[Nejeda]

Originally Posted by JediSkipdogg

Actually, in many states it is illegal for students to possess any drug prescription or non on school premises without giving it to authorized personel. That means that upon entering the school, you must drop off your drugs/medications with the school nurse and take them in their supervision. The reason for this is because during school hours while you are on school property, the school is responsible for your well-being. So if you overdose on a drug/medication, the school is held liable and then opened to lawsuits if you did it on school property. I know, it sucks, but that's the case and way it is in many states because people abused it by selling their medications to others.

As for the getting legal action....keep this in mind...alot don't think in the future. Court cases take months, if not years. And during that time, you have to follow the schools policies. If you don't, one is open to suspension or expulsion. Oh, so you say you will sue over that too? Well, what do you do when you are suspended and miss 30 days of school? You can't catch up 30 days worth of work easily, not to mention you may fail alot of tests homework in doing so, especially if it's a senior year with senior proficiency tests, SATs, ACTs, AP tests, etc. So now you are held back in a grade, geee....I guess getting to carry your medications was worth being held back/getting worse grades.

The last part is my opinion and yes, it has happened.

This is where the catch-22 situation is for me. *sigh*

So how about today my blood sugar was low, instead of the high that it usually is, and the nurse looks right at me and asks me, "So how much insulin are you going to take?"

I just looked at her dumbfounded. My bloodsugar was 54.

It was her last day today, tomorrow we have a new nurse coming in. I personally don't think she was qualified for the job, I haven't since the first day and this just farther drives home my point.

I told her that I was unable to eat lunch because of the lines again and that I needed juice and some protein. I thought she'd know what I ment, she gave me a huggies and some saltines. By this time I am confused, frustrated and angry, and she can't understand why. And I want to scream!

To make a long story short, I finally got my proper lunch, after a teacher, who is also a diabetic came in and aided me.

[ProudMOM]

My teen son carries his equipment with him and is allowed to test, inject, bolus wherever and whenever he needs to on campus. And, yes, we do have a 504 plan in place. I would contact an advocate named Crystal Jackson who should be available through the ADA and/ or the Children with Diabetes web site. She is a very strong leader and advocate for families who are having trouble dealing with schools and is considered an expert with these issues. Good luck to you--- don't give up the fight!

[GregGolden]

Just keep it in your locker! and inject after lunch..works for me!

[Catie and Emily]

sorry this is off topic, but what grade are you in greg, and do you have a screen name?

Catie

[caryj]

Diabetes is a lifestyle that requires self-care, plain and simple. Nobody is more educated about how your body responds to your diabetes than you. You have the law, and a whole slew of lawyers on your side. Make a huge stink about your rights as a diabetic. You have the opportunity to make your diabeties as visible, or not as you (and your parents) desire. You are not 'required' to go to the nurse to administer a blood test and insulin--reguardless of what your principal/administrators may say/believe. Make a fuss about it. Have your parents make a fuss about it.

I know I grew up with parents who were very proactive about getting the best for me--plain and simple, I was very lucky. As I grew up I realized that unless you are proactive about your diabetes, others will try and prescribe themselves upon you (that's why people like my mom we're so great). Don't let others cause harm to you (I have never trusted ER docs/EMTs/teachers with diabetes, it is far too complex of a disease for professionals who have to care for a wide variety of patients/don't actually know how it works).

I never knew of a 504 plan when I was in school (either I was unaware it existed or my parents operated outside of it). Be your own advocate, and take control of the situation--this is your life.

I may sound a little rebellious, but that's just my take on administrative educators concerning my health and welfare.

[Harold]

This sounds like a good reason to test out of HS and move on.

[SueM]

Dumb question, but what exactly would they do if you were on a pump?

[Cyborg]

They couldn't do anything if you were on a pump. Just like it's illegal for them to do what they are doing now...

[Lorna]

I am appauled by this. If it was me I'd be threatening the lawsuit. Is there an option of carrying the stuff on you without them knowing? Whatever the outcome you need to get this sorted out so you are not miserable to the point of effecting your health.

[HollyB]

Holy Jeez, I am just shocked by this. As a parent I would FREAK if my child wasn't allowed to have his supplies with him. My son has his meter on him at all times and when he was injecting did it wherever his food was. What if you injected your insulin and then couldn't get to your food fast enough? Maybe they'd like to deal with you passing out or having a seizure in the cafeterial lineup.

It seems like schools have gone a bit crazy with their medication precautions. You are old enough and responsible enough to carry and use your supplies everywhere else in the world, and would probably get in sh** from your parents/doctor if you DIDN'T keep your stuff right at hand. What's so different about school?

[caryj]

Originally Posted by HollyB

Holy Jeez, I am just shocked by this. As a parent I would FREAK if my child wasn't allowed to have his supplies with him. My son has his meter on him at all times and when he was injecting did it wherever his food was. What if you injected your insulin and then couldn't get to your food fast enough? Maybe they'd like to deal with you passing out or having a seizure in the cafeterial lineup.

It seems like schools have gone a bit crazy with their medication precautions. You are old enough and responsible enough to carry and use your supplies everywhere else in the world, and would probably get in sh** from your parents/doctor if you DIDN'T keep your stuff right at hand. What's so different about school?

Bingo. I was looking for a parent to chime in to this tune!

You and your parents and your docs know what is best. Schools do not, nor are they trained to know (it's actually probably better this way). You, your parents (and maybe even your doc) need to be your advocate and correct the logical fallacy that is this schools' policy. You, your parents or your docs can't get this changed with logical reasoning, then it is time to start talking about your legal rights in school (even as a minor, you have more than you might think in a public school), as much as your personal safety, health and well-being.

[Lorna]

Without going as far as a court, would it be possible to get the local media involved, eg "Local Principal Discriminates Against Student On The Grounds Of Diabetes!"? What has been happening this week? Is it getting any better?

[Tatermom]

Check out this site

http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=103474

It will help w/the 504 plan.

Do your parents know what is going on? I realize you are idependent w/your diabetes, but schools have a tendency to listen more to a parent than a student. If the principle won't cooperate, I'm sure the school superintendent would. If not, the state board of education should be informed. Like Jedi said, legal action can be time consuming. Not to mention $$$. Good luck to you.

Edit: Another advocate might be your endo. I have half a mind to call BHS and chew that principle out myself!!!!

[Nejeda]

Originally Posted by Tatermom

Check out this site

http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=103474

It will help w/the 504 plan.

Do your parents know what is going on? I realize you are idependent w/your diabetes, but schools have a tendency to listen more to a parent than a student. If the principle won't cooperate, I'm sure the school superintendent would. If not, the state board of education should be informed. Like Jedi said, legal action can be time consuming. Not to mention $$$. Good luck to you.

Edit: Another advocate might be your endo. I have half a mind to call BHS and chew that principle out myself!!!!

Yes, my parents know what's going on, and they seem to be more interested in the atendence policy then anything else! My dad doesn't want to do anything about it, he says that it is the school's policy and I HAVE to abide by it.

[jrcskb]

I agree that the "policy" that is arbitrarily not allowing you to carry/test is absurd. You may want to speak to the school nurse (who may know the 504/school requirements) or contact the superintendent's office. If you still get nowhere, then you may contact JDRF/ADA in the area, who may have individuals with knowledge of the issue and/or who have "solved" this problem previously. If that doesn't work, a lawyer may be necessary to enforce your rights.

I am a lawyer, and will agree that litigation will not lead to an expedient resolution. Negotiation and education are the much better route in almost every case (or every type). Unfortunately, if those you are dealing with truly don't care to adjust to your particular needs, you may need to press the issue.