Issues in the Education of Students with Chronic Illness

Understanding the educational needs of students with chronic illness is essential if we are to provide equitable educational opportunities for them. Chronic illness can impact on every aspect of a student's development, affecting academic performance, self-esteem, social relationships, and ultimately the ability to access the same educational outcomes as healthy peers. This article highlights the growing need to identify the significant educational challenges faced by students with chronic illness and educators, in an effort to provide direction for the development of programs that meet not only the academic, but also the social and emotional needs of students with chronic illness.