When a child has a medical condition that affects their ability to learn, schools are required to provide the right support. But what happens when they don’t?
Many families find themselves fighting to get schools to recognize and accommodate their child’s needs. Whether it’s a child with diabetes needing insulin, a student with epilepsy requiring a seizure action plan, or a child with severe anxiety needing adjustments to their school environment, schools have a responsibility to ensure students can learn safely.
When they fail to do so, the consequences can be serious—impacting not just health and safety but also academic progress and emotional well-being. If your child isn’t receiving the medical support they need, you have options.
Legal Protections for Students with Medical Needs
Federal laws require schools to provide accommodations for students whose medical conditions affect their education. These include:
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Section 504 Plans under the Rehabilitation Act
- Medical Care Plans, such as an Individual Health Plan (IHP), Emergency Care Plan (ECP), or Seizure Action Plan (SAP)
These plans are designed to ensure students have the medical support they need during the school day. Schools are expected to follow them, but when they don’t, students are put at risk.
What Happens When Schools Ignore Medical Needs?
Health Emergencies and Medical Risks
When schools fail to provide the right accommodations, children may experience life-threatening medical emergencies.
- A child with epilepsy might not receive seizure medication in time.
- A student with severe allergies could be exposed to a known allergen without immediate access to an EpiPen.
- A child with asthma may not have access to their inhaler during an attack.
Without proper medical planning and trained staff, students face unnecessary health risks.
Academic Barriers
Medical conditions can make it difficult for students to focus, complete assignments, or participate fully in class.
- A child with diabetes may struggle with focus if their blood sugar is too high or too low.
- A student with ADHD who isn’t given movement breaks may be disciplined for behavior instead of receiving the support they need.
- A child with migraines or chronic pain may need flexible deadlines or reduced workloads to keep up with schoolwork.
Without the right accommodations, students can fall behind or face unfair disciplinary action for medical-related struggles.
Emotional and Psychological Harm
Students with medical needs often experience stress and anxiety when they don’t feel safe or supported at school.
- A child with autism may struggle in a classroom that doesn’t offer sensory-friendly spaces.
- A student with anxiety or PTSD may find it difficult to focus if they don’t have access to quiet spaces or mental health support.
- A child who has experienced a medical emergency at school may feel afraid to return if they don’t trust the school to handle their condition properly.
Ignoring medical needs doesn’t just affect physical health—it also impacts confidence, emotional well-being, and the ability to succeed in school.
What Can You Do If the School Isn’t Providing Accommodations?
If your child’s medical needs aren’t being met at school, there are steps you can take.
- Request a meeting with the school to review or update their IEP, 504 Plan, or medical care plan.
- Keep records of communication, incidents, and medical recommendations.
- Understand your child’s rights under IDEA, Section 504, and other disability laws.
- Seek legal and medical advocacy if the school refuses to provide necessary accommodations.
At K Altman Law, our Medical Advocacy Team includes licensed nurses and education law attorneys who help families navigate these challenges. We work to:
- Ensure IEPs and 504 Plans include proper medical accommodations
- Advocate for students with complex medical conditions
- Hold schools accountable when they fail to provide necessary support
If your child’s education and health are at risk because of a school’s failure to provide accommodations, we can help.
Contact us today at 855-KALTMAN to make sure your child gets the support they need.
