It’s hard to believe that back-to-school is right around the corner! If you have a child with diabetes, now’s the time to make sure everything is in place for the upcoming school year.
Diabetes management at school varies. Some parents feel confident the school will be prepared to provide the care their child needs. Others worry that adequate care won’t be available, that their child might not be allowed to participate in classroom celebrations, field trips and sports, or that they might have to take an exam — or participate in gym class — with low blood sugar.
All students with diabetes have rights based on federal laws — including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (referred to as Section 504). These laws recognize diabetes as a disability and provide protections to make sure students with diabetes have the same opportunities as students without diabetes. Many state laws provide additional protections.
The American Diabetes Association recommends two written plans that address the needs of students, making it possible for them to safely manage their diabetes and participate in school and school-related events.
The Diabetes Medical Management Plan, or DMMP — often called doctor’s orders — provides details on all aspects of the diabetes care the student requires while at school. A sample DMMP, found at www.diabetes.org/dmmp, can be completed by the physician to address each student’s individualized care needs. Schools use the DMMP to create a 504 Plan.
A 504 Plan is an action plan that lists what the school will do to make sure the student receives the necessary care, is medically safe, has the same access to education as other children and is treated fairly. Common items — or accommodations — included in a 504 plan include:
— Multiple staff trained to check blood sugar, administer insulin and glucagon.
— All staff interacting with the student know how to recognize high and low blood sugar levels and respond appropriately — including teachers, coaches, lunch room staff and bus drivers.
— Students who can independently perform diabetes care tasks are allowed to do so anywhere, anytime and keep their diabetes supplies with them.
— Permission to eat whenever and wherever necessary, including eating lunch at an appropriate time with enough time to finish eating.
— Unrestricted access to bathroom and water.
— No penalty for absences for medical appointments and sick days due to diabetes.
— Arrangements to take tests, including standardized tests, at a different time if the student’s blood sugar is too high or low during time of scheduled test.
— Full participation in sports, extracurricular activities and field trips, with necessary diabetes care assistance and/or supervision provided.
A 504 plan identifies the responsibilities of the student, parents/guardian and school staff. Eligibility is based on medical needs — not learning needs. All students with diabetes are eligible for a 504 plan based on their diabetes diagnosis.
Developing a plan that best meets the student’s needs requires a team approach — the school staff, health care provider and the parent. A sample 504 plan can be found at www.diabetes.org/504plan. Many schools have their own 504 template. This sample can be used as a reference to make sure all aspects of the student’s diabetes care are included.
As a parent, you know your child’s needs and abilities better than anyone. Ongoing communication is important. You can start the process by asking your child’s doctor to complete a DMMP. Schedule a meeting with the school to develop a 504 plan. The plan should be completed, signed and ready to carry out before school begins. Remember, as your child’s diabetes management changes, the school will need an updated DMMP, and the 504 plan will need to be revised.
For more information visit: www.diabetes.org/safeatschool and http://ndep.nih.gov/publications/PublicationDetail.aspx?PubId=97#main. You can reach the American Diabetes Association at 1.800.DIABETES (342-2383).
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Prepping for Back to School When You Have Diabetes originally appeared on usnews.com
