The Needs and Concerns of the Siblings of the Deaf and Blind

Lori P. Rowan, Utah State University

Abstract

The needs and concerns of the siblings of children who are deaf-blind were studied. Subjects included 12 siblings (eight males, four females) whose families are involved in the Utah Intervener Services Program. Information was collected by conducting one-on-one interviews with the siblings. The Siblings' Perceptions of the Intervener Interview (SPII) and Taylor's Siblings' Problems Questionnaire were administered. The results indicated that individual sibling's perspectives were unique, varying from positive to negative. As a group, the siblings made positive comments about the intervener and their life with their deaf-blind brother or sister.