TV programmes for adult siblings
Category: Learning disabilities (severe/profound)
Films for adult siblings
An Irish Goodbye (2022) “On a farm in rural Northern Ireland, estranged brothers Turlough (Seamus O’Hara) and Lorcan (James Martin) are forced to reunite following the untimely death of their mother (Michelle Fairley). But when the pair discover an unfulfilled bucket list belonging to their late mum, their pained reunion takes an altogether different course.” … Continued
Alyx – “Just because your sibling has a lot going on, it does not mean your feelings should be pushed to one side.”
‘My sister, Katy’, the three most common words which come out of my mouth everyday. Like any little sister, I absolutely idolised my big sister growing up. I always knew that she was different but I didn’t fully grasp that being ‘different’ wasn’t really accepted by society. I always saw my sister as the most … Continued
Kausar – “Was I moulded into this role? It just comes from within myself”
In this video, adult sibling Kausar shares her experiences of growing up in a large family, caring for her two brothers who have learning disabilities, alongside juggling work and raising her own family. She reflects on the loss of her father and how her own death will impact her brothers too. This video is available … Continued
Adult sibling experiences of secondary school
Read the stories of eight adult siblings as they reflect on their experiences of secondary school. We asked them what helped them as a child, what didn’t, and what support they would want for young siblings today. The responses are powerful. “I told my teacher that my sister has cerebral palsy and he immediately recognised … Continued
Maura – “I always looked forward to visiting my sister Alison”
Once I had a sister. Her name was Alison and she was twenty-one months younger than me, the middle child of our parents. We shared the same straight brown hair and green eyes, different from our younger brother with his blue eyes and blonde hair. Alison and I were born uneventfully at home. In the … Continued
Zoe – “My brother moulded me into the caring person I am today”
My earliest memory of my brother is scooting up and down the children’s ward in a toy car at St James’ hospital in Leeds. Although I was almost 3 when he was born, I think I knew even then that he was poorly and somehow ‘different’ to other people’s siblings. Growing up with my brother … Continued
Sarah – “My brother taught me that it is possible to be cheerful even through times of pain”
Growing up as the middle sibling to two brothers with profound and multiple learning disabilities has made me the person I am today. Being tuned in to non-verbal brothers taught me to live mindfully well before anyone knew what that might mean. I am aware of the environment around me, changes in sound and light, … Continued
Chloe – “Being a sibling has taught me so much”
“Being a sibling has taught me so much. It has taught me to be resilient, to never judge a book by it’s cover and most importantly it has taught me about unconditional love” – Chloe Newton Check out Chloe’s article in iNews: “What growing up as a ‘glass child’ with a severely disabled sister taught me … Continued
Joan – “My uphill battle for transparency and accountability from health authorities in Northern Ireland”
Above: Joan and her sister, Irene Sibling Joan Corrigan shares her experiences in this powerful two-part blog ‘Accountability’. We know that many siblings will relate to Joan, when she says: “The powerlessness I feel is the worst, but not for me, for my sister. I feel this strong compulsion to protect her, given my skills … Continued