Workplace Accommodations For Type 1 Diabetes

Typical Provisions In 504 Plans:

U-M Type 1 Diabetes 101 | Module 9 | Accommodations for T1D at School

Multiple staff members are trained to check blood glucose levels and administer insulinand glucagon.
All school staffincluding teachers, coaches and bus driverswho interact regularly with the student know how to recognize high and low blood glucose levels and respond appropriately.
Capable students are allowed to self-manage anywhere, anytime, and keep their diabetes supplies with them.
Needed assistance is provided in the classroom to increase safety and decrease missed class time.
Full participation in all sports, extracurricular activities, and field trips, with the necessary diabetes care assistance and/or supervision provided.
Permission to eat whenever and wherever necessary, including eating lunch at an appropriate time with enough time to finish eating.
Permission to take extra trips to the bathroom or water fountain.
Permission for extra absences for medical appointments and sick days without penalty.
Alternate arrangements for classroom time missed for medical appointments, because of periods of high or low blood glucose, or illness related to diabetes.

Read Also: What Helps With Insulin Resistance

Is Diabetes A Disability

Yes, diabetes is a disability. A person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity is disabled and protected by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act . A person with a physical or mental impairment that limits a major life activity is disabled and protected by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act .

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are physical impairments that substantially limit major life activities, including bodily function of the endocrine system, eating, and caring for oneself.

Common Reasonable Accommodations For Individuals With Diabetes

Examples of common reasonable accommodations for individuals with diabetes

Breaks to check blood sugar levels, eat a snack, take medication, or go to the bathroom
A place to rest until blood sugar levels become normal
The ability to keep diabetes supplies and food nearby
The ability to test blood sugar and inject insulin anywhere at work
If requested, a private area to test blood glucose or administer insulin
Modifications to no-fault attendance policies
Leave for treatment, recuperation, or training on managing diabetes
The opportunity to work a modified work schedule or to work a standard shift as opposed to a swing shift
For individuals with diabetic neuropathy , permission to use a chair or stool
For individuals with diabetic retinopathy , large screen computer monitors or other assistive devices

You may need other accommodations. These are just some examples.

Reasonable accommodations are any modifications or adjustments to a job or work environment that enable qualified applicants or employees with disabilities to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions.

Reasonable accommodations also include adjustments to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities have rights and privileges in employment equal to those of employees without disabilities.The important thing is for you and your employer to discuss your individual needs.

Also Check: What Does It Mean To Be Diabetic

Ii Evaluating The Safety Risk Of Employees With Diabetes

Employers who deny job opportunities because they perceive all people with diabetes to be a safety risk do so based on misconceptions, misinformation, or a lack of current information about diabetes. The following guidelines provide information for evaluating an individual with diabetes who works or seeks to work in what may be considered a safety-sensitive position.

Required Accommodations For Employees With Diabetes

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against employees with disabilities by state and local governmental entities and by private employers with fifteen or more employees. The ADA was amended in 2008 to make it easier for an employee seeking protection under the ADA to establish that he or she has a disability. American with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 , 42 U.S.C. § 12102. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces the provisions of the ADA and the ADAAA.

Read Also: What Is High Glucose Mean

What Laws Are Protecting You

If you ever feel uncomfortable, discriminated, or wrongfully terminated because of diabetes, you have a variety of options to stand up for yourself. You are protected from workplace discrimination under both federal and state laws.

Both federal and state laws in the U.S. offer protection from workplace discrimination.

The Americans with Disabilities Act applies to private employers, labor unions, and employment agencies with 15 or more employees, and to state and local government.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 generally covers employees who work for the executive branch of the federal government, or for any employer that receives federal money.
The Congressional Accountability Act covers employees of Congress and most legislative branch agencies.
All states have their own anti-discrimination laws and agencies responsible for enforcing those laws. Some state anti-discrimination laws provide more comprehensive protection than do the federal laws.

Checklist: Who May Administer Insulin In Californias Schools Pursuant To An Iep Or A Section 504 Plan

Business and Professions Code Section 2725 and the California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 604 authorize the following types of persons to administer insulin in Californias public schools pursuant to a Section 504 Plan or an IEP:

Self administration, with authorization of the students licensed health care provide and parent/guardian

School nurse or school physician employed by the LEA

Appropriately licensed school employee who is supervised by a school physician, school nurse, or other appropriate individual

Contracted registered nurse or licensed vocational nurse from a private agency or registry, or by contract with a public health nurse employed by the local county health department

Parent/guardian who so elect

Parent/guardian designee, if parent/guardian so elects, who shall be a volunteer who is not an employee of the LEA and

Unlicensed voluntary school employee with appropriate training, but only in emergencies as defined by Section 2727 of the Business and Professions Code .3 When no expressly authorized person is available under categories 2-4, supra, federal law the Section 504 Plan or the IEP must still be honored and implemented. Thus, a category #8 is available under federal law:

Voluntary school employee who is unlicensed but who has been adequately trained to administer insulin pursuant to the students treating physicians orders as required by the Section 504 Plan or the IEP.

Also Check: Is Pumpernickel Bread Good For Diabetics

You May Like: When To Check Blood Sugar Levels

Can Occupational Factors Affect Diabetes

Occupational factors associated with the development of diabetes include:

Schedules that include shift work or inadequate time to rest between shifts
Schedules that limit a person’s time to participate in physical activities
Difficulty taking medications or eating regularly
Availability of healthy food choices

Interviews: Is It Better To Disclose

What Is Diabetes? | 2 Minute Guide | Diabetes UK

Theres no law that requires you to disclose your diabetes, and employers arent allowed to ask about your medical background before offering you a job. Even if you choose to disclose your diabetes to your employer, your employer is required to keep that information confidential. Some job offers may depend on your ability to pass a medical evaluation after the initial offer, such as police officers or firefighters. However, these results will only affect your offer if they prevent you from doing your job or put your coworkers at risk.

Whether or not you talk about your diabetes is up to you. However, if your employer doesnt know about your diabetes, you may have a hard time proving discrimination based on your condition in the future. Let them know about hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and other complications that can arise.

Can You Be Fired For Calling In Sick

You cannot be fired or face retaliation for time off under FMLA. But if you call in with something not diabetes-related, you don’t have the same legal protection from being fired. Let your supervisor know if you are using one of your FMLA days.

Each state has labor laws that may or may not protect you from being fired for calling in sick. In some states, an employer can fire you for any reason or no reason at all. You may have extra protections in place if you belong to a union.

You don’t need to tell your employer about your illness or reasons for calling in sick. However, they may unknowingly take inappropriate actions against you if you don’t fill out the FMLA paperwork.

What Steps Do I Need To Take To Apply

Ask your childs doctor to come up with a comprehensive Diabetes Medical Management Plan This will include things such as target blood sugar levels, insulin-to-carb ratios, pump settings or long acting insulin regimens, and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Essentially, it is an outline of treatment that the school can then carry out. Download a sample DMMP here.
Discuss the DMMP with the schools nurse.
Approach your childs school principal to facilitate setting up a 504 plan.
From there, the school will determine the students eligibility and then coordinate the setup of your childs plan.

This educational content on Back to School 2021 is made possible with support from Lilly Diabetes and editorial control rests solely on Beyond Type 1.

You May Like: How To Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Don’t Miss: What Kind Of Soda Can A Diabetic Drink

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.

Keeping Medical Information Confidential

With limited exceptions, an employer must keep confidential any medical information it learns about an applicant or employee. Under the following circumstances, however, an employer may disclose that an employee has diabetes:

to supervisors and managers in order to provide a reasonable accommodation or to meet an employee’s work restrictions
to first aid and safety personnel if an employee may need emergency treatment or require some other assistance because, for example, her blood sugar level is too low
to individuals investigating compliance with the ADA and similar state and local laws and
where needed for workers’ compensation or insurance purposes .

8. May an employer tell employees who ask why their co-worker is allowed to do something that generally is not permitted that she is receiving a reasonable accommodation?

No. Telling co-workers that an employee is receiving a reasonable accommodation amounts to a disclosure that the employee has a disability. Rather than disclosing that the employee is receiving a reasonable accommodation, the employer should focus on the importance of maintaining the privacy of all employees and emphasize that its policy is to refrain from discussing the work situation of any employee with co-workers. Employers may be able to avoid many of these kinds of questions by training all employees on the requirements of equal employment opportunity laws, including the ADA.

Whats Covered By Fmla

Youre covered by FMLA if youve been with your company for at least a year and worked at least 1,250 hours the previous year. The company has to have at least 50 employees within 75 miles of your workplace.

FMLA applies to long absences and sporadic sick daysbut only if theyre related to your chronic condition that the ADA covers.

Employment Services For People With Diabetes

There are several employment services and resources that can help you continue to work if you are affected by a health condition like diabetes. These services usually include:6

An assessment of the extent of your disability and need to correct or compensate for your disability
Vocational counseling and guidance
Vocational training to help you find gainful employment
Job placement services
Services that follow-up on your program after you find a job

The U.S. Department of Labors Job Accommodation Network is one such resource you can take advantage of to learn about your legal rights, accommodation strategies, and options. You can also search the JAN website to find employment services and resources in your area.

Recommended Reading: How Can I Lower My Blood Sugar Asap

Section 504 Plan The Safe At School Campaign Of The American Diabetes Association Provides This Series Of Recommendations And Tips For Parents/guardians In Preparation For The Return To School After Nationwide School Closures Due To Coronavirus

Debridement converts a chronic wound into an acute wound by removing necrotic tissue, decreasing bacterial burden and biofilm, and reducing inflammatory cytokines. Type 1 diabetes mellitus description of how this disability limits a major life activity: Can all children with type 1 apply? This plan must be modified to meet the individual needs, abilities, and medical condition of each student with t1 diabetes. A 504 plan is a legal document specifying what reasonable modifications and accommodations the school must provide for a student with a disability . 504 process for type 1 diabetes step 6:

It is not intended as medical and/or legal advice. Debridement converts a chronic wound into an acute wound by removing necrotic tissue, decreasing bacterial burden and biofilm, and reducing inflammatory cytokines. Always consult your doctor for medical advice. Who should have a 504 plan? 504 plan diabetes type 1 accommodations rise.

It is not intended as medical and/or legal advice. In the fall we are hoping to be back into school full time. However, every child will undergo an individual assessment. This video series from the diabetes research institutes della matheson, r.n., c.d.e., and raj hirani, ph.d., and the dri foundations tom karlya, who are all. Who should have a 504 plan?

If A Person Has Diabetes Its Up To Them If They Want To Tell Their Colleagues And Manager About Their Condition But Being Open Can Help You Give Them Any Support They Might Need

Type 1 Diabetes

The best way to get informed about diabetes and how it affects someone is to ask them. They live with the condition every day and will be able to let you know how you can best help them.

If you know nothing about diabetes, have a look at Diabetes: the basics to get the facts. Think about sharing this information on your intranet and other internal communications channels.

You can also download our guide for employers and colleagues on Supporting someone with diabetes at work .

You May Like: Type 2 Diabetes Dry Mouth

What Are The Complications Or Effects Of Diabetes

When the pancreas does not produce insulin, glucose builds up in your blood. This condition is known as hyperglycemia. Fluctuations of blood glucose levels outside of the target range can lead to serious health problems involving the blood vessels and nerves, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, heart attack, and blindness.

When the body does not have glucose for fuel, it starts to use fat. As a result of that process, the cells produce ketones that are then released into the blood. Some of these ketones will pass out of the body through the urine. However, high levels of ketones in the blood can cause the blood to become acidic. In people with diabetes, this is called diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA. DKA can lead to coma or death if not treated. DKA is more common in those with type 1 diabetes, but can also happen to those with type 2 diabetes.

Hypoglycemia can also occur. Hypoglycemia is too little glucose in the blood. It can occur when insulin removes too much glucose from the blood as a result of increased physical activity, too much medication, too little food , and the effects of drinking alcohol.

How Do People Manage Diabetes

Most people can manage their diabetes so it doesnt affect their work. This takes careful planning and resourcefulness. It can mean taking medication at specific times and checking blood glucose throughout the day. For some people with diabetes, this can mean injecting insulin and pricking their finger to check blood sugar levels.

Some people can feel awkward about injecting in public and even feel embarrassed. Reassure your colleague that you understand what theyre doing and its not a problem. If you manage them, help them find somewhere appropriate to do it, so they dont feel the need to hide in the toilet.

Some people with diabetes are at risk of something called hypos, when their blood sugars go too low. Ask them what symptoms to look out for and what to do if they ever need help treating a hypo.

If someone tells their employer they have diabetes, the employer may have a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments, so they can manage their diabetes and do their job.

Reasonable adjustments might be making sure they have their breaks at set times, so they can keep on top of their blood sugar levels, or providing special equipment if they have eye problems. Reasonable adjustments dont have to cost money they are more about taking a flexible approach to work.