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 United States (U.S.) are afflicted with the chronic disorder of diabetes. Children and adolescents typically suffer from Type 1 diabetes in which their bodies are unable to produce insulin that is used for processing glucose from ingested foods. In the case of individuals with Type 2 diabetes, their bodies are unable to utilize insulin effectively. Although this type of diabetes generally affects adults, it has become prevalent among children due to increasing r...