It can be hard to send your child with T1D back to school! This year, the COVID-19 pandemic adds its own layer of complication.
To help you navigate this confusing time, Lisa Shenson and Tariq Ahmad, MD, joined DYF to discuss legal and procedural aspects of 504 plans, provide guidance on re-entry in the era of COVID-19, and explain your child’s rights at school. Watch the entire webinar below or view the presentation slides Back to School with T1D Slides.
Open communication with your child’s school helps keeps everyone on the same page and provides documentation on how to help your child thrive. There are four forms that are important to have:
Diabetes Management Plan
Since no two people manage their diabetes the same, it is important to have a document to outline their care plan. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has great samples that you can complete with your child’s doctor and submit to the school so that everyone has an up to date guideline to follow to keep your child safe. Sample Diabetes Management Plans
504 Accommodation plan
A 504 plan outlines actions the school will take to make sure the student with diabetes is medically safe. It ensures the same access to education as other children and is treated fairly. Furthermore, it is a tool that can be used to make sure that everyone involved stays on the same page.
High blood glucose plan
This form provides guidance to the school on what to do in cases of high blood sugar. We recommend getting this form reviewed by your doctor before returning to the child’s school.
Low blood glucose plan
This form provides guidance to the school on what to do in cases of low blood sugar. We recommend getting this form reviewed by your doctor before returning to the child’s school.
504 plan |
High blood glucose plan |
Low blood glucose plan |
About the presenters
Tariq Ahmad, MD, FAAP is a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. He completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University, medical school at New York Medical College, his pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital at Cleveland Clinic, and his pediatric endocrinology fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Lisa Shenson is a type 1 diabetes parent and advocate. Lisa has been deeply and passionately involved in disability rights advocacy as well as legislative initiatives for the past 20 years. She provides education about legal rights through the lens of federal and state laws, the process to establish 504 Plans and Diabetes Medical Management Plans, and due process and resolution process for conflicts or grievances, connecting the dots between information and individual needs.