We are not a cause.
We are a community.
The biggest misconception is that life is hard. And it’s not. That we’re sad. And we’re not.
Now What?
For parents and children living with spina bifida, there's always a "now what?” that comes next. No matter if you just heard the words or have known the diagnosis for years, every next step is a step into the unknown. But with the right community of people by your side, those steps don't have to be taken alone.
Community Resources
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Adaptive Sports
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Medical Needs
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Financial Planning and Funding
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Therapy
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Career
Education and Finances
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IEPs & Special Education
Your child may be eligible for special education services in school. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), entitles children with disabilities to "a free appropriate public education.” This is often called FAPE, or special education.
Although each state and school is different, one of the most important parts of the special education process is creating a written plan for your child's education. This is called an Individualized Education Program, or the IEP.
Developing the IEP consists of two important parts:
- IEP meetings, where you, your child and school staff members decide on an education program for your child
- The IEP document, which lists annual goals and short-term objectives along with the services and support your child will receive
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Additional information on IEPs & IDEA:
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Special Needs Trust
If your child is receiving certain government benefits and receives an inheritance on the death of his or her parents, receipt of that inheritance may disqualify the child from receiving such benefits.
A Special Needs Trust allows to you provide equally for all of your children, while preserving important government benefits for the child with special needs.
Each trust must be specifically designed to suit the needs and situation of each family. A properly drafted trust:
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- Allows you to leave assets to your child with Spina Bifida.
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- Provides for proper management of those assets during the child's lifetime.
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- Prevents the child's inheritance from interfering with his or her government benefits.
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Who to Contact
An estate planning attorney could provide further information regarding Special Needs Trusts and whether such a trust is appropriate for you and your family.
Scholarship Opportunities
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Scholarships and Grants
- Recreational Scholarship (Rolling Deadline)
- Conference Scholarship (Rolling Deadline)
- Therapy Scholarship (due April 1 and Oct 1)
- Miscellaneous Grant Application (Rolling Deadline)
Roll with us.
Every year we host a family friendly event held to raise awareness about Spina Bifida and celebrate those living with it.
Learn more about the Stroll 'N Roll.
We're here. We care
There are plenty of reasons to join our community. We hold events. We offer financial assistance. We provide resources and scholarships. But, if you ask any one of our members, they'll tell you the same: the biggest benefit is the relationships they've established with each other.
Meet the board
Our Board of Directors focuses on ways to help those living with Spina Bifida in West Michigan. We meet throughout the year to plan events (like our Annual Stroll N' Roll), foster community, and advocate for awareness in the West Michigan region.
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Sean Parini
President and Chief Executive Officer
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Katelyn Bush
Vice President Secretary
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Heather Win
Chief Financial Treasurer
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Melissa Aversano
Board Member
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Mona Phillips
Board Member
Partners
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Mary Free Bed Foundation
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Helen DeVos Children's Hospital
HDVCH Spina Bifida Multidiscplinary Clinic -
Family Hope Foundation
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University of Michigan
Letter from the Board
Our organization strives to provide families affected by Spina Bifida a support system that fosters a strong sense of community, raises awareness of the condition, advocates for each unique individual’s highest level of independence, and creates partnerships that promote Spina Bifida in a positive light.
As a member, you have access to a wide variety of events, resources, and scholarships.
We would love to share our lives with you too!
At first, I worried about what Grayden would take away from our lives. I never could have imagined how much he would add.
Get Involved
No matter who you are, whether your life has been affected by spina bifida or not, you have a valuable place in our community. Here are a few ways you can get involved.
Volunteer opportunities
Whether you're interested in hosting a support group, passing out brochures, or helping with the annual Stroll N Roll, we would love to have your help! Contact us at wmisbo@gmail.com we will find a place for you!
Donate
Any donation helps, big or small.
Thank You!
Say Hello
You can reach us through the e-mail address wmisbo@gmail.com.
We look forward to hearing from you. We are always looking for new resources, programs & events that will enhance the lives of the West Michigan Spina Bifida community.
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