ADA in Action

"Federal and some state laws protect children with diabetes and their families against discrimination and set out the legal responsibilities of “public accommodations,” such as daycare, camps, and recreational programs.Children with diabetes have the right to the same opportunities to attenddaycare, go to camp, and participate in community activities as any other child"


In 1990 many day cares, camps, and recreational centers refused to admit children with diabetes. they saw the testing caused an "undue burden." 


"The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public accommodations,including camps and daycare centers, to avoid discriminating against peoplewith disabilities. This includes small day care centers operated out of a person’shome. The ADA does not cover programs operated by religious organizations,for example a daycare operated by a church. Section 504 of the RehabilitationAct of 1973 (Section 504) requires any entity receiving federal funds- includingreligious organizations- to provide equal access to people with disabilities."- American Diabetes Association


In the 1990s, the Association brought litigation against two major daycareproviders, KinderCare and La Petite Academy. As a result, KinderCare and LaPetite Academy entered into agreements with the U.S. Department of Justicethat require them to enroll children with diabetes. The agreements alsorequired KinderCare and La Petite to train staff to administer blood glucosetests, recognize hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and respond toemergencies.