Family Resources
Family Resources
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.
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 offers its updated Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) for use by schools and pediatric diabetes health care providers nationwide. This fillable form allows you to give care instructions tailored to your child, providing greater clarity for those charged with their care in the school setting. There is even a separate plan for children who are in childcare programs, including before and after care. 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 happen during traveling that are out of your control, however, you can have a plan and be prepared when it comes to 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.
Mental Health Resrouces & Support Groups
We know living with Type 1 Diabetes can be a struggle, both physically and mentally. Did you know more than 50% of children and adolescents with T1D are diagnosed at some point with depression or anxiety? The struggle can often carry onto 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 that are here to support you.
Dana Albright, PhD
Dr. Albright is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years 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 around diabetes care tasks, and relationship challenges that arise 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 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.
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 combined of experience. They are experts in addressing challenges related to living with diabetes like burnout, family conflict, and school rights and accommodations. They offer services like individual and family therapy, school and childcare advocacy, and navigating resources like insurance networks. 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 T1D individuals. 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 does accept certain Michigan insurances, and also takes 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 and work with adults, children, and families navigating T1D. She is a Certified Life Coach adn Certified Wellness Coach She is based out of the New England area and has worked with the American Diabetes Association in the past. She offers 4 different styles of coaching, 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 that are offered to those who live 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 done some research and compiled a list of freebies that are offered to those living with type 1 diabetes.
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 and lawyers advise individuals with disabilities of their rights and responsibilities and advocate 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 expand from having trouble with schools, coaches, and sitters, to helping with 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, as much as we need oxygen, water, and food to eat. 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 other diabetes supplies, insurance coverage, and information on exploring tools and actions you can take to get involved with access advocacy.