Reaching Caregiving Youth: Creating Access through Expansion of WisconSibs Programming

Project Description Narrative:

Today, 80% of daily disability care for individuals with disabilities is provided by family members, and 64% of siblings anticipate becoming a caregiver at some point in their life. Sibling caregivers as young as eight years-old experience emotional, physical, and mental effects of caregiving responsibilities.

Through the Reaching Caregiving Youth Project, early intervention, education, and support will be provided to young caregivers of individuals with disabilities, in efforts to mitigate the physical and emotional toll they can experience. Building on WisconSibs’ existing programming, peer-to-peer workshops and leadership trainings will be offered, preparing caregiving siblings for the future and equipping them with leadership development skills.