Are Peanut Allergies a Disability?
Feb. 1, 2006 at 9:33 AM
Our previous church met in a elementary school. In every hall and classroom signs were posted, "THIS IS A NUT FREE ZONE". No peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or trail mix allowed. But according to a Boston Globe report peanut allergies are not very common.
Roughly the same number of Americans each year die from lightning strikes as from peanut allergies.But schools are still trying to figure out how to balance the one who does with the 400 who don't. It isn't easy.
In a separate news story; Laura Duke, whose son has a severe peanut allergy nearly died when exposed to peanuts at school. Brentson Duke was given 7 weeks of home teaching paid for by the state while they considered his situation. In the end the school decided he didn't have disability and could not continue the home training at state expense. But this devoted mom isn't taking any chances she has decided to homeschool him.
Last week she withdrew Brentson from Metro and paid more than $250 for books and fees so she can teach him through a Christian-based homeschool program."It's not cheap," Duke said. "But if it's keeping him from dying, I wouldn't care if it were $20,000."She may not realize it yet but she may not have only saved his life but his education as well. I wish her well.
(HT: Joanne Jacobs)
2 Comments and Trackbacks
posted by KarenW on Feb. 1, 2006 at 12:18 PM
Peanut alergy or not, looks like she made a great decision!
posted by Tami on Feb. 2, 2006 at 8:48 AM
I once saw this child break out in a rash when he was in a room that had an open bowl of peanuts. There was a ceiling fan going at the time, and that helped stir it in the air. Until then, I did not know that it could be airborne and cause a reaction.
I had a peant allergy as a child. It was not life-threatening. I took allergy shots for it and eventually built up a resistance. I eat peanut butter almost daily now.
And I have a child with an egg and peanut allergery. His is not severe. We just watch the food he is served. But he can be in the same house with it.
I think the Mom is doing the right thing for her child by homeschooling. Stranger things than a peanut allergy have caused parents to homeschool. For me, it is a calling by God to teach my children at home.
Have a blessed day! Tami