This week, Mike VanDervort requested blogposts from his colleagues. He said he would match a charitable gift to each blogpost he received.

Inspired, I decided to write a post about why http://www.diabetes.org/ finding a cure for diabetes is so very important to me.

My Father died of complications of diabetes. Both my Mother of blessed memory suffered with diabetes. While ultimately, Alzheimer’s claimed her life, diabetes plagued her for most of her days. My brother, may he rest in peace also suffered with the deadly disease. My former husband suffered with juvenile diabetes.

So, as you can see, this is personal and it hits home.

Why is this an important HR issue? Because according the the American Diabetes Association more than 24 million Americans suffer with the disease.

According to recent legislation, consider the following:

The question of who has a disability for purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(“ADA”) and is thus protected by the ADA’s anti-discrimination provisions has been the subject
of frequent litigation since the Act’s passage in 1990. The Americans with Disabilities Act
Amendments Act of 2008 (“ADAAA”), Pub. L. No. 110-325, however, mark a sea change in
how courts are to answer this question, particularly as it relates to individuals with diabetes and
other chronic conditions. The new law provides numerous ways for people with diabetes to
establish coverage under the ADA. The purpose of this paper is to guide attorneys through the
developing law in this area and to present strategies for establishing that individuals with
diabetes, whatever its classification or symptoms, have a disability within the meaning of the
ADA.

Support and consideration for employees who suffer with diabetes is long overdue. I am grateful for this opportunity to submit this post for consideration not only to raise awareness, but to obtain support and a potential donation to a cause that is so very near, and dear to my heart.

Sincerely,

@HRMargo