This fact sheet offers definitions of the three types of spina bifida, outlines their incidence, describes characteristics of individuals with spina bifida, and reviews educational implications. The fact sheet emphasizes that school programs should be flexible to accommodate these students' special needs and frequent absences, that children with spina bifida and a history of hydrocephalus often experience learning problems, that mainstreaming sometimes requires changes in school equipment or curriculum, and that children with spina bifida should be encouraged to be independent and to participate in activities with nondisabled classmates within the limits of safety and health. A list of three print resources and five organizations is provided. (JDD)