Resources for College Students
The transition to college presents unique challenges for students with celiac disease. This page brings together our published recommendations and peer-reviewed research to support students, families, and institutions in creating safer, more inclusive campus environments—from housing and dining to academic and social life.
Celiac Disease Foundation School Support Sessions
If you have not already, we hope you attend one of our School Support Sessions. These sessions are held monthly and be open to all parents of a child with celiac disease in the United States, and are led by an expert on setting up 504 plans specific to celiac disease and will cover federal laws and regulations that govern this autoimmune disease, the appropriate type of plan to set up, reasonable accommodations, and how to get individual support for your family. This meeting is appropriate for families with a child of any age including early childhood through college, and the sessions last for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes.
Printable Handouts & Resources
National Recommendations for Supporting Students with Celiac Disease in Higher Education
To support a consistent, inclusive approach to celiac disease accommodations in higher education, the Celiac Disease Foundation led the development of evidence-informed college and university recommendations in 2025. These recommendations were prepared by a multidisciplinary panel of healthcare professionals, dietitians, disability rights advocates, students, parents, and university staff, with the conceptual, technical, and editorial process managed by the Celiac Disease Foundation. Together, this group recognized that managing celiac disease on campus extends beyond dining services and requires coordinated policies and shared responsibility across housing, academic settings, disability services, and campus health.
The recommendations provide a practical framework for institutions to create campus-wide accommodations that promote accessibility, safety, and inclusion while supporting students’ academic and social success. While each college or university may implement accommodations differently based on campus structure and resources, establishing transparent and proactive processes helps institutions meet legal obligations, ensure equitable access to essential services, and foster a supportive campus environment for students with celiac disease.
Celiac Disease Facts & Figures Handout
A simple handout explaining the severity of celiac disease.
Sample Diagnosis Letter Template
An example of what a diagnosis letter from a physician can look like. This is essential in setting up accommodations for celiac disease for your student.
Helpful Links
Department of Justice ADA Help Line
Search for Institutions Receiving Federal Funding
USA Spending is an open data source of federal spending information. This site tracks how federal money is spent in communities across America and beyond.
Research on Celiac Disease in School
Accommodating Celiac Disease in Higher Education: Evidence-Informed National Recommendations
Authors: Vanessa M. Weisbrod, Meghan Donnelly McKeon, Emma Kowzun, Marilyn
Grunzweig Geller, Jackie Jossen, Marisa Gallant Stahl, Maureen Leonard, Mary
Shull, Janis Arnold, Jennifer Kumin, Sharon Weston, Anne R Lee, Mary Vargas,
Dale Lee, Allyson West, Catherine Raber, Katherine Vera Sachs, Ritu Verma
Affiliations:
[Brief intro paragraph]
Link to Manuscript