A colleague of mine recently advocated for a child with autism to be able to bring his service dog to school. Predictably the school reacted negatively. The school staff's response did not even consider the potential educational benefits for the child.
Service dogs have been shown to act as a social bridge to other children. They have helped children with dangerous behaviors like elopement. In school, children who have issues with literacy have read to the rapt attention of service dogs without judgment or stigma. School staff have reported "the child [with a service dog] has been more focused on his/her school work and is able to sit at the desk for longer periods of time."
The idea of having dogs in school is still novel. It should be carefully considered given the needs of an individual child, the potential benefits, and the limitations of that child's placement. Promoting safety, increased attention and better socialization, and supporting literacy are all compelling educational goals that should not be reflexively rejected.
We are currently in negotiations with our school district to get our support dog into our school. Maybe this is a simplistic question but how is it that the school can deny what is defined as a durable medical device that is perscribe by a physican?
Posted by: Kelley A Foust | August 19, 2006 at 12:53 PM
Are there laws that anywhere that support the use of the dogs? I am looking into the possibility of getting a support dog for my Aspeger's diagnosed son; but the school setting is where my son needs it the most. I am currently fighting them on just getting an IEP because they feel they are not obligated to provide one as long as he is passing.
Posted by: Dorothy | January 09, 2007 at 01:51 PM
Yes, there are laws that support service dogs. If they are certified and trained, they are to have access to all public places. This is a federal law. You can call the Department of Justice at 800-514-0301 for more information. Best of luck to you and your families.
Posted by: Heather | February 08, 2007 at 08:44 PM
I am look for legal case that address the use of dogs in schools to assist students.
Please give me any references.
Posted by: henry Rajkowski | June 09, 2007 at 08:20 PM
I am a certified cross categorical special education teacher. I have been taking my 9 year old collie to school to help with my students. She helps to deescalate them and there focus ability has been better. I was informed that there are rules against having a dog in the public school by another staff member. I am in a separate building with another class and my collie has been great for my students. I can't find any rules through WI dpi that states dogs are not allowed in school. I have my principal's permisssion to have my collie their. HELP-I had to tell the kids that Bailey, my dog, cannot come to school any more and they are very sad about it. Where do I start to find out the information I need and what I can do to get Bailey back into school?
Ed. See if you can not quietly rally the parents of the students in your class to rally around Bailey continuing in the class. I would also contact your union to make sure you are not subject to discipline in the worst case. I have sent your comment on to a friend and if she contact me back you can check back here for her email address. She is an advocate in WI. Best to you, your students and to Bailey.
Charlie Fox
Posted by: | November 17, 2007 at 10:44 AM