Box 24.4
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EXAMPLE OF AN ACCOMMODATION PLAN FOR A STUDENT WITH ASTHMA
Name: Sara
Date of birth:
School:
Date of meeting:
Grade:
1. Describe the nature of the concern: Sara has just been diagnosed with asthma within the past 2
months and has difficulty understanding what asthma is, how to complete the treatment regimen, how
to recognize a crisis, and is fearful when she becomes short of breath because of hospitalization.
2. Describe the basis for the determination of the handicap: Sara is unable to keep up with the gym class
requirements without becoming short of breath, coughing, and experiencing fatigue. She has missed 8
days in 2 months because of an asthma crisis and hospitalization. Academic performance has dropped
because of anxiety, absence, and inability to concentrate (failed two tests and homework not complete). Lung function less than 75% normal. Sara has to use the inhaler medications frequently throughout the day and has difficulty with the administration of the inhalers.
3. Describe how the handicap affects a major life activity:
• Unable to complete gym activities.
• Requires medication administration; uses inhalers frequently.
• Unable to take part in all class activities (trips) because of fatigue or triggers to asthma.
• Has school absences because of asthma crises.
4. Describe the reasonable accommodations that are necessary:
• Gym teacher and nurse develop adaptive (but inclusive) gym.
• In-service gym teacher regarding limitations, signs of crisis, and inhaler administration.
• Develop programs building up to normal endurance, incorporating ability and stamina as asthma management improves.
• The school nurse assists with inhaler administration, teaching procedure, types/reasons for use, peak
flow meter reading to determine crisis so that Sara can demonstrate self-care or health maintenance
and be able to make appropriate decisions in managing asthma symptoms.
• Teacher communication with the school nurse/parent regarding trips/outings for medication administration arrangement. Teacher to incorporate “fish” or “ant farm” instead of furry animals.
• Teacher develops a “missed classwork plan” for absences, arranges for one-to-one help or new concepts that were missed, and provides adequate time for make-up work to be handed in.
• School nurse to educate teacher for signs of crisis and provide Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
• School nurse to review with Sara: triggers, adherence schedule of inhalers, crisis plan, how to recognize the symptoms of a crisis.
• School nurse to communicate with parent/physician as to changes or problems in asthma management plan; recommend support group for Sara.
Review date: 2 months _____ then September and January of academic year or as warranted
Participants: (name/title)
Date:
Copy to: _____ Health file _____ Site 504 coordinator _____ Parent _____ Case manager _____ Other
Copyright © 2013 National Association of School Nurses
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