FOR PARENTS
Become Your Child’s Strongest Advocate at School
Navigating school with a child who has Type 1 diabetes can feel overwhelming. Between medical needs, classroom routines, and school policies, parents are often left figuring things out on their own.
Diabetes Network of Arizona helps families understand their rights, communicate effectively with schools, and put the right plans in place so students can stay safe, included, and supported throughout the school day.
What is a 504 plan?
A 504 Plan is a legal document created with your school to ensure your child receives diabetes-related accommodations and support.
It is requested by the parent, written by the school, and approved by both. It can be updated at any time. A 504 Plan outlines the responsibilities of the school, parents, teachers, and student, and explains how diabetes will be managed during school and school activities.
It is based on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which protects students from disability discrimination.
The document is requested by the parent, drafted by the school, refined and signed off on by both. It can be reviewed and revised at any time.
Request an advocate for your 504 meeting
504 meetings can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance your child’s medical needs with the school’s expectations.
Our trained staff who understand both Type 1 diabetes care and school procedures will work alongside you to prepare a strong 504 plan and ensure nothing is overlooked.
If you’d like extra support, we can even attend the meeting with you as a trusted third party to help reach a fair and effective plan for your child.
FOR SCHOOLS & NURSES
Your partner to support your students living with Type 1 diabetes
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Free training & consultation for school districts supporting students with Type 1 diabetes
Get free training for your district’s staff via one-on-one consultation with a Diabetes Network of Arizona staff member to best support your students.
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Staff training on Type 1 diabetes care
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Individual students case consultation
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Emergency preparedness planning
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504/IEP planning and support for students with diabetes
Your AZ-local advocates
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Director of School Programs
Bruna Presz
Bruna brings over 12 years of experience in education as a special education teacher, coordinator, and district instructional coach. She holds an M.Ed. from National Louis University and has led initiatives supporting students with IEPs and 504 plans. As a parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes, Bruna is deeply passionate about helping families and schools create effective, student-centered 504 plans.
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Director of Public Health
Michelle Hunter
Michelle is a nurse practitioner with nearly 20 years of experience in pediatric ER and ICU settings, along with five years in family practice. For the past six years, she has also served as Diabetes Camp medical staff, bringing both clinical expertise and compassion to the Type 1 diabetes community. Michelle is deeply committed to ensuring individuals and families feel supported and never alone in their diabetes journey.
State & federal legislation protecting students with T1D
Empowering Schools with Emergency Glucagon Access
Signed in May 2024, Arizona HB 2174 allows Arizona public and charter schools to obtain a standing order for glucagon and keep it on campus for emergencies.
Trained nurses or school staff may administer glucagon during severe low blood sugar events, with liability protections in place.
Schools are encouraged to access glucagon through donations, grants, or standing orders to support faster and safer care for students with Type 1 diabetes.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, including those with Type 1 diabetes, in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
It guarantees equal access and requires reasonable accommodations (such as allowing students to check blood sugar or carry supplies) so that diabetes does not limit participation in daily life.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA ensures students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their needs.
While not all children with Type 1 diabetes qualify, those who experience significant learning impacts may be eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that provides special education services and supports beyond standard accommodations.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 is a federal law requiring schools that receive federal funding to provide equal access and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, including Type 1 diabetes.
It is the foundation for a “504 Plan” that outlines specific supports (like blood sugar checks, snack breaks, or test adjustments) so students can learn safely and fairly.