Diabetes goes to work: Helping your patients access the protections of the Americans with disabilities act

Abstract

The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act makes it clearer than ever that people with diabetes are protected from discrimination in a variety of settings, including the workplace. Health care professionals must play a central role in enabling patients with diabetes to assert the right to work free from discrimination and to manage diabetes in the workplace. This article provides concrete guidance to health care professionals on how to document to an employer that a patient with diabetes 1) is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2) is qualified for an employment opportunity, and 3) requires changes in the workplace to enable the worker to manage his or her diabetes.