Many students with juvenile dermatomyositis or juvenile polymyositis need special accommodations at school. Although each student is different, here is a list of some common accommodations other Cure JM families have found helpful.
For Chronic Illness/Fatigue:
- Extended time for test taking
- Alternate time for test taking
- An alternate place for test taking
- Reduced workload
- Shared notes
- Modified assignments
- Extra breaks
- “Self-limit” Physical Education
Medical Accommodations:
- Water bottles/snacks allowed
- Sun protection (hat, sunblock, etc.)
- A seat away from the windows
- Movement and rest breaks, allowed as needed
- Extra Restroom Breaks, allowed as needed
- Physical therapy or occupational therapy in school when available
Muscle Pain & Weakness:
- A place to rest in the classroom, such as a beanbag in the back of the room
- Elevator pass
- Wheeled backpack
- A second set of books for home
- Oral testing/minimal writing
- Not graded on handwriting, larger space to write, or the computer access
- Dictated homework
- Adaptive technology
- Preferential scheduling to reduce walking
- Locker placement close to classes
For Immunosuppression:
- Alternate rest area during cold/flu season to avoid Nurse’s Office
- IHP and Medicine Authorizations, as needed
- Excused absences
- Notification from the nurse’s office when common illnesses are “going around.”
- Access to handwashing in the classroom
To Assist with Concentration/Organization:
- Preferential seating
- “Homework” buddy
- Shorter quizzes instead of larger tests
- Oral assessment
- Advance notice of field trips
While this is a partial list, we hope it can be a good conversation starter for your family and your school.
