According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses nationwide among children and adolescents. It is also one of the leading causes of school absenteeism. If your child has asthma, they may be entitled to services and accommodations at school that ensure they receive an education in a safe and supportive environment.
Arizona Law
Arizona law allows students with asthma to possess and use an inhaler while at school if the student’s parent or legal guardian has provided written documentation authorizing self-administration. A.R.S. § 15-341(A)(35). School nurses and trained employees may also administer an inhaler to students whom they believe are exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. A.R.S. § 15-158. Any documents regarding the administration of an inhaler must be submitted to the school every year.
Arizona law also requires that schools designate at least two employees who must be trained in the recognition of respiratory distress symptoms, procedures to follow when respiratory distress occurs, and administration of inhalers. Schools must also have procedures for the administration of inhalers in emergency situations. A.R.S §§ 15-189.04; 15-203(A)(40); R7-2-810. The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) have developed Emergency Guidelines for Schools, which includes a guide for dealing with asthma/difficulty breathing on page 16.
If your child is frequently absent due to their asthma, they may also be entitled to some protections under Arizona’s chronic health conditions law. For more information, see Chronic Health Conditions: Arizona Law.
Federal Law
If your child has asthma, they may need additional services and accommodations beyond medication administration to access their education. Schools are obligated to provide such services and accommodations to eligible students with disabilities—which can include asthma—under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504). Examples of possible accommodations include excusing a student from activities that risk triggering an asthma attack or allowing them more frequent rests during such activities, or giving a student extra time to complete assignments when they miss class due to their asthma. For more information, see Chronic Health Conditions: Eligibility Under Federal Law and Chronic Health Conditions: Related Services.
Additional Resources
- 504 Plans for Asthma | Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
- Asthma Friendly Schools Initiative | American Lung Association
- Managing Asthma in School: A Guide for Parents | Allergy & Asthma Network
- Managing Asthma in Schools | CDC
- Section 504 Protections for Students with Asthma | U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights