The employment of adults with spina bifida.

Information on employment was obtained from 157 adults with spina bifida aged 18-26 years. Ninety were given an additional interview, 43% had been employed at some time, but only 19% currently. They mainly did routine, non-manual work for average working hours, but below average pay. They enjoyed their jobs, principally for the social contact, and were well accepted by employees and work-mates. Unfortunately, job retention was poor. The 81% who were unemployed largely hoped to find a job, but suitable ones were not available. They considered that they should have more help to find jobs. Their days were mainly spent at home or at day centres. They had no doubts that being unemployed had many disadvantages, of which the principal one was lack of social contact, but financial hardship was also mentioned.