Spina Bifida Association of Alabama

The mission of the SBA of AL is to promote the prevention of Spina Bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected.

On January 19, 1979, a small group of parents and professionals in Jefferson county joined together and filed Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws for the Spina Bifida Association of Alabama. Betty Bell was the first president of the group which met once a month at the Center for Developmental Learning Disorders at University of Alabama Birmingham (now Sparks Center). Betty, a pediatric nurse, was director of the area’s early intervention program and recognized a need for parents of children with Spina Bifida to have their own support group.

The Spina Bifida Association of Alabama became a recognized I.R.S. 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization in 1981. From the beginning, our organization and its founders have been comprised of families affected by Spina Bifida and medical professionals who have dedicated their lives to treating and preventing this birth defect. Both the founders and every person involved in the SBA of AL, possess a passion for helping those affected by Spina Bifida lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Thanks to these caring individuals, thousands of families have found support across our state. We are proud to say that what began in 1979 in Jefferson County as a small group of parents and professionals has grown into an organization providing services to hundreds of families.

Statement of Purpose

• Advocate for the acceptance, accessibility rights, inclusion, treatment options and well being of persons with Spina Bifida.

• Develop, maintain, and provide current information about Spina Bifida to promote public awareness.

• Encourage the development of improved treatment and trained teams to care for all affected by Spina Bifida.

• Advocate for appropriate educational, vocational and community support to encourage self determination.

• Promote research for the prevention of Spina Bifida and related secondary conditions.