Support "Safe at School" or be Unsafe at School

We believe that Canadian school children with diabetes, and children with disabilities in general do not have adequate guarantees for medical care and freedom from discrimination. Canada has a complicated constitutional division of responsibilities between Federal and Provincial governments, but no more complicated than the United States or the United Kingdom. We believe Canadian school children should be protected by National standards and legislation, but it is important to realize that Canadian human rights codes and legislation already protects our children's rights - we just have to stand up and be heard.

Not all Canadian Diabetes advocacy organizations are speaking with the same voice on this issue, and some see the issue as too difficult to tackle, or that the status quo is adequate. Endorsing the Safe at School principles is a first step to speaking with one voice. As Lee Iacocca, whose foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes, would say: you have to lead, follow, or get out of the way.

• The Safe at School statement of principles is universal in nature and applies equally well in Canada
• The Medical Management Plan for diabetes or other disabilities, and the decisions concerning care, including whether or not insulin or glucagon is appropriate, are between the child/family and their physician
  
• Where Provincial or Territorial law requires a Registered Nurse or other licensed professional to administer insulin or glucagon at school in support of the Medical Management Plan, then that service must be provided to allow the child to attend school safely
• Where Provincial or Territorial law permits unlicensed school staff to administer insulin or glucagon and other aspects of the Medical Management Plan, then sufficient staff be appropriately trained (for example by a Certified Diabetes Educator) and be provided to allow the child to attend school safely.