a sibling ages 7-12 who would love to meet other siblings that have brothers or sisters with d...
05/28/2026

LAST CHANCE!
Do you know a sibling ages 7-12 who would love to meet other siblings that have brothers or sisters with disabilities in Ohio?

Our camps were full, but we have opened up a few additional spots!

Registration for Nuhop - June 6th or until full (3 spots)
Registration for Kern - June 12th or until full (2 spots)

Kids will also receive a camp t-shirt and a Supporting SIBS bag!


Supporting SIBS members attend for free

Learn more & Register at the link in the comments

05/15/2026

The OSU Nisonger Center is excited to announce an opportunity for adults with depressed mood and intellectual disability to participate in a free therapy group. We are now recruiting participants to start the next round of group at the beginning of June. It will be run on Wednesday afternoons (exact time TBD based on interest). Please see the attached flyer for details.

Thank you to the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities for sponsoring and hosting our Sibling Summit!  Wha...
05/12/2026

Thank you to the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities for sponsoring and hosting our Sibling Summit!

What an incredible day at our Ohio SIBS Sibling Summit!

Siblings from across the region came together to connect, share their experiences, and learn from one another about the unique journey of being a sibling to a person with a disability.

Throughout the day, we explored:
✨ The importance of sibling stories and peer connection
✨ Real-life experiences navigating major family transitions and emergencies
✨ Legal and future planning topics including guardianship, Medicaid, Medicare, and supported decision-making with Attorney Amanda Buzo from Hickman Lowder
✨ Important updates and resources impacting individuals with disabilities and their families from Jo Elle Barath & Janet Keeler
✨ Family roles, relationships, and support networks through Charting the LifeCourse activities with Barb Sapharas

We are especially grateful to Quentin Moden for sharing his family’s experience.

Most importantly, siblings had the opportunity to build friendships, have honest conversations, and realize they are not alone.

Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, volunteered, and helped make this summit meaningful. The sibling voice matters, and together we are building stronger support and community for siblings across Ohio. 💙

Next Weekend!!Attend our upcoming Sibling Summit in Cleveland on May 9th!Speakers include:Attorney Amanda BuzoDirector o...
05/01/2026

Next Weekend!!
Attend our upcoming Sibling Summit in Cleveland on May 9th!

Speakers include:
Attorney Amanda Buzo
Director of Service & Support of Cuyahoga CBDD Jo Elle Barath
Charting the LifeCourse tool with sibling Barb Sapharas

Sibling Story from Quentin Moden of the Sibling Transformation Project

Learn more & Register in comments

Camp for Siblings of those with disabilities 7-12 years old.Spots are filling quickly! We have a few remaining for our E...
04/27/2026

Camp for Siblings of those with disabilities 7-12 years old.

Spots are filling quickly! We have a few remaining for our Empowering Young Voices Camp at Mohican (Camp Nuhop), and we’re opening four more spots for Camp Kern—join us while space is still available!

Register on our website. Link in the comments.

Please share with families!

Address

1391 W 5th Avenue, # 370
Columbus, OH
43212

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