Educational Needs of the Terminally Ill Student

Abstract

Every child is entitled to an appropriate education, regardless of his or her physical state. For a terminally ill student, the school experience can still be a vital and rewarding facet of life. Attitudes of parents, peers, and school personnel may contribute greatly to the quality of this experience. The hospital professional may assume a significant role by helping the aforementioned groups develop an understanding and appreciation of the death process and the terminally ill student. In addition, he or she may be instrumental in coordinating and facilitating a successful school reentry. The ultimate goal must be to ensure that the terminally ill child realizes a sense of achievement and self-worth through the school experience.