About Connected Kansas Kids
Concept
Connected Kansas Kids (CKK)
was conceptualized as a way to use technology and the technological
infrastructure in Kansas to extend the work of Dr. Kathy Davis to more kids with
chronic illness, their classmates, and their loved ones across the state.
Often, chronic physical or mental health conditions may be “invisible”
disabilities. Like more traditional learning disabilities, the effects of a
health condition (absences, fatigue, difficulty with concentration and
attention, chronic pain, medication side effects, and more) may impact a young
person’s ability to learn and to fully participate in activities. Often, minor
accommodations may make major differences in long term outcomes for the young
person. Connected Kansas Kids provides a means to enable the
young person, parents, educators, other caregivers
and health care providers to collaborate on goals that enhance optimal health
and quality of life.
Good News
Medical advances and new technologies--such
as telemedicine and interactive websites-- have enabled many children, who previously
may not have returned to school or activities, to attend school and participate
in activities,
alongside their siblings and peers.
All children and adolescents, including those with serious physical and
mental health diagnoses, are guaranteed a “free, appropriate public
education” at no cost to their parents or guardians. The opportunity to continue
to grow, develop and learn is not eliminated by a serious diagnosis.
Kids and Life
We now know that being involved in
school and activities can actually help a seriously ill child by enabling
him/her to return to a normal routine, thus enabling the child to continue to
grow and develop. When our expectations meet the needs of what a young person
with serious illnesses can accomplish, it is a winning combination. Thus, a
return to school and activities does not increase the stress on a seriously ill
young person; it may actually reduce stress and anxiety and help restore a
positive quality of life.
Research has shown us that a positive outlook and a focus on normal activities can
speed up the recovery process of some patients. Kids frequently tell us that they
cannot wait to get back to school to see their teachers and friends. So it is not
surprising that there is absolutely no research that indicates that doing a math
assignment, reading a book, or having fun with friends will make a child more ill.
Accommodating Kids' Needs
Obviously, there are some special needs
of children with chronic illnesses. Teachers, peers, siblings, child care
providers, clergy, coaches, scout leaders, and other caring people want to make
sure that they are doing things in the best way possible to support the child with a chronic illness.
That is why we are here - we want to make sure that the child’s caregivers have
all the information they need to feel comfortable welcoming the young person back into
the classroom, to the playing field, or whatever activity they enjoyed before
becoming ill. With accurate and thorough information, the caregivers will be well-equipped to develop an appropriate
plan that will meet the needs of the child with a serious illness, as well as his/her
peers.
For more information, please contact:
Kathy Davis, MSEd, PhD
kdavis2@kumc.edu
(913) 588-6305