eInsights - August 2010

SBA’s 37th National Conference Concludes

SBA’s 37th National Conference concluded June 30 in Cincinnati, Ohio with more than 800 people in attendance. The opening reception kicked off the week’s activities with products showcased by exhibitors, face painting, and dance entertainment. The festivities helped to build attendees’ enthusiasm which carried into the next day’s Opening Plenary.

This year’s Opening Plenary theme, Spina Bifida: The Past and the Future, highlighted the progress that the Spina Bifida Community has made and where current efforts will lead. As part of the panel discussion, Dr. Sonya Oppenheimer, this year’s SBA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, presented her perspective on Spina Bifida and developmental disabilities over her 30 year career.

The Conference theme, Leading the Way to the Future, served as a great descriptor of the many educational sessions geared toward health issues, nonverbal learning disability, latex allergy, social skills and more. Adult Day attendees were inspired by the positive insights that Joyce Bender offered during her sessions on employment, making them feel that they can accomplish anything. After the sessions with Ms. Bender many attendees said that they would definitely “keep in touch with her” and her agency.

Adult attendees also enjoyed Adult Night at the Great American Ballpark where the Cincinnati Reds hosted the Philadelphia Phillies. Not to be outdone, the younger attendees enjoyed a Teen Dance, rock climbing, a computer lab and playtime at Kids!Camp.

This year’s Celebration Luncheon allowed SBA to take a public moment to thank outgoing Board Chair, Joyce Jones, for her hard work and dedication to our cause. For more than three years, Ms. Jones has led our organization to new horizons in education, research, and advocacy.

The Luncheon also saw a stellar jazz performance from local artist Emily Ash .The 20-year-old, who has Spina Bifida, does not let it keep her from reaching new heights vocally. She and her pianist performed several songs that brought thunderous applause.

Overall this year’s conference showed that we are a vibrant community committed to the well-being of individuals with Spina Bifida. Thanks to all who participated!

Mark your calendars for our 38th National Conference at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA from June 26 – June 29. Registration will be available online in January 2011.

Conference sessions
If you were not able to attend this year’s Conference or didn’t have a chance to attend all the sessions on your list, presentations are available on the 37th National Conference Web site.