Health Services

Policy on Returning to School after Hospitalization or Surgery

To ensure the safety of all students at Perkins School for the Blind, the School has developed specific criteria for a student to return to the School after a period of hospitalization or surgery. Hospitalization and surgery can often result in various changes in a student's ability to participate in activities therefore the student's enrollment status and activities may have to be modified as a result.

Each student will be evaluated to determine his or her behavioral, medical and educational needs. The School will assess 1) whether the student may be discharged directly from a hospital to the School, or whether a period of recovery at home is needed prior to returning to the School, and 2) what changes, if any, in the student's activities at the School may be necessary on a temporary or permanent basis.

The Perkins medical, educational, clinical and residential staff do not provide post-operative care. If rehabilitative services are needed beyond what is included in the child's Individual Education Plan, the family must arrange for rehabilitative services off campus, separate from school hours.

For a student to return to the School:

  • The student must be able to participate fully in the school day.
  • The student may not be taking any narcotics for pain control.
  • The student's behavior must not constitute a risk to the student.
  • The student's mobility must be at a level to not place the student or staff at high risk during an evacuation.

Prior to a student's discharge from a hospital, the School's Health Services department will consult with the student's physician or physicians, the student's parents and educational and residential personnel at the School to determine whether and when a student may return to the school. It is very important for the student’s parents to maintain ongoing contact with Health Services throughout the hospital admission so that planning for the return can be done in advance. If the School determines that a student may return but has complex needs and possible changes in status or routines, then on the day of return, prior to engaging in any activities at the School, the student will be evaluated by Health Services Staff. The student's parent or guardian and relevant educational, clinical and residential personnel may be asked to participate in this evaluation. On the basis of this evaluation, Health Services, educational, clinical and residential personnel will develop plans for necessary supports and services to be put in place. Those students considered by Health Services to be stable and returning without changes in treatment orders, supports or services may return directly to School and will be seen by the program nurse as soon as possible upon return.

Perkins School for the Blind | Health Services Policies / 1 Revision 12/23/13