Services Offered by the Association The Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of South Australia (SBHA) provides a number of services for its members and the community including: Support Subsidies Unique Services Outreach Nursing Social and Recreational Program Life Skills Community & Volunteer Programs Education/Information Support Our base service is that of support. Simply put; a place that understands the problems and issues that accompany spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. Part of that support is available in the form of professional counselling if required, and sometimes just a friendly ear. Advocacy as required is supplied by our various staff upon request from members. This can include our staff assisting and advising members with social security issues, transport arrangements, schools, financial, social contact and employment issues. Providing services such as those shown below, places a great strain financially on any group. We are no different. To help us to continue to assist those in need SBHA seeks your support. We would warmly welcome any donations or bequests which you may consider appropriate. Your donation can be tax deductible in most cases and your generosity will allow us to continue building pathways for those with a disability. For further information please contact us. Back to top   Subsidies The association part-subsidises many medical and support services specifically required by people with Spina Bifida or Hydrocephalus. These include: Continence aids such as absorbent pads, protective pants, catheters and catheterisation requirements Basic costs of membership to Medic Alert Membership to Ileostomy/Colostomy Association Repairs and purchase of callipers, boots, and sticks The difference between Medicare/Health fund refund and scheduled fee for services related to spina bifida or hydrocephalus Pharmaceutical prescribed items relating to spina bifida or hydrocephalus Driving assessments ($100 assistance) Fitting hand controls to a car. To a maximum of $100 every five years House cleaning for persons living independently. Maximum of $150 per calendar year Click here for more information and to get an application form. Back to top   Unique Services SBHA continues to develop and expanded its services for members. Some of these services have been truly innovative and are being used as models for similar programs both nationally and internationally. Back to top   Outreach Nursing This service has been developed since 1995 and is continually evolving to meet the changing needs of our members. The service has been very successful in ensuring our older members (16 and over) are making the transition from the children's hospital service to the adult system. The service consists of two registered nurses performing a wide range of services based on the individual needs of the members. Some services include accompanying people to medical appointments, and offering advice on continence issues. This service has gained interest from support associations around the world. A paper detailing the history and aims of the Outreach Service was presented at the International conference for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in 1999. An abridged version of that presentation, titled The Outreach Nursing Service in South Australia may be read here. Back to top   Social and Recreational Program Many adults with spina bifida and hydrocephalus live on limited incomes. This coupled with limited mobility and cognitive problems such as poor memory can lead to social isolation. SBHA recognised that this was becoming a problem and began to devise programs that would encourage recreation and socialisation. Consequently, informal social groups get together for activities organised by the Association. The activities cover a wide range of topics to encourage people with different interests. Members are also encouraged to organise their own outings. Social outings may include film and dinner nights, Karaoke nights, ten pin bowling, fishing, and trips to the zoo to name a few. Occasionally the activities are designed to stretch the participants experience. These have included rock climbing, sailing, scuba diving, gliding, and pistol shooting. Even if it is only a one off experience, then they have the pride of having achieved something that they never would have thought possible. This type of experience is beneficial to self-esteem. Back to top   Life Skills Our extensive knowledge of and experience with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus has enabled us to provide specialist disability life skills training. These programs may be subject to available funding but include: * Wheels in Motion - a fully wheelchair based fitness program * Healthy Food Choices - Teaching members many skills from planning & shopping through to correct food preparation and cooking * Wheelchair Skills - helping members to better use their wheelchairs and aid general mobility & access.   Back to top   Community & Volunteer Programs Through the Community & Volunteer programs we establish links with community organisations. As part of our Community & Volunteer programming we also support student and volunteer placements. Back to top   Education/Information The Association visits and gives talks to schools, service groups and disability organisations free of charge, to give them a better understanding of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Health professionals can be provided with information and seminars on Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus when required. Back to top