One of the most asked questions about service dogs and the access they have involves school. Schools are considered public spaces – while some states are very clear on this statement such as “public or private educational institutions…”; other states are more general regarding "public spaces." Federal law supersedes all state laws and requires access to these canine tools. However, this is not an invitation for schools to have countless dogs thrown at them. There are some guidelines. The ADA (American With Disabilities Act) guarantees access to all tools used by a person with a disability so that those tools can help that person increase their independence. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay The ADA is clear that facilities must allow tools to enter and have appropriate access to the environment, but that the facility (often the school) is not responsible for the 'tool. This means that the school cannot be asked or required to provide an aide, teacher or other staff member to watch the dog and child during the school day. Whether the child is able to be fully responsible for the dog in public (this is most often demonstrated by passing a public access test given by the training organization - see www.ADIonline.org for an example test), then the child/dog team should have full access to the school. When a child is able to pass this test without help from a parent or guardian, they have full access to malls, stores, and even school. Schools should allow reasonable accommodations for the child/dog team by placing outdoor trash cans nearby. the accessible area the child will use for the dog's bathroom needs and possibly adjusting the chairs in the classroom to allow the space the dog needs. The school does not expect or expect anyone to care for the child's dog. Schools should be aware that fears and allergies are not treated by the ADA as invalid reasons for refusing a service dog. They should also be aware that although they can ask for information about the dogs, they cannot demand it, such as rabies certificates. Often parents and students are willing to provide this information to help the school be more confident in meeting the student's needs, but they do this out of a desire to work with the school - a request is often granted successfully while a demand will be met with hostility and often defiance. Parents need to remember that this is a tool to help their child and not a battle of wills. As parents, many people ask too much of school. School is there for many children, not just one. They have valid concerns and questions that need to be answered in a respectful manner: offer to bring someone to the school for a meeting or assembly to answer these questions. Remember not to ask for more than reasonable accommodations for your child. On average, children are in their early teens before they can successfully and independently take a public access test. Some children may fall outside of this range, but between the ages of 12 and 14, most children will attempt the test on their own. In the meantime, children are made easier. (see our facilitation information for more details)Keep in mind: this is just a sample.Get a document now..