Disabilities

Schools are required to make substitutions or modifications to the meal requirements for those participants with disabilities who are unable to consume the meals offered to non-disabled participants. Determinations of whether a participant has a disability that restricts his or her diet are to be made on an individual basis by a licensed physician. The medical statement of the disability must be based on the regulatory criteria for “disabled person” and contain a finding that the disability restricts the participant’s diet. Food substitutions will be made on a case-by-case basis. These adjusted meals cost the same as regular meals. The school, school nurse, family, student, and physician will work together to best meet the student’s needs.

Source: Colorado Department of Education, Child Nutrition Programs, Administrator’s Reference Manual

Allergies

Certain allergies can be life threatening. The school, family, and student should all work together to provide a safe environment for students with food allergies.

Family’s responsibility:

• Notify the school of the child’s allergies.
• Work with the school team to develop a plan that accommodates the child’s needs.
• Provide written medical documentation, instructions and medications as directed by a physician. Include a photo of the child with this information.
• Provide properly labeled medications and replace medications after use or upon expiration.
• Educate the child in the management of their food allergy including:
  • Safe and unsafe foods
  • Strategies for avoiding exposure to unsafe foods
  • Symptoms of allergic reactions
  • How and when to tell an adult they may be having an allergy-related problem
  • How to read food labels
• Review policies/procedures with the school staff, the child’s physician, and the child after a reaction has occurred
• Provide emergency contact information

Student’s responsibility:

• Should not trade food with others.
• Should not eat anything with unknown ingredients or know to contain any allergen.
• Should be proactive in the care and management of their food allergies and reactions if possible.
• Should notify an adult immediately if they eat something they believe may contain the food to which they are allergic.

Source: Colorado Department of Education, Child Nutrition Programs, Administrator’s Reference Manual