Marcia A. Cohen
Objective
Students will identify feelings and responsibilities normal siblings might have toward a disabled brother or sister.
Materials
Blackboard and chalk
Procedure
Role play the following situations. At the end list on the board some of the feelings that were expressed and some of the additional responsibilities the non-handicapped sibling had.
Situation A
Jeff is a non-disabled 15 year old. He just made his school’s football team and has practice everyday after school. Jeff’s 13 year old brother has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. Because his mother and father both work, his parents expect Jeff to be home right after school to be with his brother. Role play Jeff’s possible response to his parents request. Suggest possible alternatives.
Situation B
Mary is a high school junior and has a 10 year old brother who is autistic. Her brother is always banging things, rocking himself, hitting his head and making funny sounds. She wants to have friends come to the house but she’s afraid her brother will scare people away. Role play a discussion Mary might have with her mother. Also play out a discussion of his problem between Mary and her best friend. Emphasize feelings, responsibilities and solutions.