Sign up for our mailing list
ISBA Programs
The Illinois Spina Bifida Association 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:
Central Illinois Support Group
Western Illinois Support Group
Anixter Village
Anixter Village is an accessible apartment building designed for adults with Spina Bifida. Anixter Village is conveniently located within the Illinois Medical District at 2059 W. Washburne, Chicago. 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.
To request a tenant application for Anixter Village, call the Anixter Corporation at 1-773-761-1501. Choose extension 1, for "HUD apartment information" and leave a message asking them to send you an application for Anixter Village.
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.
The sessions for 2013 are as follows:
Session 3 June 23-28, 7-12 year olds
Session 4 June 30-July 5, 7-12 year olds
Session 5: July 7-12, 7-12 year olds
Session 6: July 14-19, 13-17 year olds
Session 7: July 21-26, 13-17 year olds
Session 8: July 28-August 2, Adults (male and female)
To register for YMCA Camp Independence 2013:
1. Mail completed registration form to the camp office with your deposit of $200.00 or whatever you can afford as a deposit.
2. Camp sessions are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
3. If the session requested is filled, the parent or camper will be contacted regarding second choice for camp session.
4. If applying for scholarship assistance, complete the scholarship assistance form and mail with registration.
Please click here for more information, or contact Rona Roffey, Camp Director at rroffey@ymcachicago.org or 847-546-8086.
YMCA Camp Duncan and YMCA Camp Independence offer great summer camp opportunities and experiences for all ages.
Camp Independence 2013 Financial Assistance form
Camp Independence 2013 Registration form, Kids & Youth retreats
Camp Independence 2013 Adult Retreat
Camp Independence Weekend Registration form, Adult Retreat
Camp Independence Mentors Program
Central Illinois Support Group
The Central Illinois Support Group is a small group of parents, kids, and young adults with spina bifida, who meet informally once per month.
Meetings are typically held at at 6:45pm on the second Thursday of each month at the OSF-College Ave meeting room, 1701 E. College Avenue, Bloomington (Map - enter rear of building by Convenient Care entrance.) The format varies from speakers, to just informal networking.
May's meeting has been postponed as of 5/8. Please check back for a rescheduled date.
RSVP to Lynn at lynn.bradtke@comcast.net.
Emergency Assistance Funds
Financial assistance for braces, therapy, equipment, and urological supplies (Illinois residents and members of ISBA 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.
Holiday Party
Save the Date - Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, Conyers Learning Academy, Rolling Meadows
The Holiday Party is a winter favorite for the families of ISBA. 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.
Check out the 2012 Family Holiday Party photos
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.
Join us for our next meeting!
Professional Symposium
Save the Date - Friday, Oct. 11, 2013
Rockford Support Group
Saturday, June 1, Noon
Individuals and families affected by Spina Bifida are invited to join us for a picnic in Martin Park at the shelter by the river. Lunch provided. MAP
RSVP to 773-444-0305 or info@i-sba.org.
Scholarship Fund
Financial award for post-secondary education for young adults with Spina Bifida. Applicants must reside in Illinois.
ISBA also offers the Patrick Juris Scholarship, a $3,000 scholarship for students pursuing a master's degree, and 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.
Check back in Spring 2013 for the 2013-2014 Scholarship application.
Western Illinois Support Group
Saturday, June 22nd, 10am
Individuals and families affected by Spina Bifida are invited to join us at the Western Illinois Support Group.
Children's Therapy Center of the Quad Cities
1504 13th Avenue, Moline - MAP
RSVP to 773-444-0305 or info@i-sba.org
Recent News
ISBA depends on public donations to continue its work!