by Kaitlyn Niznik (New York, U.S.A.)
This infographic was created from discussions with other teachers in the United States living with IBD. Through those conversations, I realized that the workforce can be a scary and precarious place for people living with chronic illness. As a unionized, tenured teacher in a public school, I acknowledge I am in a privileged position to disclose my IBD. However, a teacher or student can choose not to divulge their chronic condition for a number of reasons including job instability or the fear of being singled out. I made half of my graphic focus on discreet ways to manage your IBD within the education system without revealing personal health information. This half includes having an emergency supply pack, trusted contacts that you can call for assistance, and knowing the location of private bathrooms instead of public stalls.
The other half of my picture illustrates ways a student with an IBD can pursue written accommodations to protect them at school. These include obtaining an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan after their doctor writes a note confirming their diagnosis and its impact on the student's daily life. In the student's records, they would be classified under the "Other Health Impairment" category and this form would be reviewed and adapted annually. Parents, teachers, and district personnel would work together to create an IEP or 504 plan that supports the student's needs, helps them manage their illness, and works to reduce the student’s stress in an educational environment. Teachers with an IBD can also present a doctor’s note to their district to receive reasonable workplace accommodations.