Keeping up With School

This information is provided for your consideration; remember to always consult with your healthcare team.

Living with cystic fibrosis and going to school is always a challenge. As a chronic disease, cystic fibrosis must be treated frequently on a daily basis. By the time most patients reach high school they are well accustomed to working with their school officials and teachers to create accommodations for managing the disease while at school. Such accommodations may include:

• allowing a student with cystic fibrosis to take their medicines without school nurse supervision
• being allowed to go to the restroom without having to ask permission
• being allowed to eat a snack in class
• receiving tutoring and having homework mailed home during extended absences
• being seated away from other students who might be sick

If you are in a public school, such arrangements are usually outlined in an Individual Education Plan (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Act or a 504 plan under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you are in private school it may be beneficial to consider creating some sort of signed agreement with school officials.

In high school, as preparations for college and career planning begin, it is even more important to make sure you are able to effectively manage cystic fibrosis in relation to school. It is important to stay focused and aware so as not to fall of track, in terms of schoolwork and treatment regimens. It is important to make sure you have a plan for dealing with extended absences due to hospital visits before such an absence occurs. As your specific needs in dealing with cystic fibrosis may change, it is often a good idea to review the agreement made with your school and teachers each year to make sure any necessary changes can be made.

Consider exploring the following websites for more information:

• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation — School & CF
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation — School, Enzymes, Sports & CF