Help for Celiacs and Gluten-Sensitive!
Section 504 plan for Celiac Students
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 promises equal opportunity for Americans with disabilities. It guarantees accommodations in federally-funded programs and services. You can file a 504 Plan in public schools to arrange accommodations (such as gluten free meals) for your child with celiac disease.
A 504 plan is a legal document that outlines accommodations and support services to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability (including Celiac), allowing them equal access to federally-funded programs and services (for instance, gluten free meal options). It is designed to provide reasonable modifications and adjustments in the general education setting to address the student’s specific needs.
In the context of celiac disease, a 504 plan may include accommodations such as access to gluten-free meals or snacks, provision of safe food storage areas, modified assignments to accommodate missed school days due to illness, and other necessary supports to ensure the student’s well-being and academic success.
If your child / student has celiac disease and requires accommodations for meals at school, you (parents or guardians) should work with the school to develop an IEP or 504 Plan. These plans outline the specific accommodations and support needed to ensure the student's dietary needs are met.
Note that schools are often required to provide gluten-free meal options to students with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The meals should meet the same nutritional requirements as other meals provided by the school. The specific options and availability may vary depending on the school district.
You (Parents or guardians) should communicate with the school's food services department to ensure that they are aware of the student's dietary needs and to discuss the available gluten-free meal options. It's important to provide documentation from a healthcare professional, such as a doctor's note, that confirms the student's diagnosis of celiac disease.
See sample 504 plan completed document / template at https://celiac.org/main/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/504-Plan-Model-Template-Completed.pdf and see https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/celiac-disease-in-children/504-plan/ for more information.