[teleman]

Originally Posted by poppa

I'm surprised no one has suggested this before now...

Go to this website:

American Civil Liberties Union : Affiliates

Find your local ACLU affiliate and explain to them what's going on.

The ACLU is currently having a BIG push to protect against violations of, and to ensure your rights under the Americans With Disibabilities Act.

And, YES as an insulin dependant diabetic, you ARE protected under the Americans With Disibabilities Act.

Call your local ACLU affiliate, explain your situation, offer them a copy of the letter from your Dr.. I suspect after 1 phone call from the ACLU everything just might turn around.

It's worth a shot.

That sounds like good advice IMO
Good luck with getting this resolved.

[Funnygrl]

Thank you! I was looking for something like that.

[pegasus]

You can also try these folks--Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (cidny.org). They have contacts with groups all around the country, and national ones as well.

[pegasus]

This link might be useful; it actually also applies to a thread we had about Employment issues and diabetes:

Questions and Answers About Diabetes in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

And this: see paragraph 3:

HHS - YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

[morrisma]

pegasus,
That's a GREAT link. Should be a favorite for anyone suffering what funnygirl is going through.
Thanks for posting it,
Mike

[slipperyelm]

And what about planning to take plain glucose tablets or glucose gel instead of gummi bears Don't call it a "snack." Call it a treatment for hypoglycemia. "Snack" sounds like you just have a whim to have a little fun treat, not a serious treatment.

[Janlaton]

Keep trying. I'm praying all will be well that day.

[Scrabblechick]

Also: send an e-mail to your governor and local legislator. Second, call the media outlets in your area. Talk to the TV stations and the newspaper. I work for a paper, and have found few things will take the starch out of these kinds of people like getting a call from a reporter. LOL. Since you've jumped through all the hoops, done the doc's note, etc., and they're still being nasty about it, you've got a good story on your hands. Plus, you expose the situation so other people could benefit from any action taken.

[pegasus]

Originally Posted by Scrabblechick

Also: send an e-mail to your governor and local legislator. Second, call the media outlets in your area. Talk to the TV stations and the newspaper. I work for a paper, and have found few things will take the starch out of these kinds of people like getting a call from a reporter. LOL. Since you've jumped through all the hoops, done the doc's note, etc., and they're still being nasty about it, you've got a good story on your hands. Plus, you expose the situation so other people could benefit from any action taken.

If you send them a copy, and put a long list of cc's--including a couple of "Esquires" if you have some lawyer friends you can name--you may get some quick feedback.

Oh, and include the factsheet on ADA about diabetes.

Glad the link helps, mossisma.

[Alice]

I had originally thought "ACLU"...but was worried that would be a huge amount of red tape...you really just want to take the test. But, I agree that may be the best use of their resources and you can concentrate on the test.

I also live by the theory that "everyone has a boss"...who does this person report to? Who do they report to? Someone up the ladder should have enough sense to see through the ignorance of the original block.

Your goal is to take the test. But, if a few people get educated along the way...then even better. Please keep us posted as you've worked too hard for this to blur your focus.

[Janlaton]

Not sure the aclu would have a leg to stand on but it is worth a try.

I still do not understand why someone has not come out with a meter/pump combo. this would take care of the whole problem.

I am sure the people are saying the little beep when the meter finishes or the sound of the click when you stick your finger might distract someone else who is taking the test and make them miss a question. This is the type of answers I got. A plastic water bottle might make that crinkle noise and interupt someones train of thought. Like I said earlier they just dealt with me coughing for over 2 hours!

[Funnygrl]

I have a pump/meter combo (Cozmonitor). I asked if I could bring that, and they said yes, but I still would not be allowed strips and lancets.

[shiftzor]

Originally Posted by Funnygrl

I have a pump/meter combo (Cozmonitor). I asked if I could bring that, and they said yes, but I still would not be allowed strips and lancets.

Can I suggest you visit whoever runs the exam you are about to sit. Go to the office of the man/women in charge with everything you’re going to take in and explain what is going on. Don't accept what the secretary is saying or anyone else other than the boss. I have just had my own exams and my diabetes was all over the place, not taking snacks into an exam shouldn’t be accepted. Take a hand signed copy of your doctor’s note as well, I bet they will have a hard time turning you away . I really hope you sort it out, good luck. If it’s still a no then send a few letters to the press and anyone else interested such as charities etc.

[Scrabblechick]

Good idea, Shift. Sometimes, when people actually SEE what's going on, they are more accepting of it. Also, showing them the vial of strips before the test, so they can confirm there are no cheat notes inside, and carrying one lancet in your pen might work, too.

Rules are wonderful things, but they MUST be flexible!

[Funnygrl]

Originally Posted by Scrabblechick

Good idea, Shift. Sometimes, when people actually SEE what's going on, they are more accepting of it. Also, showing them the vial of strips before the test, so they can confirm there are no cheat notes inside, and carrying one lancet in your pen might work, too.

Rules are wonderful things, but they MUST be flexible!

The people telling me this are in Minnesota. It's not a local exam, it's national.