Diabetes & the Law - Youth Zone - American Diabetes Association

Diabetes & the Law - Youth Zone - American Diabetes Association

People with diabetes are sometimes treated unfairly just because they have diabetes. This is called discrimination. Many times, discrimination happens because people just don't know that much about diabetes.

Here are some real-life examples of discrimination that kids with diabetes have faced.

** Not permitted to go on field trips, or not allowed unless a parent comes along

** Being cut from a sport because the coach thinks people with diabetes can't be good athletes

** Not allowed to eat snacks in class or on the bus

** Being punished for being absent from school due to diabetes

** Not allowed to participate in afterschool activities because no one there knows how to care for diabetes

What You Can Do:

Often, people who discriminate don't know it. They may honestly believe that they're doing what's best for you. The solution to this problem is education. Ask a parent or your diabetes educator to discuss your diabetes with the person or organization.
In many cases, people stop discriminating after they learn more about diabetes. If educating people about diabetes doesn't help, you and your parents will have to make some decisions about what to do next. Some things you might do: talk to people higher up in an organization; write letters to people who could help; contact other parents of kids with diabetes or the ADA.
You, your family, and your friends can also help prevent discrimination against people with diabetes. Every time you give someone correct information about diabetes, you're helping to stop discrimination. You and your family may also want to get involved in organizations -- such as the ADA -- that fight for the rights of people with diabetes.
You and your parents could write letters to people in government -- such as the president, your state and national senators and representatives, your governor, and your local school board -- to inform them about diabetes and discrimination. You can probably think of lots of other ways to educate others about diabetes!