What is Spina Bifida?
Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. It occurs when a baby's spine fails to close properly during the first months of pregnancy. This causes full or partial paralysis and on-going medical challenges. However, most born with Spina Bifida can expect to live happy and fulfilling lives. More Facts about Spina Bifida...
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SBAC History
The Spina Bifida Association of Cincinnati is a 501(c)3 non-profit formed in 1973 by parents and professionals caring for children with Spina Bifida.
Many of the original founders of the Spina Bifida Association of Cincinnati were also framers of the national Spina Bifida Association and influenced early efforts in advocating for quality healthcare for children with Spina Bifida, multi-disciplinary clinics, Baby Doe legislation, and AFP (alpha feto protein) screening.
The association has a long history of parent/professional partnership and is dedicated to improving outcomes for adults and children with Spina Bifida. To this end, the Spina Bifida Association of Cincinnati has convened two national Spina Bifida Association educational conferences in 1976 and again in 1985. Since 2000, the SBAC has also convened bi-annual regional conferences.
The development of the shunt in the 1950’s, along with advanced surgical procedures and diagnostic tools, dramatically increased both the life span and quality of life for individuals born with Spina Bifida. Dedicated professionals and families have continued to advocate for quality care in multi-disciplinary clinics to assure healthy outcomes for their children. As the children of the 1970’s have matured into independent adults with Spina Bifida, the need for specialized healthcare continues, in order to preserve function and minimize the affects of aging with this complicated disability.
The SBAC continues to have dedicated parents, professionals and individuals with SB participate at all levels and be advocates for the next generation.
