Special Needs Factsheet: For Teachers

What Teachers Should Know: Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder of the red blood cells. It affects about 100,000 people in the United States. In sickle cell disease, the red blood cells become distorted and look C-shaped, like a sickle. Sickle cells die early, which leads to anemia. Also, these sickle-shaped blood cells tend to get stuck in narrow blood vessels and clog blood flow. This can cause severe pain and organ damage.    What Teachers Can Do: Students with sickle cell disease may miss class time or be absent for doctor visits or hospital stays. Teachers need to provide these students with special consideration regarding missed instruction, assignments, and testing. Teachers should encourage students with sickle cell disease to participate in moderate physical exercise and other school activities. Chronic fatigue or pain can make some students appear that they are not motivated to learn. Knowing the student well can help you make a proper assessment. Abstract source