Diabetes and the Law

Unfortunately, people with diabetes -- of all ages -- face discrimination at times. Children with diabetes most often run into discrimination at school or day care. Here are some real-life examples of problems that children with diabetes have faced.

• Not allowed to go on field trips, or not allowed unless a parent comes along.
• Being cut from a sport because the coach thinks people with diabetes can't be good athletes.
• Not allowed to check bg level in class.
• Not allowed to eat snacks in class or on the bus.
• Being punished for being absent from school because of diabetes.
• Not allowed to participate in after -- school activities because no one there knows about caring for diabetes.

If you've covered all the basics with your child's school -- developed a Diabetes Health Care Plan (DHCP) and met with your school to go over it -- and are still experiencing difficulties, there is more that you can do. Download Diabetes, School, & the Law (PDF) to learn the next steps to take.

In many cases, discrimination against children with diabetes can be resolved through education of the parties involved. In some cases, parents may have to file administrative complaints or even a lawsuit to get their concerns addressed. Parents of children of diabetes need to know their child's rights under the law.

Discrimination at School
Find out school discrimination and how you can prevent it from happening to your child.

Know Your Rights!
Learn about the federal laws that protect people with disabilities in school daycare settings.

What You Can Do
Find what you can do to prevent or stop discrimination.

Resources

Learn more about your child's rights at school.

Get Helping the Student with Diabetes Succeed: A Guide for School Personnel, a free diabetes resource for schools.

The ADA has additional materials for those facing discrimination in schools and day care centers. Call 1-800 DIABETES (342-2383) for the ADA's packet on Education Discrimination.