Back to School and Food Allergy Accommodations

One in 13 U.S. children under the age of 18 has one or more food allergies.

More than 40 percent of children with a food allergy have experienced a severe or life-threatening reaction.

Each year, 3.4 million people visit the emergency room to treat severe food allergy reactions.

In the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a person with a disability is someone who has an impairment, either physical or mental, that substantially limits major life activities, such as eating and going to school. Food allergies are considered disabilities under the ADA. Under the ADA, students who have a food allergy are considered to have a disability which restricts their diet.

Children with food allergies have protection and school accommodations under ADA.

Going off to college can be a challenge for teenagers with food allergies. More and more schools are now taking steps to ensure that students with food allergies have a safe, successful college experience.  Planning should start in high school to help prepare your child to handle their food allergies at college.

This one-of-a-kind tool can help you find information on accommodations at dozens of colleges and universities.

Please speak to your child's physician about arranging school accommodations if your child has food allergies.