Many students with juvenile dermatomyositis or juvenile polymyositis 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
To Assist with Concentration/ Organization:
- Preferential Seating
- “Home-work” Buddy
- Smaller quizzes instead of larger tests
- Oral assessment
- Shared notes
- 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.
