General Information About Diabetes
Diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose or sugar levels that result from defects in the body’s ability to produce and/or use insulin.4 Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose enter the body’s cells to give them energy. With Type 1 diabetes, the body does not make insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, the body does not make or use insulin well. Some women develop a type of diabetes called gestational diabetes during pregnancy when their bodies are not able to make and use all the insulin it needs, but may not have diabetes after giving birth. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in the blood.5
Although diabetes cannot be cured, it can be managed. Some people are able to control their diabetes by eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, and exercising regularly. Many individuals, however, must take oral medication and/or administer insulin injections to manage their diabetes.6
With nearly two million new cases diagnosed each year, diabetes is becoming more prevalent in the United States and is the most common endocrine disease.7 Today, an estimated 18.8 million adults in the United States have diabetes.8
Protections Under The Americans With Disabilities Act
The Americans With Disabilities Act is a federal law that protects disabled people from discrimination in the workplace and by public services.
If you’re legally considered to be disabled, the ADA requires employers with fifteen or more employees not to discriminate against someone because of one’s disability as long as they can perform their job duties satisfactorily.
This means that if your employer thinks you might be unable to fulfill your job duties, they must first offer reasonable accommodations that can allow you to stay on the job, otherwise it will be considered discrimination.
For people with diabetes, this can be simply accommodating the need to inject insulin, eat more frequently to maintain your proper blood sugar levels, or other challenges.
To What Types Of Benefits May People With Diabetes Be Entitled
All people with diabetes have protection from discrimination in seeking a job, as well as the right to reasonable accommodations to care for themselves and perform their job well while at work.
Examples of those accommodations include a place to test blood sugars safely and privately, breaks to test blood sugars, and a stool to sit on if they experience pain associated with nerve damage.
Some, but not all, people with type 1 diabetes are entitled to monetary benefits from the SSA. There are two SSA programs that offer benefits:
- Social Security Disability:Title II of the Social Security Act is available to people who have paid contributions to Social Security through their taxable earnings.
- Supplemental Social Security Income :Title XVI of the Social Security Act is for those with limited income.
The disability must prevent an individual from working for at least 1 year, or a doctor must expect it to result in death within 1 year. Any awarded benefits will start the sixth month after the date on which the disability began.
A person can apply in person, over the phone, by mail, or by filing online at the SSAs website.
Local SSA field offices or state-affiliated agencies called Disability Determination Services usually process applications.
People can contact the SSA with questions at 800-772-1213 or online.
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Type 1 Diabetes The Closest Form To A Disability
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system has mistakenly attacked and destroyed the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
There is currently no known cure for type 1 diabetes, and people with type 1 diabetes must regularly supplement their bodies with insulin throughout their lives.
Travel To And From Work
You may need to travel for your job, but your medical supplies wonât stop you from meeting this need. You can take diabetes supplies through security. This includes:
- Insulin and products to dispense it, such as vials and pens
- Unused syringes when you have them along with injectable medication
- Used syringes when you carry them in a hard-surface container to store used syringes and test strips
- Liquids or gels
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Q What Is The Definition Of A Wheelchair Under The Ada
A. A wheelchair is a manually operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability for the main purpose of indoor, or of both indoor and outdoor, locomotion. Individuals with mobility disabilities must be permitted to use wheelchairs and manually powered mobility aids, i.e., walkers, crutches, canes, braces, or other similar devices designed for use by individuals with mobility disabilities, in any areas open to pedestrian traffic.
Q What Are Public Accommodations
A. A public accommodation is a private entity that owns, operates, leases, or leases to, a place of public accommodation. Places of public accommodation include a wide range of entities, such as restaurants, hotels, theaters, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, retail stores, museums, libraries, parks, private schools, and day care centers. Private membership clubs and religious organizations are exempt from the ADA’s title III requirements for public accommodations.
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The Ada Definition Of Disability
The Americans with Disabilities Act protects people with disabilities from unfair treatment. Protected areas include:
- State and local government services
- Places of public accommodation
- Telecommunications
The ADA covers employers with 15 or more employees. This includes state and local governments. It also applies to employment agencies and labor unions.
Who does the ADA protect?
A person with a disability is someone who:
- Has a physical or mental impairment that greatly limits one or more major life activities
- Has a record of such an impairment or
- Is regarded as having such an impairment.
An impairment is measured when the condition is most severe. If you are only sometimes impaired, the ADA will look at when your symptoms show the most.
There are two essential parts:
- You must have a physical or mental impairment and
- The impairment must largely keep you from doing major life activities.
Children Younger Than Six Years
- Young children may have more side effects from ADHD medication. Behavioral therapy is always the first step before starting medication for young children with ADHD.
- Parents can develop the skills to make new strategies to help the child with behavior management training.
- Behavioral management training for parents and the child is as effective as medication.
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You Dont Have To Disclose Your Disease
Unless youre applying for a job that requires a medical examination or history for all employees, you dont need to tell your employer about your diabetes. But you can only receive protection under antidiscrimination laws if they know about your condition. If youd like workplace accommodations, you will need to disclose your diabetes.
Q What Are The Ada’s Requirements For Public Transit Buses
A. The Department of Transportation has issued regulations mandating accessible public transit vehicles and facilities. The regulations include requirements that all new fixed-route, public transit buses be accessible and that supplementary paratransit services be provided for those individuals with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route bus service. For information on how to contact the Department of Transportation, see page 25-26.
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Q Is The Federal Government Covered By The Ada
A. The ADA does not cover the executive branch of the federal government. The executive branch continues to be covered by title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination in services and employment on the basis of disability and which is a model for the requirements of the ADA. The ADA, however, does cover Congress and other entities in the legislative branch of the federal government.
Impairments Limiting Life Activities
People with disabilities mainly those with bodily injuries or function conditions and basic daily accommodations are included in major life activities. The ADA offers examples of undue hardship and reasonable accommodations. The ADA also prevents employers from discriminating against employees and job applicants who have mental and physical impairments that limit major life activities. Some examples of these life activities include:
Treatment is usually to help slow down or soothe the pain. The Rehabilitation Act standards for determining employment discrimination are the same as those used in title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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What Is The Americans With Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a civil rights law which prohibits discrimination among people with disabilities. The ADA protects individuals with a disability in all aspects of public life namely employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and access to state and local government programs and services. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination of any person with a disability, ensuring equal opportunities for everybody, especially people with disabilities.
Q What Requirements Apply To A Public Entity’s Emergency Telephone Services Such As 911
A. State and local agencies that provide emergency telephone services must provide “direct access” to individuals who rely on a teletypewriter or computer modem for telephone communication. Telephone access through a third party or through a relay service does not satisfy the requirement for direct access. Where a public entity provides 911 telephone service, it may not substitute a separate seven-digit telephone line as the sole means for access to 911 services by non-voice users. A public entity may, however, provide a separate seven-digit line for the exclusive use of non-voice callers in addition to providing direct access for such calls to its 911 line.
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The Challenges Of Type 1 Diabetes
People with diabetes type 1 often feel that they’ve gotten the short end of the stick, and when it comes down to it, they will have to supplement insulin daily for the rest of their lives.
But our two founders Robby and Cyrus, who are both living with t1 diabetes, treat this challenge like an opportunity.
This is because, the fact that you do have to pay closer attention to your body means you have an in-depth level of insight into your health that only pro athletes and Olympians usually have.
It’s a great way to become inspired as an athlete!
What Is A Protected Dissability
Under most employment legislation, such as Age Discrimination in Employment Act or Title VII, it is fairly obvious whether a person is a part of a protected class. However, under the ADA, it is a bit more complicated to determine whether a person is part of a protected class.
A person is protected under the ADA against discrimiation for employment opportunities. State and local government and other public entities apply the title ii to labor unions and help people with disabilities.
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Q How Does The Ada Affect Workers’ Compensation Programs
A. Only injured workers who meet the ADA’s definition of an “individual with a disability” will be considered disabled under the ADA, regardless of whether they satisfy criteria for receiving benefits under workers’ compensation or other disability laws. A worker also must be “qualified” to be protected by the ADA. Although not all work-related injuries cause physical or mental impairments that substantially limit a major life activity, many on-the-job injuries may now constitute disabilities under the ADAAAs broadened definition of disability.
An employer may refuse to hire or may fire a person who knowingly provides a false answer to a lawful post-offer inquiry about his/her condition or workers compensation history.
An employer also may submit medical information and records concerning employees and applicants to state workers’ compensation offices and “second injury” funds without violating ADA confidentiality requirements.
How Do I Apply
You can do it through the local Social Security Administration office or state agencies .
You can apply in person, over the phone, by mail, or online. DDS will get information from your doctors to decide if your diabetes qualifies as a disability.
If you donât qualify, your case is kept on file in case you decide to appeal.
The process isnât quick. It can take 3 to 5 months to get a decision, depending on how long it takes for DDS to get your medical records and other information they need.
Itâs not unusual to be turned down the first time you apply. Up to 80% of first-time applications are rejected. If you appeal, it can take another 3 to 5 months to get a decision. If that appeal gets denied, you can appeal once more before an administrative law judge. That process can take as long as 2 years.
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Q Is Testing For The Illegal Use Of Drugs Permissible Under The Ada
A. Yes. A test for the illegal use of drugs is not considered a medical examination under the ADA therefore, employers may conduct such testing of applicants or employees and make employment decisions based on the results. The ADA does not encourage, prohibit, or authorize drug tests.
If the results of a drug test reveal the presence of a lawfully prescribed drug or other medical information, such information must be treated as a confidential medical record.
Q How Will The Public Accommodations Provisions Be Enforced
A. Private individuals may bring lawsuits in which they can obtain court orders to stop discrimination. Individuals may also file complaints with the U.S. Department of Justice, which is authorized to bring lawsuits in cases of general public importance or where a “pattern or practice” of discrimination is alleged. In these cases, the Justice Department may seek monetary damages and civil penalties. Civil penalties may not exceed $55,000 for a first violation or $110,000 for any subsequent violation.
The ADA National Network can assist individuals with disabilities by providing ADA information related to access to the goods and services provided by places of public accommodation. The ADA National Network can also provide businesses with information on meeting the needs of people with disabilities. Contact the ADA National Network with your questions or to find a regional ADA National Network center near you. Call 949-4232 all calls are confidential.
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Family And Medical Leave Act
The Family and Medical Leave Act is another important law that protects people who must miss work due to their own serious health condition or to care for a family member with a serious health condition. Diabetes qualifies as a serious condition if it requires hospitalization or if it requires you to go to the doctor at least 2 times per year.5
The law applies to companies that have at least 50 employees working within 75 miles of each other. FMLA requires employers to grant 12 weeks of job-protected, unpaid leave to employees during any year-long period to take care of their health or their family members health. Health insurance premiums covered by employers must continue to be paid during FMLA leave.5
FMLA leave is available for any employee who has been employed by a qualifying company for at least 1 year and has worked at least 1,250 hours during the year before the start of the leave. You must give your employer 30 days advance notice, when possible.5
If you qualify for FMLA, your employer must allow you to take up to 12 weeks of job-protected, unpaid leave. You can take the leave all at once or in smaller blocks of time. You will need to provide information from your doctor explaining why you need to take leave for your own or a family members diabetes.5
If your employer prevents you from using FMLA or denies you your FMLA rights, you can file an FMLA complaint with the Department of Labor.
Definition Of Disability Under Ada
The ADA’s first definition of disability states that a disabled person is someone who has a mental or physical impairment that prevents participation in major life activities. If an individual has a record or history of such an impairment, he is considered disabled. Finally, if the individual is regarded as having a mental or physical impairment, the individual is considered disabled under the ADA’s first definition of disability.
The ADA has a three-pronged definition of disability. If any of the three prongs are satisfied, the individual counts as disabled. The definition of disability of the ADA is based on the Rehabilitation Act’s definition of “handicap.” A judgment under the Rehabilitation Act or the ADA is considered a precedent for the other.
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Q What Is The Definition Of A Service Animal Under The Ada
A. A service animal is any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not considered to be service animals. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and helping individuals with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors. The crime deterrent effects of an animals presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks.
Q Can An Employer Establish Specific Attendance And Leave Policies
A. An employer can establish attendance and leave policies that are uniformly applied to all employees, regardless of disability, but may not refuse leave needed by an employee with a disability if other employees get such leave. An employer also may be required to make adjustments in leave policy as a reasonable accommodation. The employer is not obligated to provide additional paid leave, but accommodations may include leave flexibility and unpaid leave.
A uniformly applied leave policy does not violate the ADA because it has a more severe effect on an individual because of his/her disability. However, if an individual with a disability requests a modification of such a policy as a reasonable accommodation, an employer may be required to provide it, unless it would impose an undue hardship.
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