Sjálfsbjörg, an association for the disabled in Reykjavík, was founded on June 27, 1958, at the Scout House, which was then located on Snorrabraut. The main promoters of the association's founding were Sigursveinn D. Kristinsson and Gunnar Jóhannsson from Varmalækur. A follow-up founding meeting was held shortly thereafter, on July 10 at the Seamen's School. There were about one hundred founding members; those who registered with the association before the end of the year were counted as such. The first chairman of the association was Sigursveinn D. Kristinsson, but Helgi Eggertsson succeeded him. Sigurður Guðmundsson was then chairman for several years. Regarding the association's objectives, the resolution from the first meeting states, among other things:
,The mission of the association shall be to promote the mutual aid of people with disabilities, their increased rights, and improved conditions in society.”

Hlaðgerður Snæbjörnsdóttir recalled her memories from the society's second founding meeting at the Seamen's School to mark its 50th anniversary in 2008, and vividly describes how little was known about people with disabilities at that time. They had simply been hidden away in society, in hospitals, nursing homes, confined to their own homes. All of a sudden, they realized they were not alone. The unfamiliarity with the disabilities of others was also striking:
,"You didn't dare go unless you had someone with you," and many others did the same. I remember looking around and thinking, "Where on earth have I gotten myself into?" I found it terrible to see. Sitting across from me was a woman who had such terrible spasms in her face. I just didn't feel like I belonged there. I didn't know many disabled people at that time, and that's why I was so shocked when I went to that meeting and saw all these people."“

During the first year, social gatherings were held, and they were very well attended, with about 70-120 people showing up for each event. Initially, they were held monthly, but it was soon necessary to increase the frequency, and for the most part, they were held bi-weekly. Fundraising also took up a significant amount of time from the beginning, and half of the proceeds from the sale of badges were put into the house-building fund.


The growth in the early years was rapid. In 1962, the association purchased a basement apartment at 2 Marargata, where its operations took place for several years.
After the Self-Help House at 12 Hátún was put into use, the association's operations moved there, specifically in 1974. The association's name was later changed to Sjálfsbjörg in the Capital Region, and its area of operation covers Reykjavík, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Kópavogur, Seltjarnarnes, and Mosfellsbær.

The social life of the club has often been thriving and remains active. The club holds regular card nights, rallies, a Þorrablót festival, and open houses. The magazine Sjálfsbjargarfréttir has been published almost annually over the years. Numerous committees have been active over the years, such as the Kriki Committee, which manages the association's summer house at Elliðavatn; the travel committee; the entertainment committee; the action group; career committees in the capital region; and many other committees. However, the number of committees has decreased over the years, as has the need for traditional club activities.

The Kriki summer house by Elliðavatn has been operated by the association since 1998. The background to the association acquiring the summer house was that in the summer of 1994, the idea arose to establish an outdoor recreation area for people with disabilities near Reykjavík, where those with mobility impairments could enjoy the outdoors. Magnús Hjaltested, a farmer at Vatnsenda by Elliðavatn, then offered the use of land at Vatnsenda, and the City of Reykjavík donated a small summerhouse to the site. The facility is constantly being renovated, and there is good attendance most days of the summer.

The association's purpose, according to its bylaws, is to "work for the full participation and equality of people with mobility impairments and other disabilities in all areas of national life." To influence national and local governments. To influence interest groups and individuals, for example, by publishing promotional materials on the issues affecting people with disabilities. To promote the social life of people with disabilities."”
It is clear that Sjálfsbjörg serves a multifaceted role in the community, as attested to by comments from Sjálfsbjörg associations. "It's very important to realize that you're not alone in the 'soup'." In Sjálfsbjörg, there were people who understood you better," says Guðmundur Magnússon, former chairman of the Icelandic Disabled Persons' Association (ÖBÍ), who was injured in 1976, adding, "Sjálfsbjörg is also important as a tool for advocacy." and Guðríður Ólafsdóttir, former chair of the national association, says the organization influenced her career choice: "Sjálfsbjörg led me to choose a career in the social sector. The members and the organization have given me many happy moments in my life."”

On the society's fortieth anniversary in 1998, a major exhibition of text and pictures about its history was held. It was also taken to Siglufjörður, which hosted the annual convention of Sjálfsbjörg, the national federation, that year, and was considered an interesting sight.
More information about the history of the Self-Help Association for the Disabled in the Capital Region can be found on the association's website. hbs.sjalfsbjorg.is