Factors affecting employability among young adults with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

A sample of 98 young adults with spina bifida were interviewed. None had severe learning difficulties. All were resident in S. Wales or the West of England. Only a third were in open competitive employment, mainly of a clerical nature. Their incomes fell well below average British earnings. Comparing those in work with the unemployed showed they differed significantly according to intelligence, academic qualifications, continence, behaviour, overall disability score and place of residence. The non-discriminating factors are listed and the implications of the findings discussed.