From experience with this problem and because I am also an EMT, I can offer a few thoughts on this matter.
All diabetics are different and so are the ways they deal with severe and sudden blood sugar drops. These lows are very dangerous and need to be treated immediately. Small amounts of a soft drink, juice or candy can be used to quickly and temporarily solve the problem.
The decision to use this treatment is based on the patient’s experiences and their doctor’s recommendations.
So please don’t assume that the visitor may be lying about their condition or the need for the soda. If it turns out they are, well, there are just no polite words that will correctly sum up their character.
But it is fair to ask for closed containers in museums and to say that your policies don’t allow beverages to be consumed in the galleries.
Instead, offer a place where the visitor can do so. A café area, employee break room or the corner of an office will suffice. Standard practice is to check blood sugar levels after drinking the soda, so this also offers a good place for the visitor to lay out their testing supplies.
You might want to contact the local branch of the American Diabetes Association. They can offer suggestions, guidance, and information on ADA rules compliance related to diabetics.
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Walton
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2014 12:09 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Beverages in galleries for medical purposes
My guess would be that people have learned that with ADA rules they can get away with lying about things like help dogs, etc. because businesses are not allowed to ask about health conditions. I think it is fair to require it have a closed top and explain why they need to be extra careful. Maybe since they know they are lying they will feel a shred of guilt. I doubt it, but maybe.
For reference, as far as I have heard, cokes are NOT recommended for diabetes treatment, even if sugar is suddenly low.
On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 11:51 AM, Via, Marie <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
The number of visitors who insist on taking beverages into the museum for medical reasons seems to have increased a lot lately. Water (for a pulmonary condition, for example) isn’t so much an issue – we just ask them to be sure the bottle is capped tightly and stowed out of sight when not use. On the other hand, many people are now saying they must have Coke or some kind of soft drink with them due to diabetes. This is more problematic. I’m wondering if others are seeing an uptick along these lines and, if so, how they are handling the balance between protecting collections and offering a good visitor service. Thanks!
Marie Via
Director of Exhibitions
Memorial Art Gallery
500 University Ave.
Rochester, NY 14607
6th Rochester Biennial
July 13–September 21, 2014 in the Grand Gallery
New Ghosts for A New Age: Yoshitoshi’s New Forms of 36 Ghosts
Japanese Prints from the Arthur R. Miller Collection
August 29–November 30, 2014 in the Lockhart Gallery
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