Who are we? The Spina Bifida Association is a self-help group formed by families in 1970 to provide support and information for those living with Spina Bifida.
Our mission statement. Our mission is to improve the lives of people with spina bifida by empowering, informing and supporting them in the quest to achieve personal life goals.
Our objectives
Promote and develop the care and welfare of persons with spina bifida.
Promote between it's members and the public a clearer understanding of spina bifida and the capabilities of people with the condition.
Arrange meetings and group activities to assist parents and others associated with people with spina bifida to cope with and understand the problems arising from the condition.
Make and maintain contact with similar groups and associations interstate and overseas.
Enable members to be kept informed as to the latest treatment and research in connection with spina bifida and to encourage continued research into the condition.
Promote a spirit of co-operation with the public, hospitals and other organisations vitally concerned with spina bifida, or any organisation with which this Association deems it necessary to affiliate.
We provide: family support, family camps, community education, library, equipment library, tutoring and subsidy, driving lessons subsidy, father's camp, mother's camp, siblings' camp, Michelle Foley Memorial Scholarship, young adults programme, disposable incontinence products.
Membership is open to any person interested in the welfare, education and happiness of those living with spina bifida. To join, please visit our website.
What is it? Spina bifida is a congenital malformation of the spine and may include the immediate covering of the spinal cord and also the cord itself.
How common is it? Spina bifida is one of the most common malformations with which a baby can be born. It is as common in boys as in girls. In Australia about one baby in 1000 is born with spina bifida.
How does it happen? The exact causes of spina bifida are as yet unknown. It is thought to result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Spina bifida is not new; in fact the first accurate description of it was recorded in the 15th century, although the term spina bifida was not introduced until 1652.
What are the effects? One of the most significant problems which frequently occurs with spina bifida is hydrocephalus and this needs early treatment. Hydrocephalus also occurs without spina bifida. Not all people with spina bifida are seriously affected. The nerves supplying the area of the body below the lesion may be damaged however, causing varying degrees of paralysis and incontinence.
Did you know? Studies have shown that the vitamin folate (folic acid) consumed in larger quantities than usual before and during pregnacy can prevent 70% of neural tube defect. Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect.
| Address |
11 Aberdare Road, Suite B Nedlands WA 6009 |
| Tel | 08 9346 7520 |
| Website | www.sbawa.asn.au |