Advocacy

Safe at School®

Overview

Diabetes must be managed 24/7, and for children with diabetes, that includes time spent at school or school-sponsored activities like field trips and extracurricular activities, in child care programs, and at summer camp or recreational programs. Our Safe at School campaign works to make sure the diabetes management needs of children are met so they are healthy and safe and able to enjoy the same opportunities as their peers.

Federal law gives students the right to receive the diabetes care they need to be safe and participate in school activities just like any other child. Schools should provide the following:

  • Trained staff to monitor blood glucose (blood sugar) levels and administer insulin and glucagon
  • Trained staff to provide diabetes care during field trips, extracurricular events, and all school-sponsored activities
  • Capable students permitted to self-manage their diabetes anytime, anywhere

Schools should not:

  • Make family members go to school to care for a student’s diabetes
  • Transfer students to a different school to get needed diabetes care
  • Prevent students with diabetes from participating in field trips, sports, and other school-sponsored activities

Read about your child’s rights under Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other federal laws.

Resources

Learn more about legal protections, written care plans, training, help for schools, and more.

`

Training Resources for Schools

The Association has many training and support materials that can prepare and educate school staff to provide needed care to students with diabetes.

Learn More
Help for school

Special Considerations

Happy family of a girl, mother, and grandmother
Trainer training kids in the boot camp

Extracurricular Activities and Field Trips

Education no longer takes place in a single classroom. Schools take field trips to historic sites, museums and nature centers. Class groups attend plays, concerts, and sports competitions off school grounds.

Find out more
`

Written Care Plans

The best way to make sure students with diabetes get the care they need and are treated fairly is to put in place written plans.

SAS-staste-laws-medical-plan-child-checking-BG

Diabetes Medical Management Plan

The DMMP lays out the specific diabetes needs of your child.

Read more
SAS-state-laws-504-plan-school-kids-books

Section 504 Plan

The 504 Plan sets out an agreement to make sure the student with diabetes has the same access to education as other children.

Read more
Learn More

Important Cases

The ADA’s Lawsuit Against New York City Public Schools

Learn More

California Supreme Court Victory Supports Access to Insulin for California Students

Learn More

Specific Concerns

You may also have specific questions about your child's rights in specific situations. Learn about common issues, from daycare, camps, and recreational programs to extracurricular activities and field trips.

Need more help?

If you have more questions about your child's rights or need help with ongoing problems related to diabetes care at school, call us at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or send an email to AskADA@diabetes.org. Our Center for Information will ask you a few questions about your issue and send your request to the Legal Advocate Program for review and the provision of information and guidance.

While the ADA attempts to ensure that all legal information is accurate and current, this general legal information is not a substitute for individualized legal advice, particularly in relation to information related to state or local laws or regulations. The law may change or have additional exceptions or interpretations. The ADA and its employees are not responsible for any negative results arising from improper reliance on the above information. For detailed and individualized legal advice or representation, contact a locally licensed attorney.