Did You Know...?
Folic Acid: The Best Hope for Prevention
400 micrograms of folic acid every day can reduce the risk of a baby being born with Spina Bifida by as much as 70%.
Programs Available from SBA of IL
The Spina Bifida Association of Illinois currently offers a full array of programs to families dealing with Spina Bifida. For more information or to participate in these programs, please call us at (773) 444-0305 or get in touch with us from our Contact page.
Some of these programs include:
Adult Advisory Committee (AAC)
Crossroads - the quarterly newsletter
Camp Ability®
A residential camp program designed to teach independent living skills to children with Spina Bifida over the age of 7.
Camp Ability® is a traditional summer camp experience designed especially for children and young adults with Spina Bifida. It is open to all individuals with Spina Bifida ages 7 and up. Camp Ability® will be held at Camp Red Leaf beginning in 2008, a beautiful facility located on Fox Lake in Ingleside, IL. Sessions are divided by age group, allowing the staff to better tailor programming. Along with normal camp activities, each camper works with his/her counselor to begin the process of learning adaptive skills and to establish individualized goals that further the development of his/her sense of independence. Counselors must have a desire to work with people with disabilities and receive training by the medical staff. In 2008, the tentative dates for sessions of camp are between August 3rd and 23rd. Please contact the office for more information or for an application. Spots are reserved based upon date of received completed application.
Activities include Horseback riding, swimming, fishing, canoeing, outdoor camping, arts and crafts, art therapy, drama, music therapy, nature and science, basketball, talent shows, dances, cookouts, golf, target sports, pontoon boat rides and much more.
While Camp Ability® is a fun place, the primary focus of camp is to teach the independent living skills necessary for these special needs campers to become productive, self-sufficient, self-sustaining individuals. Camp Ability® is the only camp of its type in the Midwest.
Family Outreach
The Family Outreach Program was developed in 1987 by parents of children with Spina Bifida. It grew out of a strong belief that new parents can find help and support by sharing experiences with other parents who have "been there". The program is an invaluable resource for families who have to come to terms with this complicated birth defect. A referral network of trained volunteers is available to provide parents with information, understanding and reassurance needed to adjust to new circumstances posed by Spina Bifida.
Family Outreach works in cooperation with hospitals and clinics in Illinois as a service of the Spina Bifida Association of Illinois. As the Family Outreach Program grows, our goal is to help ensure that Illinois Spina Bifida families are NOT alone as they work toward understanding and adapting to their special lives.
Online Forum
The online forum was created to help link people in the Spina Bifida community together throughout the entire state of Illinois along with those outside the areas that we serve. Take a look at our Forum page to find opportunities to discuss topics such as medical issues, transportation, accessibility and expand your networking!
Adult Advisory Committee (AAC)
The AAC holds monthly meetings which provide a forum for adults to network and create appropriate programming for the adult community.
Network with other adults, learn about opportunities, and contribute to the future of decisions of SBA of IL.
Crossroads
The quarterly newsletter is available to families and friends of SBA of IL.
Emergency Assistance Funds
Financial assistance for braces, therapy, equipment, and urological supplies (Illinois residents and members of SBA of IL only).
Scholarship Fund
Financial award for post secondary education for young adults with Spina Bifida.
Summer Picnic
Each year SBA of IL sponsors a picnic for our members. This annual event gives families an opportunity to meet other families in similar circumstances.
Holiday Party
Held each year in December complete with a visit from Santa and a gift for the children along with networking opportunities for families.
Thank you for your support!
SBA of IL depends upon public donations to continue its work. You can help! Making a donation through our secure server is fast and easy, and when we receive your donation, we will send you an acknowledgement in the mail for tax purposes. Click the button below to make a donation.
