8765 W. Higgins Road #403, Chicago, IL 60631 | 773-444-0305   

SBAIL Programs

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:

Anixter Village

Camp Independence

Emergency Assistance Funds

Family Outreach

First Saturday

Play Date

Scholarship Fund

Holiday Party

Anixter Village

Anixter Village is an accessible apartment building designed for adults with Spina Bifida. Tenants are strongly encouraged to participate in transition programming to gain skills which can be used in the community. It's owned and operated by Anixter Center and governed by HUD regulations. It's built with the needs of an individual with Spina Bifida in mind.

Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, next to the FBI's Chicago Field Office, it is conveniently located in the heart of the Illinois Medical District with several large shopping centers and educational institutions nearby. It's within walking distance of several well known hospitals. It's also just ten minutes from Downtown Chicago, via the Eisenhower Expressway, and several historic landmarks with several transportation options available.

Please click here for more information.

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Camp Independence

Camp Independence is hosted by the YMCA and is an overnight camp designed especially for children and young adults with Spina Bifida. Campers are encouraged to learn self-care while at the camp, develop new friendships and social relationships, and try new adaptive sports!

Camp sessions are divided by age-group. To register for the camp, please visit the YMCA website.

Please click here for more information.

YMCA Camp Duncan and YMCA Camp Independence offer great summer camp opportunities and experiences for all ages.

Camp Information Meetings are schedule for March 4, 2012 and April 22, 2012. Families can attend at 1:00 pm or 2:30 pm.

Camp Information Meetings provide a great opportunity for campers and parents to see and learn about the MAGIC of Camp Duncan.

Families receive a guided tour, meet our directors and watch a video about the summer camp experience.

For a brochure or to schedule a personal tour contact Rona at rroffey@ymcachicago.org or 847-546-8086.

Downloads:

Camp Independence Mentors Program

2012 Camp Independence Registration Form

2012 YMCA Camp Independence Scholarship Application

Camp Independence Brochure

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Emergency Assistance Funds

Financial assistance for braces, therapy, equipment, and urological supplies (Illinois residents and members of SBAIL only).

Guidelines:

  • Money given is for the direct benefit of the individual affected by Spina Bifida.
  • Applicant needs to prove that he or she (or parent (s)) is unable to pay for this request.
  • Money is not paid to an individual. Money will be paid directly to vendor/supplier.
  • Required documentation must be from medical professional, equipment company, etc.
  • No medication is covered with the exception of urological medications.
  • All money granted will be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and will be audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS) by an independent CPA.

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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.

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First Saturday

First Saturday is a monthly group that meets on the First Saturday of every month. The group is comprised of young adults, ages 18-35, with Spina Bifida.

Each meeting revolves around an informative activity and a social engagement. The activity is usually intended to help young adults with their transition to independent living in adulthood. The group also enables young adults with Spina Bifida to meet others grappling with the same issues and serves as a good experience in social networking.

Please contact Faith Morgan at fmorgan@sbail.org for more information.

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Play Date

Play Date is an afternoon party for young children with Spina Bifida, their siblings and their parents.

It is an opportunity for the children to play in a safe and accessible environment while allowing parents to network with other parents, share information, learn about resources, and hear speakers on relevant topics.

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Scholarship Fund

Financial award for post-secondary education for young adults with Spina Bifida. Applicants must reside in Illinois. Winners may have a brief biography published in the quarterly newsletter, Crossroads.

SBAIL also offers the Valiant Scholarship, a $2,500 scholarship awarded to the applicant who demonstrates the best ability and most experience to help others with Spina Bifida.

Read about our 2011-2012 scholarship recipeints here in our Summer/Fall 2011 e-newsletter.

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Holiday Party

The Holiday Party is a winter favorite for the families of SBAIL. Held each year in December, children with Spina Bifida and their siblings, ages 14 and under, receive a gift and have the opportunity to visit Santa. Parents and children alike will have the opportunity to network with old friends and meet new ones.

Read about the 2011 Family Holiday Party

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