Diabetes Legal Advocacy Comes of Age

This article updates the legal advocacy efforts of the American DiabetesAssociation since 1999. These efforts include a variety of strategies andtactics to improve the lives of people discriminated against on the basis oftheir diabetes. The Association9s efforts are particularly focused onemployment and school issues, but they also include access to medical care forpeople in correctional institutions and at places of public accommodation.Using an overall strategy of educating, negotiating, litigating, andlegislating, the Association has achieved significant results withfar-reaching effects. This innovative effort is unique among voluntary healthorganizations. The Association has institutionalized its legal advocacyefforts with its strategic plan, budget allocations, volunteer networks, andstaff support. The legal advocacy efforts of the Association bring significantand meaningful results to people with diabetes.