Rights Of The Diabetic

Because discrimination is a way of life, it is important to know what your rights are as a person with a disability. While diabetes isn't a disability, it is a disease that many people don't know much about or take the time to learn the proper information. In those cases, ignorance does create situations of discrimination for the diabetic, but luckily, there are laws that cover the rights of children and adults so that they can effectively resist being discriminated against.

Rights of the diabetic child...

Sadly, the diabetic child may face challenges at school and at daycare just because of the condition. The diabetic child may be prevented from participating in sporting events even if they are good at what they do.  

The best way to deal with discrimination against the diabetic child is to educate the school or daycare community. The biggest reason for discrimination is normally a lack of knowledge. Once you let the offending parties know how to care for a child with diabetes, the issues should be put to rest. However, there will still be those who are afraid that something may go wrong and therefore prohibit the child from taking part in certain activities. In these instances, you may need mediation or even legal intervention.  

Discrimination and the diabetic adult...

Workplace discrimination is one of the biggest challenges faced by the adult living with diabetes. Some adults may be bypassed for a promotion simply because they are diabetic and their employers feel that this may affect their performance.

Most, if not all, workplace anti-discrimination laws should address discrimination based on diabetes. However, you must be able to prove that discrimination really occurred and that it happened as a result of your illness.

Diabetics can operate a motor vehicle as safely as anyone else; the fact that a few may have complications while driving is not reason enough to discriminate against them. If someone with diabetes applies for a driver's license, his or her case should be treated individually. What applies to one person living with diabetes does not necessarily apply to another. Not only do diabetics encounter discrimination when trying to get permission to drive, many also face it in the workplace as well.

People with diabetes have the right to own and operate a motor vehicle. Each individual should be assessed and medical records provided to highlight their medical history, as it concerns problems related to their illness. Only based on such a report should a decision be taken whether or not to issue a driver's license.

 

Discrimination in any form should not be accepted, so if you have valid reason to feel that you are being discriminated against because of your medical condition, fight back. The American Diabetes Association lists ways to fight discrimination: educate and negotiate, litigate and legislate. In short, educate the offending parties about diabetes and negotiate a course of action suitable to all.

Negotiating does not mean giving up your rights.

To litigate means to take legal action if your attempt to educate and negotiate was not successful. Next, legislate - that is, take action politically by advocating for changes.