Laura’s Perspective on

Let’s Talk about the Needs of African American Children with Sickle Cell Disease: A Recognized “Other Health Impairment”

Elizabeth A. Dooley and Nechelle Perkins

West Virginia University

 

            As I was looking for this week’s article I thought this would be interesting. I never really thought about sickle cell as being recognized as “other health impairment”. Two of my good friends had children with this disease. Just this past week my girlfriend texted me to let me know she was going to be with her son away at college because he was in the hospital having a pain crisis. I am familiar with the disease because of my friend’s direct situation, but I feel like overall there is not much of an awareness because it is not talked about often, especially in education.

            According to the article Elizabeth Dooley and Nechelle Perkins provided a review, description and management plan for sickle cell disease. Also, Dooley and Nechelle explained the educational rights of a student with the disease which are considered within the framework of Individual with Disabilities Education Act. Due to the unnecessary bouts of sickness, possible increased absences from school and even skill gaps within the child’s learning are some factors that could potentially qualify the child for special education services under IDEA.

Special consideration and care is required for properly educating students with this disease. Some educational rights for a student with sickle cell disease are outlined within the IDEA framework such as: goals of early intervention; type of services considered; identification, location, and evaluation; inclusion; eligibility determination; individualized education program development; and placement safeguards. Although, teachers are made aware of any known health issues and concerns their students may have, proper teacher education needs to also be provided to prevent a medical crisis from occurring.

Through the research provided by Dooley and Perkins, sickle cell disease affects a special protein inside the red blood cells called hemoglobin. A person with this disease makes a different kind of hemoglobin.  The red blood cells begin to change shape and have trouble moving through the small blood vessels. The vessels then clog up causing the blood to not bring oxygen to the tissues. Without oxygen, that particular part of the body begins to hurt painfully. The disease is most commonly found among African Americans and Latinos. Along with pain crisis, individuals with the disease are more subject to obtaining infections, like pneumonia. In some cases, especially with small children, the disease could be very life threatening if proper and immediate care is not provided.

In conclusion, the article further discussed laws, educational rights, and implications for educators/administrators. The disease affects each individual differently. With most illnesses, common experiences are similar, however the level of care and treatment may vary.  A positive attitude, proper care and support can lessen the seriousness of the disease and make it manageable within the individual’s lifestyle. I have observed this to be true through the lives of my friend’s family.

 

 

References

 

Dooley, E. A., & Perkins, N. (1998). Let’s talk about the needs of african american children with sickle cell disease: a recognized “other health impairment.”.