As Megan Lavin’s son with multiple food allergies moved up to the larger middle school this fall, a new food allergy concern arose. The middle school has a rule designed for student safety – no backpacks are to be carried.
“I was nervous because the backpack is where he always kept his epinephrine auto-injectors,” Megan explains in this episode of the Megan’s Minute video series. She confesses: “I was dreading emailing the school counselor.”
All through elementary school, Megan’s eldest son’s emergency care plan and his federal 504 plan specified that he is allowed to self-carry his auto-injectors.
So Megan knuckled down, starting discussions with the middle school, and coming up with creative workarounds to the no backpacks rule. In the video, she shows the cross-body bag that met her son’s approval.
As well, he got a Trapper Keeper-style binder to take from class-to-class, which allows him to carry a second set of auto-injectors discreetly.
Solving the No Backpacks Rule
But how did she get the no backpacks school to agree to these solutions? Watch the video to learn how her son’s 504 plan helped to make her case. In the end, what looked like a big hurdle worked out far better than she could have imagined.
Once again, never underestimate the ingenuity of an allergy mom!
“I wanted to share this real-life example to show that you don’t have to let school rules and limitations stop you from keeping your child safe,” Megan says. “There are almost always creative workarounds – that even work with a picky tween.”
Join Allergic Living monthly for a new installment of Megan’s Minute with Megan Lavin, the creator of the Allergy Awesomeness blog. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
More Megan’s Minute Videos:
Food Allergy as School: Self-Carrying Epi Matters
Creating a 504 Plan for an Allergic Student
Allergy Mom’s Crisis over Summer Camp’s Menu
Summer Camp with Food Allergies: Part One
Going to Birthday Parties
Playing Sports: Snacks and Food Allergy Safety
Married with Food Allergies
How Not to Overreact with an Allergic Child
