Information Regarding Prevalent Medical Conditions (Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes, and Epilepsy)
The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) is committed to fostering a safe, accepting, and healthy learning environment for all students, including those with anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, and/or epilepsy. The HWCDSB recognizes that these conditions may be diagnosed at any age and may affect students with diverse needs, including those receiving special education support.
The HWCDSB believes that:
- Every student deserves equitable access to education in an environment that supports their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
- Students should be empowered as confident and capable learners, supported in reaching their full potential for self-management of their medical condition, in accordance with their Plan of Care.
Supporting students with prevalent medical conditions requires collaboration among educators, families, health professionals, and community partners. Board policies and procedures are aligned with the expectations outlined in Policy/Program Memorandum No. 161 Supporting Children and Student with Prevalent Medical Conditions (anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy) in Schools (2018), as well as Sabrina’s Law (2005) and Ryan’s Law (2015).
If your child has a prevalent medical condition, you are asked to:
- Inform or confirm your child’s prevalent medical condition with the school office each yearcomplete and submit the Annual Request and Consent for Intervention form specific to your child’s prevalent medical condition
- read the Board’s Policy regarding your child’s prevalent medical condition
- become familiar with the parent and student responsibilities as outlined in the Management Roles and Responsibilities specific to your child’s prevalent medical condition
- complete and submit the required Physician Authorization for Administration of Medication form specific to your child’s prevalent medical condition when the school is first informed of your child’s condition and when your child’s condition/medication changes
- participate in the co-creation of your child’s Individual Plan of Care on an annual basis
Relevant links for Anaphylaxis Management within HWCDSB Elementary Schools are provided below.
HWCDSB Anaphylaxis Policy (SM11)
Allergy Anaphylaxis Management Roles and Responsibilities (Elementary)
Annual Parent Request and Consent for Allergy Anaphylaxis Intervention (Elementary) – Completed annually.
Physician Authorization for Administration of Allergy Anaphylaxis Medication (Elementary) – Completed only when condition/medication is first communicated to the school or student’s condition or medication changes.
Individual Allergy Anaphylaxis Plan of Care (Elementary) – Completed annually and updated when student’s condition or medication changes.
Relevant links for Anaphylaxis Management within HWCDSB Secondary Schools are provided below:
HWCDSB Anaphylaxis Policy (SM11)
Allergy Anaphylaxis Management Roles and Responsibilities (Secondary)
Annual Parent Guardian Request and Consent for Allergy Anaphylaxis Intervention (Secondary) – Completed annually.
Physician Authorization for Administration of Allergy Anaphylaxis Medication (Secondary) – Completed only when condition/medication is first communicated to the school or student’s condition or medication changes.
Individual Allergy Anaphylaxis Plan of Care (Secondary) – Completed annually and when student condition or medication changes.
Other Resources:
Food Substitutes for Anaphylactic Students – Some students severe allergies to certain foods and substances. At times, even exposure to a tiny amount of these foods or substances could be potentially serious and life-threatening. Everyone in the school community plays a vital role in creating a safe and inclusive environment. Students at risk of anaphylaxis and their families are taking responsibility to avoid exposures. However, staff members, other students and families can also help to make the school environment safer. Below are some websites that can provide information on food substitutes for anaphylactic students. Feel free to speak to your school administration should you have any questions.
Eating with Food Allergies
Kids with Food Allergies
Super Healthy Kids (SHK)
VeryWell Health
Food Allergy Canada – Allergy-friendly Recipes
Food Allergy Canada – Ask the expert: What are some great substitutions for each of the priority allergens in Canada?