School Accommodations for Juvenile Myositis

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.

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