Thank you for visiting CFStrong for young people. We are pleased you have taken the time to visit, educate yourself and learn more about how to support the young person at your school living with CF.
CFStrong provides an insight into the daily life and challenges of a young person living with CF.
What is CF?
CF is a progressive genetic condition that causes persistent lung and digestive issues. Respiratory infections can result due to mucus clogging the airways and trapping germs (bacteria and viruses), leading to complications such as scarring of the lungs or lung failure.
CF is the most common genetic condition in Australia, impacting approximately 3,500 people. Due to significant advances in clinical care, treatments, and medication, most people living with CF can now expect to live a relatively normal life.
While people with CF may look outwardly healthy, they are living with a chronic condition that affects their body in many ways. It is a complex condition that impacts multiple organs in the body, primarily the lungs and digestive systems. Due to a variety of factors, the health and severity of symptoms vary greatly in people with CF. Everyone’s journey is different.
Resource – CF Smart for High School teachers
Resource – Tertiary Education Fact Sheet
Disclosure
Students with CF deal with the everyday treatment and associated issues very differently. Some students will be comfortable with all staff and students having an understanding about CF, while others will want to keep things confidential. It is useful if the school nurse, the year coordinator and a few teachers have an understanding of the condition, as well as some of the student’s close friends. How a student feels about disclosing details about CF may change as they move through high school.
As a teacher, it is important you respect the young person’s wishes around disclosure.
CF Smart
CF Smart is a great resource for teachers and educators to improve understanding of CF care in an education setting. The site offers free e-learning to support your student with CF in the classroom, resources, and further information for teachers.
Start exploring below. Got a topic or question you would like answered? Get in touch with us.
Need support?
The Education Support Officers and Case Managers at CFCC can also provide support for teachers through:
- giving CF presentations or professional development resources to staff in school or by video conference or phone (subject to staff availability).
- discussing individual strategies for working with students with CF.
- providing information about extra educational resources and services.
Contact: 1300 023 222 or email education@cfcc.org.au
Or, contact your state CF Support Organisation:
CF Queensland
354 Waterworks Rd, Ashgrove QLD 4060
Web: https://www.cfqld.org.au/
Email: admin@cfqld.org.au
Phone: (07) 3359 8000
CF South Australia
Level 3/85 North East Road, Collinswood SA 5081
Phone: (08) 8221 5595
Email: cfsa@cfsa.org.au
CF ACT
Email: support@cfact.org.au
Phone: 0437 485 454
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cfactnsw
CF Western Australia
The Niche, 11 Aberdare Rd, Nedlands, WA 6009
Email: info@cfwa.org.au
Phone: (08) 6224 4100
CF Tasmania
Email: general@cftas.org.au
Phone: (03) 6234 6085
Our Calendar of Events is regularly updated with relevant information for parents, teachers and young people living with CF.
The views, experiences or comments shared on this website are not medical advice and may not reflect opinions or beliefs of Cystic Fibrosis Community Care. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health.
