School Accommodations for JDM or JPM

Many students with Juvenile Dermatomyositis or Juvenile Polymositis need some special accommodations at school. And although each student is different, here is a list of some common accommodations that other Cure JM families have found helpful in the past.

For Chronic Illness/Fatigue:

Extended time for tests
Alternate time for tests
Alternate place for tests
Reduced workload
Shared notes
Modified Assignments
Extra breaks
“Self-limit” PE

Medical Accommodations:

Water bottle/snacks allowed
Sun protection (hat, sunblock, etc)
Seat away from windows
Movement and rest breaks, allowed as needed
Extra Restroom Breaks, allowed as needed
Physical therapy or occupational therapy in school (as eligible)

Muscle Pain & Weakness:

Space to rest in the classroom, such as a beanbag in the back of the class
Elevator Pass
Wheeled Backpack
2nd set of books (one for at home)
Oral testing / minimal writing
Not graded on handwriting, larger space to write, or computer if easier
Alternate testing
Dictated homework
Adaptive technology
Preferential Scheduling to reduce walking
Spare textbook kept in classroom
Locker placement near classes

For Immunosuppression:

Alternate rest area in cold/flu season (so not resting in Nurse’ Suite)
IHP & Medicine Authorizations, as needed
Excused absences
Notification from the nurses office when certain illnesses are “going around” (such as flu, chicken pox, etc.)
Permission to carry own water bottle and/or sanitizer
Access to handwashing in the classroom