What You Can Do

Believe it or not, some people who discriminate don’t know it. They may not know enough about diabetes. They may honestly believe that they're doing what's best for your child.

Your first step, then, is to educate them about diabetes. Try not to show the anger and hurt you may feel on behalf of your child -- that only puts people on the defensive. Instead, explain the reasons for your requests -- both in person and in writing. You may wish to ask your doctor or diabetes educator to help explain key points or to back up the information you give about diabetes. In many cases, once people know more about diabetes and your child's needs, they will stop the discrimination.

If educating people about diabetes doesn’t help, you (and your child, depending on age) may have to make some decisions about what to do next. Some things you can do:

• Contact officials higher up in the school system. Describe your complaint, your child's needs, and your rights under the law. Be knowledgeable, calm, and confident about his needs and legal rights -- you will be taken more seriously.

• Contact any other people in the community who might be able to help (elected officials, the local newspaper).

• Contact other parents of kids with diabetes or the American Diabetes Association for suggestions and support.

• If the problem is serious, look into involving the legal system.

Be an Advocate

You and your family and friends can help prevent discrimination against your child and other people with diabetes. Every time you give someone correct information about diabetes, you're helping to stop discrimination. You may also want to get involved in diabetes organizations -- such as the American Diabetes Association -- that fight for the rights of people with diabetes. You and your child could write letters to people in government (the president, your state and national senators and representatives, your governor, and your local school board) to inform them about diabetes and discrimination. For more information on advocacy for people with diabetes, visit our Advocacy Action Center.

Additional Information

Learn more about your child's rights at school.