Arthritis Foundation Logo
Español ES
Your Local Area
Sign In
Popular Search
arthritis gout home ja
Suggested Content
Article
Rx for Access
Online resource that helps patients better understand health coverage options, choose the right coverage, manage the denial process and reduce health care costs.
Article
Do I Have Arthritis?
Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs.
Article
Gout
Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can come and go.
Arthritis Foundation Logo
  • About Arthritis
    Common Topics
    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
    • Arthritis Types
    • More About Arthritis
    • Where it Hurts
    • Related Conditions
  • Treatments
    Common Topics
    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    About Biosimilars

    More of these biologic medications will soon be available. Learn what they are, whether you should consider them and what to ask your doctor.

    Webinar: Sleep Solutions for Pain

    Experts discuss solutions on how to quiet nighttime pain to get better sleep.

    • Treatment Plan
    • Drug Guide
    • Joint Surgery
    • Complementary Therapies
    • Insurance Management
  • Healthy Living
    Common Topics
    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    Woman ExercisingYour Exercise Solution (YES)

    Movement is the best medicine, even when your joints hurt. Your Exercise Solution (YES) is a resource to help you create a physical activity routine with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
    • Physical Activity
    • Emotional Well-being
    • Daily Living
    • Family & Relationships
  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

    JA Camps

    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

    Get Your JA Power Pack

    Newly diagnosed with JA and wanting to learn more? Power Packs have the tools you need to find Yes! for you and your child.

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • Providers
    Common Topics
    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

    Fellowships

    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

    • Better Living Toolkits
    • Our Issue Briefs
  • Science
    Common Topics
    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

    Focus

    • Awards
    • Funding Opportunities
    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
    • Partnerships
    • Publications
  • Get Involved
    Common Topics
    Capital hillAction Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

    Jingle Bell Run

    The original festive race for charity and signature Foundation holiday event! Wear your favorite holiday attire and together, we’ll jingle all the way to a cure! Register as an individual or bring a team of friends, family and co-workers to run, walk or stroll, and spread the good cheer. 

    • Advocacy
    • Events
    • Ways to Give
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteer
    • Partnership
Donate
Back

Back to School in COVID-19? Know Your Rights!

By Julie Eller, co-host of the Live Yes With Arthritis Podcast 

To me, there is no greater joy than sharpening a Dixon Ticonderoga Number Two pencil on the first day of school. I have always been the nerdiest of nerds, a happy bookworm who counted down the days of summer until the fateful day when I could return to class. As I think of all the changes our school-aged children and young adults have faced since the start of the pandemic, the one that has weighed most heavily on my heart are those students whose hopeful back-to-school countdown has been prolonged indefinitely.  

 This year, as we think about returning to classrooms, the conversation is very different than in years past. For those in districts where it is safe to reopen in-person classes, face coverings and bottles of hand sanitizer top school supply lists rather than textbook covers and Crayola markers. For those in areas where it is unsafe to return, parents are faced with the continued challenge of educating their children at home while maintaining a job during these economically uncertain times. Regardless of where you live, the subject of returning to school has become hyperpolitical, adding weight to the already heavy burden families are facing as they consider whether to send their children back to school. This is hard for every family across the nation, but especially for families with children who live with a chronic illness like juvenile arthritis.  

Rebecca and I recently had the pleasure of connecting with Heidi Goldsmith, an educational rights attorney with over 20 years of experience, for the Live Yes With Arthritis Podcast. We talked with Heidi about the tools families have at their disposal to make sure their child with JA has an educational rights plan during the pandemic that works for the family. Heidi has insight into how your family can be successful this fall, whether that means setting up a medical 504 plan that provides your family flexibility for in-person schooling, exploring private school options within your district to limit exposure, or even engaging with your school board of education to make your voice heard.  

This episode is chock full of insights that can help families Live Yes while they return to school this fall, in whatever way that is safest for them. And for the nerdiest of nerds out there, know you’ve got so many people in your corner hoping to get you back to school safely soon. Keep your faithful countdowns going! 

So, grab your trusty Ticonderoga and a composition notebook, and tune in to this episode to learn more about your rights in returning to school this year.  

 

 
Get Involved
  • Find Your Yes
  • Live Yes! Connect Groups
  • Live Yes! Online Forum
  • Local Office
  • Fundraising
  • Webinars
  • Store
  • Volunteer
About
  • About Us
  • Annual Report
  • Careers
  • Code Of Ethics
  • Financials
  • News and Stories
  • Privacy Notice
  • Terms of Use
  • Español
Join Us
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • JA Camps
  • Pathways Conference
  • Living Well Events
  • Walk to Cure Arthritis
  • Fundraise Your Way
  • JA Family Summit
Home Office
  • 1355 Peachtree St NE Suite 600
  • Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Helpline: 1-800-283-7800
  • Contact Us
 
75th anniversary logo
Ashburn, VA
36° Arthritis Index Beneficial
See More Details
Arthritis Foundation is a qualified 501(c)(3) EIN 58-1341679
I Want to Contribute
I Need Help
  • Donate

    Donate

    Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.

  • Volunteer

    Volunteer

    Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.

  • Partner

    Partner

    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

Donate


Ways to Give

Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

Make a Donation

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

Become a Member

Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. 

Make an Honor or Memorial Gift

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

Gift Planning

I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.
 

Other Ways to Give

  • Match Gift
  • Donate a Car
  • Donor-Advised Funds

Volunteer


Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

Become a Volunteer

More About Volunteering

  • Walk to Cure Arthritis
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • Fundraise Your Way
  • JA Camp
  • Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
  • Be an Online Community Moderator
  • Local Leadership Board

Partner


Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

More About Partnerships

  • Partner with Us
  • Ease Of Use Commendation
  • Let's Get a Grip On Arthritis
  • Promotions that Give Back