Fall 2000 ~ Newsletter

Cystic Fibrosis and Education

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Back To School: Special Education and Cystic Fibrosis

by Bridgette Harrell, M.Ed.

While cystic fibrosis is not a medical condition that affects learning ability, children with cystic fibrosis may benefit from services available through special education.

Why should a child with CF ever need special education?

Special education is designed to help schools meet the needs of all students.  Children with medical problems qualify for special education under the category of Other Health Impaired (OHI).

For students with special needs, and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is written to address the specific needs of each child.  For a child with CF, concerns such as allowing time to take medications, arranging for private restroom breaks, and taking absences into consideration are all items that can be addressed.  Through special education, children with CF may also be able to receive Physical Therapy through the school system.

What is an IEP?

An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan.  This is the plan where all of the accommodations are spelled out.  For example, if certain times are set aside for restroom breaks and taking medications, make sure these are included in the IEP.  If you will be in the hospital and taking advantage of the Sunshine School, write it in the IEP.  It is basically a legal document that says what accommodations will be allowed.  If it is written down in an IEP, a teacher or other school official cannot refuse to let you do something.  It protects your rights as a student.

Should I talk to my child’s school about Cystic Fibrosis?

Yes!  Many people do not understand cystic fibrosis and its symptoms.

Your child’s counselor and teacher would need to know about CF so they can better help your child.  By understanding CF, a teacher would know when to help, but would also understand and not overreact to typical CF symptoms.  This would help your child’s teacher create and maintain a normal class setting.

If you want to provide the school with information but do not know the best way to do this, the CF team at Children’s Hospital can help.  They can provide resources as well as speak to the faculty at your child’s school.

If my child is admitted to Children’s Hospital, how can I make sure that he / she does not get behind in school?

If you are coming in for a planned admission let your school know about a week ahead of time.  This way, the teachers can get all of the assignments that will be missed, and you can bring them to the hospital.  When you get here, call The Sunshine School as soon as possible.  A teacher will arrange class times here to help your child with his / her work. 

If you come in on an unplanned admission, contact The Sunshine School as soon as possible.  The hospital teachers will contact your school immediately and make arrangements to get assignments.

You can reach The Sunshine School at Children’s Hospital at (205) 939-9651.

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