"We must remember that we cannot separate health
from the ability to learn. The two must go together."
Surgeon General Antonia Novella, US Department of Health and Human Services, 1992
The African proverb, "It takes a whole village to raise a child," is especially true for the child with physical health needs. It truly takes a team of dedicated individuals to care for, nurture, and educate these children with special health care needs.
This handbook was designed to provide general guidelines and a basic overview of key health conditions for teachers and school staff to meet the needs of students with physical health concerns. It is a joint effort by the Department of Education, Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Student Support, Special Education Services Branch, Special Education Section with the assistance of the Department of Health, Public Health Nursing Branch. It must not replace the instructions of the student's parents, physician, or other qualified health professional. This handbook is to be used in collaboration with the child's parents and health care providers to provide a safe and healthy learning environment.
Patricia Hamamoto
Superintendent
Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Student Support, Special Education Services Branch, Special Education Section, Department of Education, State of Hawaii, March 2006