The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that mandates the provision of a "free, appropriate public education" (qtd. in Cummings, 2000, p. 1) to all students with disabilities is typically known for its protection of the rights of children with developmental or learning disabilities (Thies, 1999). What is less known about the IDEA is its applicability to students with diabetes who may be eligible under the Other Health Impairment category (DePaepe, Garrison-Kane, & Doelling, 2002). More specifically, students whose academic performance is undermined by the negative impact of their long-term or severe health conditions on their strength, alertness and attention are eligible for special programs and related services (DePaepe et al., 2002).

In the remainder of this paper, the special needs of children with diabetes and the applicability of the IDEA to this population are discussed. First, the adverse effects of diabetes on the educational performance of children with diabetes are identified. Second, the implications of the IDEA for educational providers in ensuring the delivery of appropriate education to children with diabetes will be examined. Recommendations for how schools should implement the necessary accommodations in compliance with the federal law are also provided. Finally, the inadequacies of the IDEA in addressing the needs of children with diabetes are also highlighted.

According to DePaepe et al. (2002), around 125,000 children in the Unit

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ome students may use syringes, others may require an insulin injector or an insulin pump. The effects and the duration of the different types of insulin on the student should also be documented. Food intake during school hours: Because students with diabetes will need to have snacks throughout the day to manage their blood glucose levels, specific information about the types and amounts of foods for snacks and meals need to be stated explicitly in the document. Identification of symptoms of hyper- and hypoglycemia and provision of treatment: Information about the symptoms of hyper- and hypoglycemia, as well as the treatment should be available in the document. Moreover, the information about the student's physician should also be provided for further contact. Testing for presence of ketones to prevent the development of ketoacidosis: When requested by the student's physician, the testing of ketones should also be incorporated into the health care plan (DePaepe et al., 2002). Although the fulfillment of these expectations as stated in the health care plan may seem to be strictly health-related, it is evident that the physical well-being and the academic performance of students with diabetes are inextricably interwoven toge

Category: Psychology - T