Back to School Lupus Accommodations | Tips for Students & Parents
Navigating School with Lupus
Back to School Lupus Accommodations: Essential Tips for Success
Discover how students and parents can effectively manage lupus accommodations as the school year begins, ensuring a supportive and successful educational experience.
As the summer winds down and school starts back up, anxiety is at the forefront of many students’ minds – but especially for those with lupus.
Lack of social awareness, uncooperative teachers, accommodation and stigma all play a role in why those with lupus, or their parents, may be feeling anxious about the upcoming school year.
And, although the anxiety is not unwarranted, it is important to know how to ask for accommodation, guidance and tackle issues effectively if you or your loved one may encounter them.
Natasha Tran, founder of the non-profit Take a Pain Check Foundation, shared her personal experiences when seeking accommodations for her juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Natasha was diagnosed with JIA at eight years old and had a difficult time dealing with her symptoms while at school.
“There is no one-size-fits-all accommodation… but accommodations need to be student-centred.”
Due to these negative experiences, Natasha has made an effort to support individuals with invisible illnesses in learning how to better advocate for themselves in academic environments.
Tips for Students with Lupus
Natasha advised students to disclose their condition to their school promptly before the school year starts, as an appropriate and effective accommodation plan may take time to finalize. Ample notice also allows you, your caregiver or the school to inform teachers, professors and teaching assistants of your accommodations and needs. If you have an accommodation plan already set, make sure it is still active before the school year starts, as you may have to reapply.
Tips for requesting accommodation:
- Regularly schedule check-ins with the student accommodation facilitator or department.
- Email professors before school starts so they are aware of your accommodation needs, such as recording lessons or extra time to and from class.
- Invest in ergonomic tools that make you comfortable, such as wrist guards, a gel seat cushion or pencil grips. Most occupational therapists can provide these items.
- Know your rights, research school policies and available accommodations.
- Be prepared and have all medical documentation ready if necessary, such as doctor’s notes or accommodation letters.
- Be assertive, clear and state your needs directly (“I need this,” or “I need extra time”).
- Be persistent and do not give up when facing ignorance, as advocating for yourself also helps other students with disabilities.
- Build relationships with teachers, professors, and disability coordinators.
- Practice self-care and know your limits to avoid overexertion.
Helpful Tools for Students:
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
The self-advocacy journey for students with lupus starts with their parents or caregivers.
When it comes to supporting your child with lupus, having open dialogue about what is and isn’t working is important. Encourage your student with lupus to self-advocate and confidently voice their needs in an academic space.
“Advocating for your child will encourage them to advocate for themselves,” said Natasha.
Tips for parents and caregivers:
- Listen to your child’s concerns, believe them, and be proactive.
- Communicate with all involved parties, including school staff and the child’s care team.
- Document everything; any incidents, comments, or issues should be written down with details, dates, and times for future reference.
Discover More Lupus Resources
Empower yourself with knowledge and support by exploring our extensive range of lupus education resources. Additional community support is available both for students with lupus and their caregivers through Take a Pain Check Foundation, Inclusion Canada, BounceBack Ontario, and more. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, these materials are designed to help you navigate the challenges of lupus with confidence.