Education

Learning is a life-long holistic experience, a part of which is formal education. An individualized approach to learning is important, especially in the school setting. With adequate supports students can enjoy full participation in school life and academic success.

A student with spina bifida is likely to have at least average intelligence and may have learning differences that require accommodations, e.g., attention and memory issues, auditory and information processing deficits, difficulty with math, reading, writing or executive function tasks such as planning, organization, sequencing, reasoning, initiation and follow-through.

Improved education techniques and assistive technology help ‘level the playing field’ for students with disabilities, and federal and state laws provide for free appropriate public education to age 21 with necessary academic, extra-curricular, health and physical accessibility accommodations in the least restrict environment. Post-secondary regulations are less comprehensive.

Parent/student active involvement in the planning, implementation and monitoring of educational services helps to ensure protection of these rights and maximum benefit from educational opportunities. Advocacy is essential to the process.

Support with understanding and advocating for appropriate education services is available through SBRN, government agencies and community organizations.