Food Allergy Field Guide:A Lifestyle Manual for Familes

by Theresa Willingham

This is a good book for those who are starting down on the food sensitivity track.  Theresa discusses allergies and sensitivities, how to locate offending foods by labels other than their "normal" names.  She also discusses how to build a team with your child's teachers or caregivers to help you limit the amount of exposure to allergens.  She discusses the law as well as giving recipes and testimonials. 

Correction Notice sent by Theresa Willingham: It has been pointed out that Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are two separate and distinct laws. They are related in that they both require schools that receive federal financial assistance to provide Individualized Educational Programs for children who qualify. Children who have severe food allergy are protected under Section 504. The disability of food allergy is not protected under IDEA because it does not fall under any of the 13 IDEA disability designations. However a child may have other disabilities, including acute asthma, which meet the criteria to receive protection under IDEA. It is important that parents understand and educate themselves about their and their children's rights under both Section 504 and IDEA. It is also vital to have competent legal counsel (Ex. someone who specializes civil rights laws) when pursuing any legal course of action. For a more in depth discussion of these and other related issues, please see http://www.allergysupport.org. Many thanks to Rhonda Riggott Stevens of Food Allergy Support & Education, for her insight in this matter