Spina Bifida Association of Florida

Find out what's happening in the month of June at SBA:

📢 What's Happening - June 2026 On May 29–30, more than 200 healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, and community members gathered at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas, TX for SBA's Clinical Care Meeting.

What happens when families refuse to accept the limits society places on those with a disability?

Join author and advocate Dorothy Hill Baroch, M.A., for a moving and eye-opening webinar about life with Spina Bifida, advocacy, accessibility, and resilience. At 88 years old, Dorothy shares the extraordinary journey that began when doctors advised her to leave her newborn son in the hospital to die — and the decades of love, determination, and advocacy that followed.

Featuring conversations with advocates Will Dickey, Jay Dashefskyy, Sonja Baker, Lourdes Mack, and Beth Bryant, this webinar will explore:
• Disability awareness and inclusion
• Medical trauma and family experiences
• ADA compliance and accessibility
• Challenging misconceptions about disability
• The power of self-advocacy and community leadership

This conversation is about education, empowerment, and creating meaningful change.

🕐June 18 at 7 PM ET
📅 RSVP and find the Zoom link here: https://www.facebook.com/share/191q7Y35pP/

🌟 Meet Our 2026 Atlanta Walk-N-Roll Ambassador: Chloe Cich! 🌟

We're excited to introduce Chloe Cich as the 2026 Atlanta Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida Ambassador! We love Chloe's passion and enthusiasm!

💙 Learn more about Chloe's journey and what motivates her to make a difference: https://vist.ly/56hyx

👟 Ready to join us in Atlanta? Register today and help us celebrate connection, community, and impact at the 2026 Atlanta Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida: https://vist.ly/56hyt

We can't wait to see you there!

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unheard, or unsure during your child’s IEP process, you’re not alone.

In this webinar hosted by the SBA of the Carolinas and presented by Hope Ratcliff, M.Ed., you’ll learn what makes an IEP truly effective, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to advocate with clarity and confidence for your child’s educational success.

You’ll walk away with practical tools, clear next steps, and strategies to help ensure your child receives the supports they need to thrive.

🎥 Watch the webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51YIB9eAbr8&t=54s

Connect with Hope: https://linktr.ee/fhratcliff

Feedback & Next Steps: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc

IEPs That Actually Work: A Parent's Roadmap to Advocacy and Student Success If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unheard, or unsure during your chi...

📚 Join the SBA of the Carolinas for a conversation with author Dorothy Baroch, M.A., as she shares stories from her new book, *A Journey Like No Other*.

Through heartfelt discussion and personal experiences, you'll hear from individuals living with Spina Bifida who have turned challenges into opportunities for advocacy, leadership, creativity, and independence. Featured guests include advocates, educators, outdoor enthusiasts, performers, and community leaders from across the country who are making a difference in their communities.

Together, we'll explore topics including disability awareness, self-advocacy, accessibility, healthcare, community engagement, and the power of resilience. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in a live Q&A with Dorothy and several individuals featured in the book.

Whether you're part of the Spina Bifida community, a family member, caregiver, advocate, or simply interested in learning more, this conversation promises to educate, inspire, and connect.

📆 June 18, 2026
🕐 7:00 PM ET
💻 Join the webinar: https://vist.ly/566rj

💬 It’s Back — Spina Bifida Adult Chat
🗓 Sun, June 28 | 3–6 PM EDT

Looking for community and conversation? Join Donna Jones & Will Dickey for a casual virtual hangout for adults (18 years and up) living with Spina Bifida—no agenda, just good company and real talk.

📧 Request the link: [email protected]

🎉 Meet the 2026 Walk-N-Roll Ambassadors! 🎉

We’re excited to introduce the incredible Ambassadors representing Walk-N-Roll events across the country this year:

📍 Atlanta — Chloe Cich

📍 Greensboro — Whitten Pyrtle

📍 Houston — Chris Young

📍 Los Angeles — David Aguilar

📍 Nashville — Marissa Eades

These Ambassadors help raise awareness, build community, and support SBA's mission to create a better future for people and families impacted by Spina Bifida. Stay tuned as we spotlight each Ambassador and share their stories throughout the 2026 Walk-N-Roll season!

Haven't registered for Walk-N-Roll yet? Go to https://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/walk-n-roll-for-spina-bifida/

📢 Updated Webinar Link: Understanding the IEP Process

Join us for this informative webinar designed to help families better understand the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and advocate for their child's educational needs.

🔗 Updated Zoom Link:
https://vist.ly/55jj2

Whether you're new to IEPs or looking to strengthen your advocacy skills, this session will provide valuable insights and practical tips.

📚 Share with families, caregivers, educators, and advocates who may benefit!

📣 Happening Today! 📣

Join the Spina Bifida Association of the Carolinas tonight for our educational webinar:

🎓 IEPs That Actually Work: A Parent’s Roadmap to Advocacy and Student Success

📅 Today, May 26
⏰ 7:00 PM ET

Presented by Frances Hope Ratcliff, M.Ed., this webinar will help families better understand the IEP process, advocate with confidence, and support student success.

Whether you’re preparing for your first IEP meeting or looking to strengthen your advocacy skills, this session is packed with practical tools and helpful guidance.

🔗 Join the webinar here:
https://vist.ly/55h4w

We hope to see you there! 💙