Education and ME/CFS

By mecfs-vic | Wed, 25/11/2009 - 14:02

This section contains references to brief articles and resources on education and ME/CFS.

Australian School Supports for Primary and Secondary Students with ME/CFS

The Victorian Government Program for Students with Disabilities aims to maximise student potential growth in education and learning, and ensure that students with disabilities are valued and participate in all aspects of school life, consistent with optimal and relevant goals and aspirations. A copy of the information booklet can be downloaded here.

Students with ME/CFS are entitled to:

Additional classroom teacher support;
Home-visiting teachers; and
Additional VCE support.

Contact your regional disability support co-ordinator (for students with physical health impairments) for more information.

Central office: (03) 9637 2032 (East Melbourne)
Eastern Metropolitan Region: (03) 9265 2400
Northern Metropolitan Region: (03) 9488 9488
Southern Metropolitan Region: (03) 9794 3555
Western Metropolitan Region: (03) 9291 6500
Barwon South Western Region: (03) 5225 1000
Gippsland Region: (03) 5127 0400
Grampians Region: (03) 5337 8444
Hume Region: (03) 5761 2100
Loddon Mallee Region: (03) 5440 3111

Distance Education Victoria

Information about distance education in Victoria, for students with ME/CFS. Distance education is education that is not based in a physical classroom. Teaching and learning programs can be delivered in many ways – online, via disk, in print. Contact methods can include phone, email, chat, bulletins or simply by post.

Phone: (03) 8480 0000
Toll free (within Victoria): 1800 133 511
Website: http://www.distance.vic.edu.au/enrol/enr712elig.htm

Australian Tertiary Support

March 2010: University of Newcastle, NSW: Disability information sheet - chronic fatigue syndrome.

International School Support for Students with ME/CFS

Young Action Online (UK) - Guidelines for Schools

Click here to access the Guidelines for Schools, outlining the recognition and management of ME condition in the school population.

Article: Friedman, K & Underhill, R (2007) 'Recognising and assisting students with CFS', NJEA Review, October.

The ME/FM Action Network (CAN) has produced a booklet for teachers and school staff teaching young people with ME/CFS, called Teach-ME: A sourcebook for teachers of young people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. It is authored by Dr David S Bell, Dr Bruce M. Carruthers and the TEACH-ME Task Force.

ME/CFS Australia (Vic, Tas, NT) School Supports for Students with ME/CFS

If you are having trouble with your school, Distance Education or Home Visiting teachers DON’T WAIT please call ME/CFS (Vic,Tas,NT) office on (03) 9791 3100. We can:

Conduct a professional education session for all staff or key teachers - either face to face; via the computer/webcast; via group teleconference. A professional education session can be conducted in schools across the three states of (Vic Tas NT)
Telephone key school staff - such as school co-ordinators, school principle, school nurse, etc to explain the impact of ME/CFS, on school and education and provide strategies for the school to put in place EARLY including an ME/CFS resource kit
Post and ME/CFS resource kit to your teachers
Provide a colorful 40 page library display and resource kit to your school library, an ME/CFS resource pack for relevant teachers and the school library
Arrange to have the ‘ME/CFS FAST FACTS’ printed into your school newsletter.
Work with parents, student and the school to establish an appropriate ME/CFS Pacing Plan as part of the and a School Learning Plan
Forward Blue Ribbons to the school for awareness for sale any time of the year

Please phone the office on (03) 9791 3100 or email us to disucss appropriate options further.