Back to School with IBD/Crohn’s: a Guide to Succeeding this Year

As the school year kicks off, adjusting to a busy schedule while managing an illness can be intimidating. Thus, it is crucial that your illness doesn’t go unnoticed! Your disease might be “invisible” but your talents and knowledge certainly aren’t; and to allow your trailblazing qualities to shine through, it’s essential to be accommodated and understood this school year. 

Here’s how!

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PLANS: 

• 504 plans, IEP plans, or any other personalized plan offered by your school aims to ensure students with challenges have equal access to education, in which a student receives the proper accommodations and support services to fulfill their unique requirements. 
• Depending on the school’s policies and the individual needs of the student, a support plan may include various accommodations aimed at alleviating the challenges associated with managing Crohn’s disease/IBD while at school. These accommodations can entail extended time for assignments and tests, unrestricted access to restroom facilities, priority seating, availability of a school nurse, and access to emotional support.

VISIT RESOURCES TAB ON COMPASSION4CROHN’S WEBSITE:

• With a click on a button, you are guided to IBD-Crohn’s support sites that provide access to information forming individuals- or someone struggling with Crohn’s disease- to be better informed on this invisible illness. 
• Resources vary from nationwide to those available within your local area. There are also Facebook teen support groups where you can connect with peers who are going through similar experiences. In these groups, you can share your stories and provide each other with empathy and understanding. On top of that, mental health resources for the green in our ribbon! It’s important to recognize that mental health and physical health are interconnected, and one can influence the other. Keeping your mind healthy is just as important as your physical health.
• https://compassion4crohns.org/resources/

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: 

• Students and teachers often lack awareness of illnesses especially when they’re not visible. It is important to actively communicate your challenges to receive your necessary care and accommodations. Some illnesses may carry stigma, but with proper education, you can change that! 

It’s important to recognize that challenges are part of the journey. Overcoming these challenges, whether in school or everyday life, shows incredible strength and courage. The path is never linear. Nevertheless, being aware of supportive resources can greatly reduce the bumps along the way.

A note from our Founder: What if I go to a private school? 

• When diagnosed while attending a private school, prioritizing immediate communication and transparency is crucial. Discuss your needs openly with your parents and doctors. Present a united front to the school, clearly explaining your accommodation requirements and how you can collaborate effectively to ensure your comfort and safety while learning. 
• While most private schools are accommodating and responsive to letters from doctors and parental communication, not all are experienced in addressing students with invisible chronic diseases. If you encounter resistance and do not feel safe or adequately supported, I strongly recommend exploring alternative options. Remember, there are other schools available, and you should not bear the responsibility for the school’s failure to accommodate you. Living with this disease is not a choice, and if your school’s faculty and administration cannot or will not understand that, you deserve a better alternative. 
• It’s highly recommended that you join a support group and discuss your issues you may be facing with your school alongside other kids in your position. They’ll be able to understand exactly where you are and give honest feedback on what you should do as they’ve been in the similar or exact same position as you. Our organization has a diverse list of resources through which you could accomplish this. 
• You are visible and you deserve to be supported in any year of learning as a student, regardless of school status!