Spina Bifida Association of Western Penn

The Spina Bifida Association of Western Pennsylvania (SBAWP) improves the quality of life for people with spina bifida and other disabilities and their families by providing a continuum of direct services, education and advocacy. Each year, more than 1000 people with disabilities live happy, healthy, productive and independent lives because of SBAWP programs and services.

The BluePrints Family Networking Group offers children with spina bifida and other disabilities the opportunity to develop social, motor, sensory and cognitive skills by interacting with peers in a fun and stimulating environment. BluePrints offers a play group setting for children ages two through five. The aim of the program is to provide a place where parents and children can interact in a play/support group setting under the careful supervision of a professional. Parents of a child with a disability often spend many hours in hospitals and physicians' offices. These experiences are often stressful and can contribute to a parent's decision to not let their child play freely for fear of them getting hurt. The BluePrints Program relieves this fear by providing an opportunity for the child to play in a safe environment. BluePrints also allows parents to have a shared experience and learn from watching a professional interact with their child.