It's all right for you

Published: April 12, 2024, 7:50 p.m.

Sara Wheeler reflects on the experience of being a sibling to her brother who has a lifelong disability.

"Posting on social media on National Siblings Day, which fell on a Wednesday this year, brothers and sisters like me express pride. 'You love them more, not less' is a common thread. Because what all this is really about is the sibling's acute awareness of the lack of empathy routinely shown to the disabled - after all, childhood gives us, the siblings, a unique perspective. It's 'Does he take sugar?' times ten - ignoring the point of view of the disabled person and not even trying to stand in her shoes. Ask us. We know."

Producer: Sheila Cook\nSound: Peter Bosher\nProduction coordinator: Liam Morrey\nEditor: Penny Murphy