Supporting Students with Type 1 Diabetes at School
Bringing parents and schools together to make sure children with Type 1 diabetes are safe, included, and set up for success in the classroom.
Become your child’s #1 advocate in school
FOR PARENTS
What is a 504 plan?
A 504 plan is a legal document that you develop with your school to help your child receive accommodations to make attending school with diabetes easier.
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.
A 504 plan spells out responsibilities of the school, the parent, the teachers, and student, and describes ways in which your child's diabetes will be managed while at school or during school activities (such as field trips or after- school sorts or clubs).
It stems from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, that prohibits discrimination based on a disability.
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.
Your partner to support your students living with Type 1 diabetes
FOR SCHOOLS & NURSES
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.
Staff training on Type 1 diabetes care
Individual students case consultation
Emergency preparedness planning
504/IEP planning and support for students with diabetes
Your AZ-local advocates
Bruna Presz, Director of School Programs
Bruna has 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 efforts to strengthen support systems for students with IEPs and 504s. As a parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes, Bruna is passionate about helping families and schools create effective 504 plans that meet each student’s unique needs.
Michelle Hunter, Director of Public Health
Michelle is a nurse practitioner with nearly two decades of pediatric ER and ICU experience, along with five years in family practice. For the past six years, she has also served as Diabetes Camp Medstaff, bringing deep expertise and compassion to the T1D community. Michelle is committed to ensuring people with diabetes feel supported and never alone in their health 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 staff can administer it during severe low blood sugar events, with liability protections in place.
Schools are encouraged to access glucagon through donations, grants, or standing orders—ensuring faster, 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.