Alopecia areata advocacy in schools School can be challenging for almost any child, but even more so when that student has alopecia areata. This autoimmune skin disease results in hair loss and emotional pain. Teachers and administrators may not understand or have the skills to help support the child. From its beginning, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) has been here to provide advocacy in schools by giving you and your child the tools to educate teachers and classmates. The Alopecia Areata School Guide The Alopecia Areata School Guide provides lesson plans, classroom strategies, tips for parents and teachers, facts about bullying, ideas for awareness projects, recommended readings, and so much more. A unique 9-minute video, “Why My Hair Falls Out,” explains how children with alopecia areata are just like their classmates. Kids with alopecia areata discuss their experiences and esteemed researcher Dr. David Norris provides an easy-to- understand explanation of why this autoimmune skin disease causes the hair to fall out. We understand that schools have dress codes. We also believe that schools show allow children with alopecia areata to cover their heads. This includes allowing them to wear caps, hats, wigs, scarves and other coverings, regardless of dress code. NAAF has come to the defense of children across the country where school dress codes did not make these allowances and, in some extreme cases, sent the students home. Contact us if you would like help. You can engage school officials and explain why children with alopecia areata should have exceptions to the dress code. They should not be punished for covering their heads if that’s their choice. We encourage parents and educators to contact NAAF to help make every school a safe place for students with alopecia areata – and safe for students with any form of autoimmune disease or skin disease or hair loss or emotional pain or perceivable difference. Please contact Judy Williams, Director of Education & Support at judy@naaf.org for more information.
