Public Accommodations and Government Programs

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People with diabetes often wonder whether they will be able to bring diabetes supplies into places like theaters, stadiums, and court houses, take their supplies through airport security, or fully participate in private and government programs. People with diabetes have the right to participate fully in our society without sacrificing their medical safety or facing discrimination because of misunderstandings, fears, and stereotypes about diabetes.

Federal laws prohibit most public places and programs—whether operated by private companies, non-profit organizations, or the government—from discriminating against people with diabetes.

This means that you should be provided with services that are not any different from those provided to people without disabilities. You should not be screened out or excluded because of your diabetes. Most public and private entities must modify their policies and provide reasonable accommodations as long as doing so does not pose an undue burden.

Here are some examples of modifications and accommodations people with diabetes may need:

• Permission to bring diabetes care supplies, including syringes, lancets, and insulin through security checkpoints, including at airports and courthouses
• Breaks to check blood glucose levels, eat a snack, take medication, or use a restroom
• Rescheduling of an examination if blood glucose levels are too high or too low
• Assistance with diabetes management for children in daycare centers, camps, and recreational programs

The American Diabetes Association's goal is for all people with diabetes to be free of discrimination everywhere they learn, play, work, and live. The Association meets this goal by providing know-your-rights educational materials directly to people with diabetes and their family members; helping them negotiate favorable resolutions to disputes; assisting them in litigation; and, finally, working to change state and federal laws, regulations, and policies that discriminate against people with diabetes.

Below are some tools to make sure that people with diabetes and their family members and caretakers understand their rights and know how to advocate for these rights in a wide range of settings, from enrolling their children in daycare to carrying diabetes supplies through airport security checkpoints.

If you think you are being discriminated against in a place of public accommodation or in a government program, activity, or service, call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) for additional information and to learn how you can speak with one of the Association’s Legal Advocates.

Fact Sheet: Diabetes, Discrimination, and Public Places and Government Programs
This fact sheet explains what laws may protect you, where you are protected, and what steps you can take if you encounter discrimination.

Examples of American Diabetes Association Advocacy 

Traveling with diabetes supplies
The American Diabetes Association is proud to provide the following travel tips developed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in conjunction with our assistance. These tips will help ensure the safety and convenience of travelers with diabetes, while also keeping the traveling community as a whole safe and on-time. The TSA's September 2006 list of tips for travelers is included on this page.

Settlement Reached With Concert Promoter
The US Department of Justice announced that it had settled with SFX Entertainment, also known as Clear Channel, on the issue of diabetes supplies at its concert venues.

Settlement Reached with Camp (PDF) (March 2006)
The U.S. Department of Justice and the Disability Law Center of Massachusetts have settled a lawsuit against Town Sports International (TSI), regarding the care of children with diabetes at camp.

Law Enforcement Poster
As part of its settlement with the American Diabetes Association, the Philadelphia Police Department agreed to train its officers on recognizing the signs of diabetes emergencies.

Further Resources

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), “The ADA: Questions and Answers: Public Accommodations”

ada.gov: Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act

U.S. Department of Justice, “Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act/Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Discrimination Complaint Form for discrimination in government programs

U.S. Department of Justice, “How to File a Title III Complaint” for discrimination in public accommodations