<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Recently the question was raised, are people who have  celiac covered under the ADA laws. I would like to refer you to the U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Disability Employment Policy Page.
www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/ek00/hiddenemp.htm. 

This page clearly states  that  disabilities which are not observable, thus, "hidden" are bona fide disabilities. They mention some like cancer  and asthma etc. which need accommodation.

They give as examples of accommodation :

" Due to hot weather conditions, a worker with asthma was having difficulty working in an outside environment fueling planes and moving luggage." "Solution, move the worker to a night shift and to a position where the worker was both inside and outside the facility."

" An insurance adjuster was allergic to rubber and the formaldehyde in the paper products used by the employer. Solution give the worker cotton gloves for handling paper and switched to recycled chlorine-free paper and soy based ink products." 

a claims representative with lupus was sensitive to fluorescent light in his office and the radiation emitted from his computer monitor. Solution , the employer changed the overhead lights from broad spectrum by using a special filter that fit into the existing fixture and provided the employee with a flicker free monitor and glare guard."


If you go to Google and put in ADA and hidden disabilities you will find many sites.


If a person has the money and freedom and skills  to either not work, or  can  choose to work in a situation which gives them plenty of freedom  then having celiac may not be a disability to them.

However, just as one example, consider children in a school setting who must eat in a cafeteria, participate in activities and may not have the verbal skills and knowldege to advocate for themselves. These children with their celiac " hidden" disability are eligible for a 504 individual health plan. Children with a 504 plan mus,t bylaw,  have accomodations that make it possible for the student to participate in all aspects of school on an equal basis with students who do not have disabilities. 

If one's only problem is deciding about a three month foreign travel plan or which cruise to go on, then, that person is free to decide that they don't have a disability. others, not in their circumstances may not have that option. I was told by one of the staff of the Ex-Governor of Massachusetts, Jane Swift, that the Governor's needs were always met( and you wouldn't either, if you were a Governor.)
Irma De Bruyn of Boston

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