Spina Bifida

• is the most frequently occurring permanently disabling birth defect
• occurs in the embryo within the first month of pregnancy. It results from an incomplete closure of the spinal column
• effects an average of 8 babies per day in the United States
• could be reduced by 70% if every woman of child bearing age took 400 micrograms of folic acid daily prior to becoming pregnant
• causes a wide range of neurological damage and mobility impairments

Potential Deficit Areas

• Symptoms and severity of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person
• Hydrocephalus, an accumulation of fluid in the brain– often requires a surgical procedure called shunting
• Mobility impairments– from mild to severe
• Bowel and bladder complications
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Learning disabilities
• Visual and motor perceptual problems
• Impaired attention, memory, problem solving, decision making, sequencing, and comprehension
• Emotional and social problems

Impact on Driving/Transportation

• A modified vehicle will become necessary for children with spina bifida who use a wheelchair as they become too big for their parents and/or caregivers to transfer them to the OEM seat and as their chair becomes too heavy to lift.
• As the individual reaches the age to drive, a driving evaluation will be needed to determine if they have the cognitive, visual, perceptual and physical ability to learn to drive safely. (www.aded.net)
• This driving evaluation will determine if the individual will be able to drive or not and what if any type(s), of driving equipment they will need.

Possible Vehicle Equipment Needs

• Wheelchair stowage lift and/or transfer seat
• Lowered floor minivan or full size van with a lift
• Adaptive driving equipment specifically recommended for their individual physical abilities and custom fit by a certified technician.
• Equipment will vary widely person to person