(FOX19) -
When Jared Kuper was diagnosed with diabetes at 8-years-old,
his mom sat all day long at his school so that she could monitor his blood
sugar levels herself.
"It's a minute to minute disease," said Laura Kuper. "So the
wind could blow and their blood sugar changes. It's a constant worry."
Kuper, which is pronounced "Cooper," is now able to rely on
the school nurse for help. You would think that's how it would be everywhere
since diabetes care is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. But a
growing number of parents complain they and their children are being
discriminated against.
"Some daycares don't accept kids with diabetes," said Kuper.
Experts say there's confusion about who's responsible for
what.
"Families still face some challenges (and get) some
resistance at the daycare and school level," said the American Diabetes
Association's Linda Siminerio.
Parents and school districts face challenges when dealing
with a diabetic student. Who will monitor insulin levels? Who's allowed to give
the shots? That's not spelled-out in federal law. And state laws aren't always
clear. That's why some parents end-up spending their whole day with their kids
at school.
"There's parents that work and shouldn't have to worry and
don't have that luxury," Kuper points out.
The American Diabetes Association has set-up a database so
you can look-up
the laws in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. In addition, another database
shows you what your school
district's policy is when it comes to diabetic care.
We also found the group has a great description of smartphone apps that can
help a child and parent manage
the disease.
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Latesha Taylor's daughter has diabetes
FOX19-WXIX
