Objectives
Students will:
- Recognize areas of their own lives where they may need support in the event of illness or injury.
- Determine strategies for getting the help or support they need.
- identify people who should be notified if absence from work, school or other activities is indicated
Teacher Notes
Students with special needs seldom have an opportunity to give to others, to act in a helping Capacity or provide support – all too often they are the recipient of other’s support instead. This lesson provides a unique opportunity to encourage students to help one another in the event of illness or injury. If a student in your class becomes ill or injured, a supporting class activity would be to have students construct or purchase a get-well card and send it, or, if appropriate, plan and schedule visits Additionally, if the absence is prolonged, students may be involved in keeping their classmate current on what is happening at school.
Use an individualized approach to help students determine specific support people who might be able to provide assistance to them in the event of illness or injury.
For students with significant leading challenges, most arrangements necessary will probably be made for them by others. All students, however, regardless of level of learning challenge, must know how to get help when they need it.
LifeFacts To Be Taught
When people are ill or injured, they may need help to take care of themselves and get Better.
People who are sick or hurt may be told by their healthcare provider to stay at home and take care of themselves. Sometimes people who are seriously ill or injured (or can’t take care of themselves at home) may be admitted to a hospital where nurses can take good care of them 24 hours a day.
If you are ill or injured you will need to think about all the parts of your life that will be affected. Ask yourself these questions:
- Will I be able to go to school/work/meetings?
- Will I be able to cook my own meals, and prepare my own food?
- Will I be able to go to the bathroom or take a bath/shower by myself?
- Will I be able to get my medicine and take it as the healthcare provider or pharmacist has ordered?
- Will I be able to go to the health care provider for a follow-up appointment by myself or will I need a ride?
- Will I be able to handle emergencies if they happen (falling, suddenly feeling much worse, fire, electricity outage)
- Will I be able to get help if I need it?
Think of people you would need to call to tell them you wouldn’t be able to come:
- to school
- to work
- to practice
- to a meeting
- to a party
- to an appointment
- to spend time with a friend
If you are ill or injured and have to cancel your regular plans, you should let others know as soon as you can. If you can’t call people yourself, you should have a friend or trusted adult call.
If you need help, think of someone who could help you – a trusted adult friend, a neighbor you know well, or a relative. Call them right away to let them know you will need help.
If someone you know is ill or injured call them to ask how they are and see if you can help them. Sometimes people send get-well cards or flowers, bring a small gift or something to eat, or just call friends to let them know they are cared for and missed, and that their friend hopes they will get better soon
It is important to take good care of yourself, live a healthy lifestyle, and be prepared so that illness and injury will not be so hard to handle.
LifeFacts Teaching Steps
Present the “LifeFacts” above using the following activities:
Step 1:
Use Teaching Picture 40 to discuss the impact of illness or injury on one’s daily routine. Explore the personal impact illness or injury might have using part one of Worksheet 19. See instructions on the worksheet.
Step 2:
Use Teaching Picture 40 to discuss possible sources of support or assistance in the event of injury or illness. Also, explore the support role students might play for others who are faced with illness or injury. See Teaching Questions on the back of the Teaching Picture
Step 3:
Use Worksheet 18 to identify people who should be notified in the event of illness or injury. See instructions on the worksheet.
Step 4:
Identify the critical role of prevention and preparedness in avoiding Illness and injury and the disruptions that may accompany them. Discuss with students that time lost due to injury or illness is never recaptured. It is important therefore to learn about and maintain healthy habits to avoid illness and injury.