Many people are not aware that celiac disease is considered a disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which promises equal opportunity for Americans with disabilities. The law requires that schools remove barriers to learning and provide accommodations for a child’s gluten-free diet and disability needs.
Gluten exposure at school is a primary concern at school for students with celiac disease. In fact, up to up to 44% of children and teens do not fully follow a strict gluten-free diet, with many of these transgressions occurring when they are eating with their peers in social and academic settings. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination in schools (and other institutions receiving federal funding), on the basis of disability, including certain diseases like celiac disease. This requires any educational institution receiving federal funding to make modifications for any student covered under Section 504, which in this case means providing gluten-free meals.
When a plan is in place to support a child with celiac disease, institutions are helping children achieve their full academic, social, and emotional potential. A successful plan depends on families, schools, and medical providers working together to make sure the child is receiving the support he or she needs. This is why Dr. Schar USA partnered with the Celiac Disease Foundation, Children's National Hospital, and expert clinicians to create the first evidence-based recommendations for managing celiac disease in school.
You may view the guidelines on the Celiac Disease Foundation website.
How do gluten-free meal components credit?
Because celiac disease is considered a disability under the Rehabilitation Act, meal modification requests should be accommodated - in this case, with a similar and reasonable gluten-free option. Because many gluten-free foods (specifically breads and pastas) need to be made with alternative grains and starches, certain items may not meet typical meal pattern requirements for school food. In this case, the USDA guidance states that schools may deliver a modified meal outside of the Program meal pattern, when the modification is supported by a medical statement signed by a State licensed healthcare professional.
