Exploratory study of the provision of academic and health-related accommodations to transition-age adolescents and emerging adults with spina bifida

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the types of academic and health-related accommodations provided to adolescents and emerging adults with spina bifida aged 9-20 years. METHODS: Data were extracted from the paper and electronic records of transition-age youth enrolled in the study. Four open ended items involved content analysis. RESULTS: The most frequently identified accommodation was enrollment in special education classes in 47.7% of the charts. Other academic accommodations that were most often reported were adaptive physical education (n = 71, 39.9%), tutoring (n = 28; 15.7%), and home schooling (n = 21; 11.8%). Clean intermittent catheterization was the most frequently identified health-related accommodation provided by the school nurse/aide (n = 57; 32%).The largest percentage of requests for additional accommodations were made during the middle school grades (15; 54.8%) followed by high school (10; 32.2%). CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrated that persistent issues were identified by parents/adolescents regarding the provision of school-related accommodations. This is a relevant area for clinical practice to ensure students with special health care needs and those with spina bifida receive the academic and health-related accommodations in their Individualized Education Program/504 plans.