EDUCATION FOR SEVERE ASTHMATICS 1950s TO EARLY 80s

[AnnaMT]

I am currently at university (as a student) and have chosen to write about schooling for those with the brittle type asthma that I have. I know that there were special schools (my brother-in-law, who sadly succumbed) boarded at one in the late 70s, early 80s and I remember my father asking if I wanted to attend one in the early 70s, an offer I declined. Did you attend one of these schools or an open air school, or were you in mainstream education and did the school make any provision for you at home or in hospital? I know that for myself personally, there was not much forthcoming from the schools (I attended 13 in a few countries) and it was a case of catch up. I seemed to be a rarity, as the teachers did not know how to handle things when I had an attack. Luckily, I am a calm asthmatic and could always direct them, even when at infant school. My mother even had the truant officer call round because they did not believe I could be off school so long with asthma, although I did have pneumonia regularly, as well.

Things seem very different these days with home education and hospital schooling and hopefully • Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 • Equality Act 2010 has made some improvement to schooling.

[angievere]

I would be able to help you - is there a way of contacting you privately?

[Minushabens]

I had severe asthma problems as a child. I started school in 1969 & there was virtually no understanding of asthma at all as I recall. Having had a son with severe asthma at school in the 1990s I can say things were better but not perfect by then. And having been a primary school teacher very recently I can also things are better but also not perfect. Particularly problematic is the lack of knowledge teachers have about using inhalers. The term brittle asthma didn’t exist of course back then but if I can be of help please message me & I’ll share contact details.

[Scooter125]

I was born in 1954 and spent most of my schooling in America, so my experiences is probably very different to yours. The weren't any provisions made, in fact I remember passing the faculty lounge and having trouble breathing because of the cigarette smoke! The worst thing about school over there was having to hide my inhaler because the authorities didn't want any student carrying medicines. I was suppose to give my inhaler to the school nurse. I gave her one that was almost empty and carried the one I used in my bag. If I had to use it I popped into the toilets. The good old days!😁