School Denies Student's Service Dog (GSD)

[Hansel & Gretel]

This is in my local county school system. Fairfax County Public Schools operates on an annual budget of over a billion dollars (that's billion). I think they are wrong denying the boy his service dog.




Fairfax School Denies Student's Service Dog

[DJEtzel]

I would like to see said requirements, but this does not surprise me. This topic has been a heated controversy for a while now and at this time, I've got to agree with the schools in most cases.

My bet is that the requirements she doesn't meet are being under a certain height/weight and breed.

eta; Why do you feel they are wrong denying him the service dog? Do you think it is right to deny other students an education that are allergic or terrified of dogs? There are so many pros and cons to the argument it's rediculous. I don't see the schools changing their minds anytime soon.

[Hansel & Gretel]

I think it's wrong because of Federal Law. The ADA specifically forbids this type of Service Dog ban. They are ignoring the law here.

John

[Hansel & Gretel]

Here: Commonly Asked Questions About Service Animals in Places of Business

[Hansel & Gretel]

6. Q: My county health department has told me that only a guide dog has to be admitted. If I follow those regulations, am I violating the ADA?

A: Yes, if you refuse to admit any other type of service animal on the basis of local health department regulations or other state or local laws. The ADA provides greater protection for individuals with disabilities and so it takes priority over the local or state laws or regulations.

Seems pretty clear to me

[Zoeys mom]

I saw this on the news last night and was saddened to see that boy in a regular school anyway. He is 12 and reads maybe on a first grade level, has been home schooled by mom his whole life, and has severe seizures multiple times a day not controlled by medication. He needs to be in a special setting as it is where he can get one on one attention not be jammed in a classroom with 20-25 other students.

I know last year there was a service dog at my daughters school- a pug mix named bella. I don't know what her purpose was, but she was the sweetest dog ever. However, in a grade school setting she was a huge distraction- kids don't get not to touch and talk to the service dog, and teachers don't have the time to constantly interrupt classroom time to ensure these rules are being met. There were also children with dog allergies and phobias so Bella did not return this year

I don't want to sound mean because I have a special needs son, but parents can't expect a regular curriculum and classroom setting to meet their special children's needs. They have programs for children like this boy where he would be better served and have an easier time incorporating his dog.

On a side note I think it is very cool the way this dog is used. The boy has a gadget similar to a pace maker in his chest and the dog a magnetic fixture on her collar. When the dog senses the boy is going to have a seizure she places her head on his activating the pace maker and stopping the seizure. I know this boy needs this dog but I don't think it's fair to take away class time, expose children to allergy attacks, or fear because of one child. Fairfax needs to work with his mom either providing a private school setting for him or offering her in home support for his educational needs. There are other options this mom is either ignorant to, or just ignoring

[paulag1955]

Originally Posted by DJEtzel

I would like to see said requirements, but this does not surprise me. This topic has been a heated controversy for a while now and at this time, I've got to agree with the schools in most cases.

My bet is that the requirements she doesn't meet are being under a certain height/weight and breed.

eta; Why do you feel they are wrong denying him the service dog? Do you think it is right to deny other students an education that are allergic or terrified of dogs? There are so many pros and cons to the argument it's rediculous. I don't see the schools changing their minds anytime soon.

If this were a guide dog for a blind child, do you think another child's allergy should be allowed to take precedence?

[Hansel & Gretel]

I think it is important to note that he is not in a regular classroom. He is in a special needs program and it has 5-6 students and 3 teachers in the room. Not exactly a regular setting.

[DJEtzel]

Originally Posted by Hansel & Gretel

Here: Commonly Asked Questions About Service Animals in Places of Business

These are places of business though. The dog can interfere with a child's right to education in a school.

Originally Posted by paulag1955

If this were a guide dog for a blind child, do you think another child's allergy should be allowed to take precedence?

Yes. As American's we have the right to education and that shouldn't be infringed upon by a service animal of any sort. 1 child's dog should not be above a classroom full of students having reactions and being allergic.

There are also other common arguement like the fact that THAT boy could NOT control that dog if he needed to and the school shouldn't be responsible. THAT child can not give the dog adequate water and potty breaks while school. And so on and so forth.

[Hansel & Gretel]

The ADA law states (in so many words) that a service dog trumps someones allergies.