Help for Celiacs and Gluten-Sensitive!

Section 504 for Celiac College Students in California 

In California, college students with celiac disease are protected under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws require colleges and universities to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, including those with celiac disease. 

The specific accommodations may vary depending on the institution and the individual needs of the student, but here are some examples of accommodations that colleges in California may provide for students with celiac disease:

Access to Gluten-Free Dining Options: Colleges may offer gluten-free meal options in their dining halls or provide accommodations to ensure access to safe and appropriate food choices.

Meal Plan Modifications: Students may be allowed to modify their meal plans to accommodate their dietary restrictions or be provided with a specific meal plan designed for students with food allergies or celiac disease.

Campus Food Allergy Training: College staff and food service personnel may receive training on food allergies and celiac disease to better understand and address the needs of students with dietary restrictions.

Housing Accommodations: In certain cases, colleges may provide housing accommodations to students with celiac disease, such as access to kitchen facilities for meal preparation or specific room assignments to minimize cross-contamination risks.

Exam and Assignment Accommodations: Students may be eligible for accommodations during exams or assignments, such as extended time, private testing areas, or alternative testing formats to accommodate health-related needs or absences.

It's important for college students with celiac disease to connect with the disability services office or a similar department at their institution to discuss their specific needs and request accommodations. Each college or university may have its own process for requesting accommodations, and it's advisable to provide documentation of the disability from a healthcare provider to support the accommodation request. The disability services office will work with the student to determine appropriate accommodations based on their individual circumstances and the available resources at the institution.