Discrimination Based on Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association is committed to ending discrimination against children and adults with diabetes by providing information and assistance to people with diabetes and their advocates. We use a four-step process to end discrimination: educate, negotiate, litigate, and legislate.

This page provides links to a great deal of information that can help people facing discrimination, their lawyers, health care providers, and other advocates. ADA has additional written materials available by calling 1-800-DIABETES. If you are being discriminated against because of diabetes at work, at school, by the police or in correctional institutions, or in public places, you can request assistance from the American Diabetes Association by calling 1-800-DIABETES. A representative will send you helpful information and will send you a form to request help from one the Association's Legal Advocates.

BREAKING NEWS: D.C. Federal Court Rules People with Diabetes Cannot be Denied Employment Based on Disease Management 

May 20, 2009 – A federal jury in the District of Columbia found that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) discriminated against Jeff Kapche when it refused to hire him as a Special Agent because of his diabetes. Read more about the verdict here and hear what Jeff Kapche says about the jury’s decision here.

Legal Advocacy at the ADA
A basic description of ADA's anti-discrimination efforts.

Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act
Information about the new law that expands protection for people with diabetes.

School Discrimination
Resources to help parents and schools understand how to best meet the needs of a student with diabetes so that all students with diabetes are Safe at School.

Employment Discrimination (including Commercial Drivers)
Resources to ensure fair treatment of people with diabetes in the workplace.

Private Drivers' Licenses
Information on driving safety and on state licensing of drivers with diabetes.

Public Accommodations
Explanation of rights in places of public accommodation such as public transportation, restaurants, and concerts.

Correctional Institutions/Police Conduct
ADA's efforts to make sure detainees and inmates with diabetes have access to appropriate medical care and that police officers are trained to respond to diabetes emergencies.

Lawyers 
Resources to help attorneys fighting discrimination cases and on how lawyers can join the fight by becoming a part of the ADA Advocacy Attorney Network.

Health Care Professionals
Information for health care professionals to help their patients overcome discrimination and on how health care professionals can join the fight by becoming a part of the ADA Health Care Professionals Legal Advocacy Network.