About

Spina Bifida Association of Iowa (SBAIA)

The mission of the Spina Bifida Association of Iowa is to build a better and brighter future for all those impacted by Spina Bifida. Our goal is to enhance the lives of those with Spina Bifida and those whose lives are touched by this challenging birth defect. We provide education on new advances in care/ treatment, transitioning, accessible community services as well as other aspects of daily living. We provide direct financial support in the form of grants to fill in the gaps of services and care assistance that are not covered by other entities. We advocate for better services and train those impacted by Spina Bifida to advocate for themselves and/or their family member and friends with Spina Bifida.

Programs and services include:

Grant Assistance Program (GAP)
College Scholarships
Camp scholarships
Camp for individuals with Spina Bifida and their families/caregivers
Health/wellness programs and assistance
Education Day (local) and access to national educational programs
Accessible living, sports and recreational opportunities
Connections and support in a caring, inclusive, and welcoming community

The Spina Bifida Association of Iowa is an affiliated chapter of the Spina Bifida Association of America. We are a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in Iowa and maintain a local board and staff.

Our History

The Spina Bifida Association of Iowa was incorporated in 1974. Thanks to the support of a small group of passionate and committed volunteers, an association was formed and was nurtured due to their tireless efforts, as well as the support of a partnership with the Iowa State Snowmobile Association.

The goal of the organization was to provide assistance to and build relationships with people affected by Spina Bifida and their families. Even in its infancy, the Association was providing direct assistance through a range of programs which has included camp scholarships, family assistance, incontinence supply assistance, orthotic assistance, college scholarships, and wheelchair assistance.

In 2014, the Spina Bifida Association of Iowa joined he Spina Bifida Association of America (SBA) as an affiliated chapter. SBA has a presence in more than 125 communities nationwide and touches thousands of people each year. Since 1973, SBA has been the only national voluntary health agency solely dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with Spina Bifida and those whose lives are touched by this challenging birth defect. Its tools are education, advocacy, research, and service.

Board Members

Chair

Janet Regier, Urbandale

Chair-Elect

open

Immediate Past Chair

Anna Mundy, Des Moines

Emeritus

Diane Glass, Des Moines

Treasurer

Mollie Baltutat, DeSoto

Secretary

Brianna Wollum, Ankeny

Ex-Officio

Craig Krapfl, Ankeny

At-Large

Missy Hughes,Dakota Dunes, SD
Megan Sorensen, Council Bluffs
Mary Helen Biller, Clive

Staff

Carlyn Crowe, Des Moines