School and Intestinal Transplant

Going back to school after an intestinal transplant can be a scary venture. Before returning to school, you should make sure your transplant team has cleared you and deemed it safe for your return. If it is safe, you should communicate with your school about your situation and possible accommodations you may need. Most likely, you will need to form a 504 plan, if you do not have one already. The 504 plan lists the accommodations, special services, and adjustments that may be required for your successful return to school.

Possible accommodations you may consider, include, but are not limited to:

• The ability to go to the bathroom whenever you need.

• Permission to use a private bathroom, such as in the nurses’ office.

• A place to put emergency supplies, such as a stoma kit and/or a change of clothes.

• Permission to eat snacks and drink fluids throughout the day.

• Have extended deadlines or time to complete assignments.

• Take tests or assessments in a room alone.

• Excused absences due to illness, treatments, or medical appointments.

• Home tutoring services if long-term absence is required.

• Use of the elevator if stairs are not an option.

• Increased test taking time.

When you make the transition to college, you will no longer have a 504 plan, however, you can still request reasonable accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the college’s special student services office. 

In order to receive accommodations, you must request these accommodations, submit ac­ceptable proof of having a disability, and meet with the proper people to determine which accommodations will apply to you. The accommodations can apply to the classroom as well as the dorm.

For instance, an accommodation could be that you require a private dorm room or bathroom. Classroom accommodations may be in the form of testing adjustments, seating, or absence policies.