Rule change for T1Ds and operating commercial motor vehicles
Federal motor carrier safety administration (FMCSA), DOT rule change…
FMCSA revises its regulations to permit individuals with a stable insulin regimen and properly controlled insulin-treated diabetes mellitus to be qualified to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce!
from the American Diabetes Association:
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) applauds the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for its new rule permitting individuals with insulin-treated diabetes to be certified to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. The new rule, published in the Federal Register yesterday, is the culmination of more than two decades of advocacy by the ADA to change the rules that govern commercial drivers with diabetes.
Since the 1990s, when Congress and FMCSA began studying the feasibility of licensing people who use insulin through waiver and exemption programs, ADA has been pushing for a medically-appropriate system to individually assess people with diabetes. Recognizing the discrimination that results when people are deemed unsafe simply because of how they treat their diabetes, ADA insisted on better, more fair rules. ADA celebrates the achievement of that goal today with FMCSA’s final rule.
FMCSA rules apply to most people who operate commercial motor vehicles – trucks, buses, construction vehicles, delivery vehicles, airport shuttles, etc. – in interstate commerce. In addition, many employers adopted the rule for their own use in evaluating workers, even if those workers were not directly subject to the rule itself. As a result, a rule that categorically excludes people who use insulin means people with diabetes are kept out of many jobs they are otherwise qualified to perform. The old rule contained a blanket exclusion against insulin use regardless of how well a person managed his or her diabetes. In 2003, FMCSA began granting exemptions to individuals who could satisfy safety criteria and wait out a long and cumbersome application process. The application process involved a period of many months during which the individual could not drive a commercial vehicle, often resulting in loss of income.
The new rule allows individuals on a stable insulin regimen to operate commercial vehicles without needing to obtain an exemption from the government. It provides for an appropriate assessment of diabetes by the individual’s treating clinician, followed by examination and certification from a certified medical examiner. “This rule eliminates a longstanding barrier that prevented people with diabetes from fully realizing their potential in the workforce,” said Katie Hathaway, JD, Vice President of Legal Advocacy for the American Diabetes Association. “I’m proud of ADA’s commitment to this issue and to leading the fight for what’s right for people with diabetes. We are so pleased to celebrate this victory alongside those affected by the outdated rule.”
Read the rest of the ADA’s statement here
Navigating Life After a Type 1 Death
INTRODUCING JESSE WAS HERE
Supporting those navigating life after a Type 1 death, Jesse Was Here, a unique program of Beyond Type 1, expands our efforts to a community often invisible and cements our commitment to addressing all aspects of this disease, even the most challenging. Jesse Was Here was inspired by Michelle Page-Alswager’s experience after her son Jesse’s death. She’s been mentoring several hundred parents on her own and we have others – spouses, siblings, grandparents, friends – who are in need of similar support and resources. Working together, we hope to serve this unique and deserving community.
I first met Michelle when she was on the Juicebox Podcast back in 2016. I was honored that she shared Jesse’s story with me and I am further honored to share her amazing resource with you. Michelle has built an incredible repository of information to help navigate life after a type 1 death. Her website is full of loving guidance for parents, siblings, spouses, family and friends. She even helps those of us in the community to understand how to show support to others suffering. I hope that you never need to draw on Michelle’s experience but if you do - jesse-was-here.org.
Disaster Information
Click to download the DDRC Preparedness Plan in English
The Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition (DDRC) formed in 2017 in response to a succession of devastating Atlantic Hurricanes that impacted the mainland US AND territories. DDRC is a national coalition of Nonprofit and for-profit stakeholder organizations that have A direct interest in serving the needs of the diabetes community and/or a role in planning and executing supply chains, public awareness, and healthcare services during times of disaster.
The DDRC website houses all of the information and links that you need during a disaster.
DDRC Resources
Pharmacies & Shelters
Healthcare Providers
Customer Care Phone Numbers
Insurance Support
Hurricane Resources
Resources
DDRC Preparedness Plans
Giveaway for Juicebox Podcast listeners
4 entires will be chose at random. winners will receive a $25 Amazon gift card...
All of the details that you require are contained in this 3 minute audio explanation.
Send your entries here
Arden's past and current 504 plans are available to Download
Back to school...
Well the years are flying by and Arden's 504 plan is constantly morphing. Please feel free to read, download, use these documents as your own. You may need to make changes so the document reflect your child's specific needs. Arden's 504 was originally written by me in 2006 though I relied heavily on the JDRF and ADA templates of the day. Arden's 504 has been slightly modified each year since kindergarten, just like Arden it continually changes and grows. I hope that it helps you in creating your own. I'm digging up 504's from other grades and will be updating this page with new documents as I am able.
The plans have been redacted in the spots where you will need to fill in your information. Look for text that looks like this <TEXT>.
Good luck!
Documents for download...
Arden's Kindergarten 504 for download - Word, Pages
Arden's Sixth Grade 504 for download - Word, Pages
Arden's Seventh and Eight Grade 504 for download - Word, Pages
Go deeper...
While you are thinking about diabetes and education I would like to urge you to listen to a few episodes of the Juicebox Podcast that focus on a student's time at school.
Texting Diabetes: All about how we use something as simple as text messaging to manage Arden's type 1 diabetes while she is at school or anytime that she is out of the house. This simple process has led to lower a A1c, better grades, an increase in self-confidence and much more.
Talking 504 Plans with D-Mom Jill: Getting a 504 plan is easier than you think and it's super important!
Talking To School Administrators That Don't Get Type 1 Diabetes
Going to College with T1D: College freshman Elias was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before his senior year in high school.
Teach Our Children Well: Is what you say about type 1 diabetes to your teachers and administrators always what they hear and do your expectations and needs match what they understand and are able to deliver?
Advocating at School: This is taking advocating for children with type 1 diabetes to a new level.
College with Type 1 on Day One: Amanda has only been at college for a few days and she's on the podcast to tell us about her initial experience.
Teacher of the Year: Denny is a good man and a great teacher. This episode is all about the difference that one dedicated teacher can make in a child's life with type 1 diabetes.