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:
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Extended time for tests
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Alternate time for tests
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Alternate place for tests
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Reduced workload
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Shared notes
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Modified Assignments
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Extra breaks
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“Self-limit” PE
Medical Accommodations:
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Water bottle/snacks allowed
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Sun protection (hat, sunblock, etc)
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Seat away from windows
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Movement and rest breaks, allowed as needed
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Extra Restroom Breaks, allowed as needed
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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:
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Alternate rest area in cold/flu season (so not resting in Nurse’ Suite)
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IHP & Medicine Authorizations, as needed
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Excused absences
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Notification from the nurses office when certain illnesses are “going around” (such as flu, chicken pox, etc.)
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Permission to carry own water bottle and/or sanitizer
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Access to handwashing in the classroom
To Assist with Concentration/ Organization:
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Preferential Seating
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“Home-work” Buddy
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Smaller quizzes instead of larger tests
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Oral assessment
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Shared notes
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Advance notice of field trips
This isn’t a comprehensive list, but we hope that it can be a good conversation starter for your family and your school.
amily Support
Newly Diagnosed
Helpful Information for the Newly Diagnosed
School Accommodations for JDM or JPM
Child’s Checklist for Dr. Visits
Q & A with Child Life Specialist, Cinda McDonald
Sun Protection Products and Resources
JM Patient Online Journals and Other JM Links