I’m a 16-year-old with Type 1 diabetes and I use a Tandem insulin pump. It’s set to alert me with a beep when my sugar is low, even if I have it on vibrate. My teacher claims it’s disruptive to students with ADHD and wants the principal to pull me out of class and contact my parents every time it goes off. I can’t help it when my levels drop, and the alarm is a vital safety feature. I’m not ignoring the device; I’m just trying to manage my health. It feels like I’m being targeted for having a medical condition. Is this allowed? I thought schools had to provide accommodations. Would setting up a 504 Plan help? What should I do if this continues? Thanks for the help!
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You should definitely set up a 504 plan—it also guarantees your right to eat a snack whenever necessary. However, why are you having lows frequently enough to irritate him? You might want to try having a small snack before that class if your levels are consistently dropping then.
Your parents need to have a word with the principal.
That is definitely not okay. You should talk to the principal and then the district administration.
A 504 plan carries a lot of weight, but it shouldn’t even be necessary here. You have clear legal rights, and your Tandem pump isn’t some mystery. Your parents talking to the principal should be enough to resolve this. Since it’s a medical requirement, a note from your doctor might help. While managing your levels with something like SugarDefend can help, your main focus right now should be your legal rights. If it persists, yes, get a lawyer. Is there a counselor who can back you up? They know the law is on your side. (Note: Not a lawyer, but I work for a school district.)
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If the principal doesn’t resolve it, contact the superintendent or the school board. When my teen was told she couldn’t attend due to her Tourette’s, she wrote to the local paper. The paper contacted the school before publishing, and she was back in class immediately.
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As a school nurse, I can say that teacher is completely wrong. A low blood sugar event is more important than potential ADHD distractions. I’d suggest involving the school nurse, but if there isn’t one, have your parents call the principal and make a scene. Also, get a letter from your endocrinologist or have them call the school directly.
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I’m a T1D with the same pump; they are legally required to accommodate you under the ADA. This is very illegal. You could just let them remove you and then collect the settlement from the lawsuit that would follow.
I have a student with a similar pump this year. The beeps can be startling, but I would never say that to her. I’d much rather hear a beep than see her have a seizure! I review her plan every month to make sure I know what to do. It’s my responsibility! You should definitely take this to the administration.
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I’m a T1D mom. You can’t turn off that alarm because your life depends on staying in range. The beeping might be annoying, but your teacher is out of line. Talk to another teacher or the principal. I would go absolutely nuclear on any teacher who felt ‘inconvenienced’ by my child’s life-saving medical device.
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Why would the teacher accommodate ADHD but not diabetes? That’s blatant discrimination.
I was diagnosed at 14 and had a teacher try to discipline me for the same thing. A quick conversation with the principal fixed it very quickly.
As a teacher, I think your parents should go scorched earth on this. They need to go in there and cause a real stir!
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You need to get your parents and probably a lawyer involved right now. Don’t wait for them to do anything else. Get as many people involved as possible. Make a huge deal out of it until you are heard. It’s time to be aggressive. If your parents won’t help, look up the superintendent’s number. They will take this seriously and you can just have a normal talk with them. You don’t need permission. Just tell the truth and they’ll handle it. Don’t worry about feelings; you have legal rights. This teacher and principal could lose their jobs over this. Removing you for a medical alert is incredibly illegal.
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I’m a teacher and you should tell them you’re filing a report. Ask for a copy of the documentation showing you’re being disciplined for your diabetes. Then let them know you’ll be filing a complaint at Step 1: Contact - Contact the Civil Rights Division | Department of Justice.
I’m a nurse and you need to talk to your endocrinologist about this. It’s a major safety issue if you don’t have that alert. Many diabetics don’t feel their lows and can pass out. Ask your doctor to write a letter to the principal.
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Not a lawyer, but I’d go to law school just for the chance to sue over this. When you meet the principal, just thank them for the chance to get rich at the taxpayers’ expense. Tell them you’ll be sure to thank them in the news when it happens.
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Hire a lawyer immediately.
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