The Adult Network

By Henry Hill

In October, 1994, adults with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus officially formed the Adult Network of the Spina Bifida Association of Canada (SBAC). The mission of the SBAC is "to improve the quality of life of all individuals with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, and their families, through personal support, research, advocacy, education and awareness programs." Keeping this mission in mind, the Network was created to foster the volunteer involvement of adults with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus in the association and its activities and to act as a resource to young adults, adults, parents and professionals.

When the SBAC began in the early 1980s, its focus was primarily on the needs of parents of children with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, including such issues as education, management and treatment of their children. While these are still vital issues to the SBAC, medical advances over the last 30 years have made it possible for the majority of children born with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus to have a normal life expectancy. As a result, more adults are now getting involved in the SBAC.

The adults within the SBAC membership are focusing on issues such as post-secondary education, health needs, transportation, housing and employment. Recognizing these needs and striving to find ways in which to encourage the participation of the adult member, the Adult Network and SBAC have worked together to develop education programs at the SBAC National Conference this year in Montreal that are specifically designed for the adult member as well as the parent.

In addition, the Adult Network is working hard to develop a communication link with adults and other interested persons in order to continue the momentum of addressing the needs of this vital group. It is hoped that through the joint efforts of the Adult Network and SBAC, services and programs being offered by associations at the local level will include the adults’ needs, thus improving their quality of life.

If you would like more information about the Adult Network, please contact the Spina Bifida Association of Canada, 220-388 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2J4; tel: (204) 957-1784; fax: (204) 957-1794.

(Henry Hill is a board member of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario and a member of the Spina Bifida Association of Canada’s Adult Network.)