Information for Students & Schools
Whether you’re a parent, nurse, administrator, or a student with celiac disease, we have resources to help mitigate the effects of celiac disease on a student’s education.
What you need to know is that celiac disease qualifies for some protections as a disability in the United States. Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, all institutions receiving federal financial assistance, including public schools, must provide a free, appropriate public education and without discriminating against disabled students.
While a student having celiac disease may not require special education services, other processes or protections can be put into place to ensure the student receives accommodations at school. For a student with celiac disease, that could look like:
- Ensuring a kindergarten student doesn’t have contact with Play-Doh (which is made with wheat flour)
- Keeping allergen-free treats with the teacher in case another student brings treats to share with the class
- A exemption from cooking or baking in Home Economics class, or being allowed to cook gluten-free recipes
Each school and curriculum is unique, so you’ll have to work with the administration to develop a plan that suits you, the student, and the school.
In this section you’ll find more information for parents, students, school nurses and school administrators to make the school-years as safe and stress-free as possible.
