Family Resources
Family Resources
NEW DYS Leave and Link Family Connection
DYS is excited to introduce our “Leave and Link” list of families! This list gives families the chance to “link up” with other local T1D families whose kids are around the same age, because no one should face T1D alone. We are stronger together! Here is how it works: leave your info on the spreadsheet, and if you see someone else’s information you would like to connect with, reach out anytime via email or phone! Take this amazing opportunity to connect with other families by visiting our Leave and Link families’ contact information HERE.
Diabetes Technology
Technology is an ever-changing part of diabetes care. We have compiled resources from technology providers that will help parents, schools, and other caregivers use the latest tech safely. View the different diabetes tech resources HERE.
Screening for Type 1 Diabetes Resources
Back to School Checklists for School & Parents
Ready to get back to school? Make sure you are prepared for T1D in the classroom by following our back-to-school checklist for both the school and parent. Don’t forget to pack extra pump supplies and insulin! You can access the checklists by CLICKING HERE.
Sample 504 plan
Diabetes Youth Services suggests every child have a 504 plan on file with their school, in addition to the diabetes care plan from your physician. THIS GUIDE, designed by the ADA, can help you put together a good 504 plan for your child. If you have questions about what should be part of your 504, please ask your healthcare provider or other expert.
Smart Sitters Guide
The Smart Sitters Guide can help you prepare sitters or other caregivers for tasks they may need to do and situations that may arise while they take care of your child with T1D. THIS GUIDE, covers basic information about T1D, current tools to manage diabetes, along with plenty of practical advice and tips for parents and sitters. It is not intended to serve as a complete guide to managing T1D in children and young adolescents. Developed with support from Omnipod.
Printable: My Diabetes Medical Management Plan
The American Diabetes Association has updated its Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) for use by schools and pediatric diabetes health care providers nationwide. This fillable form allows you to provide care instructions tailored to your child, providing greater clarity for those responsible for their care in the school setting. There is even a separate plan for children in childcare programs, including before- and aftercare. Check them out by CLICKING HERE.
Birthday and Classroom Parties
Classroom and birthday parties are full of excitement, fun, and of course, SWEETS! Birthday parties and classroom parties just involve more of the same good planning you’re already doing, plus a few creative ideas. BEYOND TYPE 1 wrote an article on how to survive the school and home birthday parties so your T1D can have the best time with their friends and family.
Tips and Tricks for Traveling with an Insulin Pump
Some situations arise during travel that are out of your control; however, you can have a plan and be prepared for your insulin pump and CGM. Read THIS ARTICLE for information on what to pack when traveling, as well as tips and tricks to make your travel experience as safe and fun as possible.
Legal Rights to Medical Care in Detention Facilities
You have rights to adequate medical care and equal treatment guaranteed by the Constitution and federal law. The Due Process Clause to the US Constitution (in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments) gives this same right to pretrial detainees, civil detainees, and immigration detainees. Click here to visit the American Diabetes Association website and learn more about diabetes care in detention facilities.
Getting Ahead of Type 1
Getting Ahead of Type 1 is a website designed to help people learn about and manage Type 1 Diabetes. It provides educational resources about what Type 1 diabetes is, how it affects the body, and how to live a healthy life while managing the condition. The site includes information on blood sugar management, insulin therapy, technology used in diabetes care, and tips for daily living. It also shares personal stories, tools, and support resources to help individuals and families feel more confident and prepared when living with Type 1 diabetes. Click HERE to visit their website.
Additional Resources for Parents/School Support Staff
Click HERE to visit Breakthrough T1D’s many resources for T1D families.
Ask Us How You Can Get Free Glasses! Vision Care Outreach Program
Diabetes Youth Services proudly partners with Prevent Blindness Ohio’s Vision Care Outreach Program, serving both children and adults who meet 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and are uninsured or underinsured, to help access free vision care and glasses. If you think you qualify and are interested in more information or a referral, please get in touch with us at 419-291-1236 or by emailing [email protected]. You can also visit their website by clicking HERE.
Mental Health Resources & Support Groups
We know living with Type 1 Diabetes can be a struggle, both physically and mentally. Did you know that more than 50% of children and adolescents with T1D are diagnosed at some point with depression or anxiety? The struggle can often carry on to parents and other caregivers of someone with T1D. Although DYS does not directly provide mental health resources, we know plenty that do. Look below to see some awesome licensed mental health counselors who are here to support you.
Blue Branch Advocacy and Counseling
Some of our good friends from the University of Michigan have founded Blue Branch Coaching, a group of pediatric support specialists for Michigan residents. Jacinta Florek LMSW, MPH, and Brittany Carey LMSW have over 21 years of combined experience. They are experts in addressing challenges related to living with diabetes, like burnout, family conflict, and school rights and accommodations. They offer services such as individual and family therapy, school and childcare advocacy, and assistance with navigating resources like insurance networks. Click here to visit their website and get in touch with them today!
Dana Albright, PhD
Dr. Albright is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience specializing in diabetes psychology. She provides evidence-based assessment and intervention for psychological and behavioral aspects of living with diabetes, as well as mental health conditions complicated by life with diabetes. While her practice focuses on adolescents, young adults, and their families, she works with individuals across the lifespan to address diabetes adjustment, challenges with diabetes management, fear of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, anxiety, and behavioral problems related to diabetes care tasks, and relationship challenges arising from the stress of managing diabetes. Reach out to schedule a 15-minute consultation or schedule an appointment directly! Click HERE to view more information on Dr. Albright and Bluebird Child & Family Psychology.
Anna Sabino, LMSW, CDCES
Anna lives with T1D and is an amazing resource for children, adults, and families navigating diabetes. She offers several programs, including support groups and one-on-one sessions. She is based out of Boston; however, she does counseling nationwide and offers a sliding scale for her services with a free 15-minute consultation to get started. Anna has been a guest speaker at several DYS events, such as the Teen Leadership Retreat, Family Retreat, and School Nurse Support Group. Click here to view the Finding Smiles Coaching Website.
Charlie Health Outpatient Program
Charlie Health offers a virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for individuals ages 8–64 who may need more support than once-a-week therapy but do not require inpatient care. They provide treatment for mental health concerns, substance use disorders, and eating disorders through small, curated group sessions, along with individual and family therapy options. Programs run Monday through Saturday from 12 pm–12 am. There is never a waitlist, and individuals can often be admitted within 24–48 hours. Charlie Health is in-network with most Ohio commercial insurance providers, all Medicaid providers, and Tricare/VA, making care accessible and affordable for many families. Click here to visit their website and get in touch with them today!
The Emily Program - The Eating Disorder Specialists
The Emily Program is a nationally recognized provider of eating disorder treatment, offering compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals of all ages and genders. Services include outpatient therapy, intensive day programs, residential treatment, and nutritional counseling, all tailored to each person’s unique needs. Using a multidisciplinary approach with therapists, dietitians, and medical professionals, they help individuals build healthier relationships with food, their bodies, and themselves, while also supporting families and caregivers. For families of children living with type 1 diabetes, these services can be especially helpful, as diabetes management requires a close relationship with food and nutrition. The Emily Program can support challenges like food anxiety, disordered eating, or burnout, helping both children and families maintain healthy habits while effectively managing diabetes. Click here to visit their website and get in touch with them today!
Kristi Paguio, LMSW, CSOWM, CDCES
Kristi lives with T1D and is another awesome resource for people with T1D. She is based in Western Michigan and offers counseling in both Michigan and Illinois. Her focuses include coping with diagnosis, working through diabetes burnout, and other mental health issues relating to T1D. Kristi accepts certain Michigan insurance plans and also accepts direct payment for consultations and established clients. Click here to view the Braving Diabetes website.
Danielle Blanchard, CDCES
Danielle lives with T1D and offers several programs to connect with and support. adults, children, and families navigating T1D. She is a Certified Life Coach and Certified Wellness Coach. She is based in New England and has previously worked with the American Diabetes Association. She offers 4 coaching styles, including a free 15-minute consult. Click here to view the MyDMCoaching website.
Scholarship Opportunities
Because a lifetime of expensive daily medications and quality healthcare leaves little in families' savings for college funds, the need for scholarships for students with type 1 diabetes is huge. We have put together a list of scholarship opportunities available to those living with T1D. Click here to check it out!
Freebies for Diabetes
Having type 1 diabetes can have its downsides - it is sometimes difficult to look on the bright side of any illness. However, there are certain instances where there are some unexpected perks! We have conducted some research and compiled a list of freebies available to those living with type 1 diabetes.
Free National Parks Pass for T1D's
Families may be surprised to learn that the U.S. National Park Service offers a free lifetime America the Beautiful Access Pass for individuals with permanent disabilities—including those living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes qualifies as a disability because it impacts the endocrine system, even when well-managed. This pass provides free entry to over 2,000 federally managed sites, including national parks and recreation areas, making it a wonderful opportunity for families to explore the outdoors together. To apply, individuals will need a valid photo ID and documentation of their condition (such as a doctor’s note or disability benefits paperwork) and can submit their application online for a small processing fee or in person at a federal recreation site for free. Click here for more information on how to apply!
Ohio and Michigan State Laws
Compass Rose Disability Advocates
If you have a problem with school, athletics, childcare, or any other similar entity working with you and your child’s diabetes, Compass Rose Disability Advocates can help you out. You can call or text them for more information at 419.688.5922 or CLICK THIS LINK to view their website.
Michigan Advocacy Resources
Michigan Alliance for Families provides information, support, and education for families who have children and young adults (birth to 26 years of age) who receive (or may be eligible to receive) special education services. This website can help you with finding information on special education issues as well as disability-specific information. CLICK THIS LINK to view their website.
Disability Rights Michigan advocates for and advises individuals with disabilities on their rights and responsibilities, and advocates for their human, civil, and legal rights within the state of Michigan. DRM has broad access authority to monitor institutions and advocate for people with disabilities who live in them. Their services extend beyond issues with schools, coaches, and sitters to include medical care and beyond. All services are free of charge for families and adults. You can call 1-800-288-5923 or visit their website. CLICK THIS LINK to view their website.
Need Supplies?
People living with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin by injection or infusion every day. Insulin is life support – we all need it to stay alive, just as we need oxygen, water, and food. If you are in emergency need of insulin right now, always go to the emergency room. If you are struggling to afford the monthly cost of insulin, CLICK THIS LINK and visit Beyond Type 1 to view resources you can use not only for insulin but also for other diabetes supplies, insurance coverage, and information on exploring tools and actions you can take to get involved with access advocacy.