Supporting the Whole Family: Disability Through the Adult Sibling Lens

Join us for a sibling-focused video podcast featuring adult siblings of individuals with disabilities sharing their lived experiences. This conversation will explore the joys, challenges, and unique roles siblings often hold over the lifespan, along with practical supports that help families thrive.

Moderated by Tammy Burns, PEATC’s Executive Director, the discussion will also highlight resources for siblings and the broader family system.

Speaker bios

This webinar will be presented on Zoom.

Speaker Bios

Ann Flippin is the sister of Jamie, a 35-year-old autistic adult with high support needs. Growing up alongside her brother shaped Ann’s understanding of family dynamics, advocacy, and the critical role siblings play across the lifespan. She brings both lived experience as a sibling and professional expertise to conversations about autism and family support. Ann has served as Executive Director of the Autism Society of Central Virginia, where she focuses on growing programs, services, and supports for the local autism community.

Nia Harrison is the older sister to Yasmine (Yassy for short), who has Down Syndrome and autism. Nia is 37 years old, lives in Richmond, and works at the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities. She loves running and spending time with her dog. Yassy is 25 years old, lives in Hampton with her parents, and volunteers at several organizations while she looks for paid employment opportunities. She loves riding her bike and reading.

Walter Suskind lives in Brooklyn, New York and is the older brother of Owen, a 35-year-old autistic man. He is the founder of SibStrong, a community created to give siblings of people with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities a place to connect, share experiences, and find support as they navigate caregiving and transition challenges. Walter started SibStrong after he, Owen, and their family were featured in the Academy Award-nominated documentary Life, Animated, which chronicled Owen’s journey and highlighted the critical role siblings play. He is active with a number of organizations working to strengthen supports for siblings and caregivers.

Kim Wilson is the youngest of three siblings and the sister of Barry Vaughn, who was born with cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability. Kim is 52 years old, a widower, and has one child. She lives and works in Newport News. Kim comes from a very close-knit family, and her late parents played an instrumental role in their lives and in Barry’s care. Since the passing of their father in 2021 and their mother in 2023, Kim has taken on the role as Barry’s full-time caregiver. She finds great joy in caring for Barry and ensuring he lives a happy life. Kim shares, “The last two years have been a series of challenges, lessons, and blessings.”