[nagdu] Arkansas School Refuses To Hold Leash For 7-Year-Old Boy's Service Dog

[Tami Jarvis]

Rebecca,

You're right about the dog's ability to sense the seizure (or whatever 
medical disorder) -- it can or it can't. However, the difference between 
a plain old dog that happens to be able to detect seizures and a medical 
alert service dog is whether the dog is trained to perform a specific 
alerting behavior. Often the medical alert SD will perform additional 
actions, like getting the handler to a safe place to prepare for the 
seizure, laying on the handler to help prevent injury during the seizure 
and a few other things. The article mentioned that the dog has 
eliminated the need for medication, so I guess locating the medicine 
bottle for the handler wouldn't be needed.

As for the rest, I just don't know. Part of it is that I am not all that 
well-informed about the issues when it comes to kids, service dogs and 
schools. I can see both sides, depending on which way I squint. I wonder 
if having a staffer handle the dog in this case could be considered to 
be the equivalent of having a staffer push a wheelchair? Or do the dog's 
needs for handling make it that much more demanding?

On the other hand, would the family's hiring of a handler be like a 
blind employee's hiring a reader to deal with accessibility issues to do 
his/her job? The issue of whether an employee should have to do that is 
a hot one, even for those who do so however they feel about it.

Either way, it's a thorny issue these days, so the courts will be able 
to provide case law.

Tami

On 07/14/2014 10:35 AM, Star Gazer via nagdu wrote:
> 			Yes, I'd agree with this.
> I also wonder if the family is paying above market value for this service to
> increase the "poor us" factor.
> Seems like this job would be perfect for a college kid who likes dogs, or
> who is learning about special ed, or a retired person, or a mom who has
> school aged kids and likes dogs.
> I'm also wondering if more may be involved then just holding the leash and
> issuing a couple commands.
> Lastly, how is the dog specially trained? My understanding is that a dog can
> either sense an oncoming seizure or it can't. Training isn't involved.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Buddy Brannan via
> nagdu
> Sent: Monday, July 14, 2014 1:31 PM
> To: Ginger Kutsch; NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
> Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Arkansas School Refuses To Hold Leash For 7-Year-Old
> Boy's Service Dog
>
> Wow, I gotta say I think the school district is totally in the right on this
> one.
> On Jul 14, 2014, at 1:25 PM, Ginger Kutsch via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
>
>> Arkansas School Refuses To Hold Leash For 7-Year-Old Boy's Service Dog
>>
>> By Sarah Fruchtnicht
>>
>> Sun, July 13, 2014
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> An Arkansas family claims their son's school district is forcing them
>> to fork over hefty handling fees for their 7-year-old son's service dog.
>>
>>
>>
>> Zachary Sorrell's 2-year-old golden retriever Majesty is capable of
>> sensing when he might have a seizure. Zachary suffers from cerebral
>> palsy and epilepsy, but he is not old enough to "handle" Majesty
>> himself. Handling means "simply holding her leash and using one-word
>> commands," his other Michelle Sorrells told FoxNews.com.
>>
>>
>>
>> His elementary school refuses to provide a staff member to handle the
>> dog, so the Sorrell's have to spend $125 a week for a private adult
> handler.
>>
>>
>>
>> The Sorrell's filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education
>> Office of Civil Rights, which is now investigating the Cabot School
> District.
>>
>>
>>
>> "We are not providing a handler for any service animals per district
>> policy and it is consistently applied across the district," Cabot
>> Schools Superintendent Dr. Tony Thurman told Fox News in an email.
>>
>>
>>
>> "The district made the decision not to provide a handler for the
>> animal based on ADA guidelines and district policy ... The family made
>> the decision to provide the handler because they wanted the service
>> animal with the student," he said.
>>
>>
>>
>> He cited ADA guidelines that say "Staff are not required to provide
>> care or food for a service animal."
>>
>>
>>
>> The Disability Rights Center of Arkansas is representing the Sorrell
> family.
>>
>>
>>
>> "The school is not being asked to feed, bath or walk the dog, as in
>> how we typically take care of animals," said the group's executive
>> director, Tom Masseau. "What they're being asked to do is hold the
>> leash and give the dog two or three simple commands to assist the boy
>> in his daily activities at school."
>>
>>
>>
>> Zachary's mother says Majesty is a critical part of Zachary's health.
>> The dog is specifically trained to work with epileptic patients.
>>
>>
>>
>> "Majesty has allowed Zachary to completely come off all his seizure
>> medication because she alerts to his seizures ahead of time," she said.
>> "We're solely reliant on her for seizure alert and this becomes a life
>> threatening situation if she's not allowed to attend."
>>
>>
>>
>> Superintendent Thurman argues that the dog isn't necessary for the boy
>> to attend school.
>>
>>
>>
>> "The most important aspect of this entire issue is the fact that the
>> child can be provided with an education with or without the service
>> animal," he wrote. "We have several students that deal with much the
>> same medical issue and we provide a registered nurse in every school
>> to support the health needs of all students."
>>
>>
>>
>> Sources: Fox News, Bayou Buzz
>>
>>
>>
>> Image Credit: Pawsitivity Service Dogs
>>
>>
>>
>> Source:
>> http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/education/arkansas-school-refus
>> es-hol
>> d-leash-7-year-old-boy-s-service-dog?utm_source=PANTHEON_STRIPPED&utm_
>> medium =PANTHEON_STRIPPED&utm_campaign=PANTHEON_STRIPPED
>>
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>> 16 People Who Could Use Some Guidance At The Gym
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>>
>> 16 People Who Could Use Some Guidance At The Gym
>>
>>
>>
>> How 13 Famous Companies Got Their Brand Name
>>
>>
>>
>> How 13 Famous Companies Got Their Brand Name
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> A Photographic Story Of One Special Dog's Final Day
>>
>>
>>
>> A Photographic Story Of One Special Dog's Final Day
>>
>>
>>
>> 22 Hilariously Awkward Baby Photos
>>
>>
>>
>> 22 Hilariously Awkward Baby Photos
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>> Founded in 2007, OpposingViews.com is an independent media site that
>> publishes original journalism on politics, social issues, religion,
>> sports and entertainment. Our editorial staff presents breaking news,
>> in-depth analysis and cutting-edge content around the clock. Based in
>> Los Angeles, we currently reach 15 million unique visitors every month.
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>>
>>
>> Sarah Fruchtnicht, Sun, July 13, 2014
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> An Arkansas family claims their son's school district is forcing them
>> to fork over hefty handling fees for their 7-year-old son's service dog.
>>
>>
>>
>> Zachary Sorrell's 2-year-old golden retriever Majesty is capable of
>> sensing when he might have a seizure. Zachary suffers from cerebral
>> palsy and epilepsy, but he is not old enough to "handle" Majesty
>> himself. Handling means "simply holding her leash and using one-word
>> commands," his other Michelle Sorrells told FoxNews.com.
>>
>>
>>
>> His elementary school refuses to provide a staff member to handle the
>> dog, so the Sorrell's have to spend $125 a week for a private adult
> handler.
>>
>>
>>
>> The Sorrell's filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education
>> Office of Civil Rights, which is now investigating the Cabot School
> District.
>>
>>
>>
>> "We are not providing a handler for any service animals per district
>> policy and it is consistently applied across the district," Cabot
>> Schools Superintendent Dr. Tony Thurman told Fox News in an email.
>>
>>
>>
>> "The district made the decision not to provide a handler for the
>> animal based on ADA guidelines and district policy ... The family made
>> the decision to provide the handler because they wanted the service
>> animal with the student," he said.
>>
>>
>>
>> He cited ADA guidelines that say "Staff are not required to provide
>> care or food for a service animal."
>>
>>
>>
>> The Disability Rights Center of Arkansas is representing the Sorrell
> family.
>>
>>
>>
>> "The school is not being asked to feed, bath or walk the dog, as in
>> how we typically take care of animals," said the group's executive
>> director, Tom Masseau. "What they're being asked to do is hold the
>> leash and give the dog two or three simple commands to assist the boy
>> in his daily activities at school."
>>
>>
>>
>> Zachary's mother says Majesty is a critical part of Zachary's health.
>> The dog is specifically trained to work with epileptic patients.
>>
>>
>>
>> "Majesty has allowed Zachary to completely come off all his seizure
>> medication because she alerts to his seizures ahead of time," she said.
>> "We're solely reliant on her for seizure alert and this becomes a life
>> threatening situation if she's not allowed to attend."
>>
>>
>>
>> Superintendent Thurman argues that the dog isn't necessary for the boy
>> to attend school.
>>
>>
>>
>> "The most important aspect of this entire issue is the fact that the
>> child can be provided with an education with or without the service
>> animal," he wrote. "We have several students that deal with much the
>> same medical issue and we provide a registered nurse in every school
>> to support the health needs of all students."
>>
>>
>>
>> Sources: Fox News, Bayou Buzz
>>
>>
>>
>> Image Credit: Pawsitivity Service Dogs
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> What effect does losing $20 have on people? Watch what happens to
>> these 7
>>
>>
>>
>> Promoted by Prudential
>>
>> What effect does losing $20 have on people? Watch what happens to
>> these 7
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 7
>>
>>
>>
>> 1
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Hot Gallery of the Day
>>
>>
>>
>> 20 Kids Who Desperately Need A Better Role Model
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> AllGalleries
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 16 People Who Could Use Some Guidance At The Gym
>>
>>
>>
>> 16 People Who Could Use Some Guidance At The Gym
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> How 13 Famous Companies Got Their Brand Name
>>
>>
>>
>> How 13 Famous Companies Got Their Brand Name
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> A Photographic Story Of One Special Dog's Final Day
>>
>>
>>
>> A Photographic Story Of One Special Dog's Final Day
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 22 Hilariously Awkward Baby Photos
>>
>>
>>
>> 22 Hilariously Awkward Baby Photos
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Frankie Was In Bad Shape When They Found Him In The Gutter...
>>
>>
>>
>> Frankie Was In Bad Shape When They Found Him In The Gutter.....
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> The Baby Monkey Has Found Herself An (Unconventional) Family
>>
>>
>>
>> The Baby Monkey Has Found Herself An (Unconventional) Family
>>
>> .
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> MostPopular
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> article image
>>
>>
>>
>> Teen Gets 23 Years in Prison for Shooting Retired Police Dog
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> article image
>>
>>
>>
>> Police: Teenage Aunt Saves Niece From Abductor By Punching Him In The
>> Head
>> (Video)
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> article image
>>
>>
>>
>> Murderer Of Heroic 6-Year-Old Who Saved His Sister Found Guilty
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> article image
>>
>>
>>
>> Target Security Officer Allegedly Fired For Reporting Shoplifter To
>> Police
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> article image
>>
>>
>>
>> Woman Surprises Stepfather With Dream Car For Father's Day (Video)
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> OV Social
>>
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>> likeus
>>
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>> readus
>>
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>>
>>
>>
>> TopGalleries
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 16 People Who Could Use Some Guidance At The Gym
>>
>>
>>
>> 16 People Who Could Use Some Guidance At The Gym
>>
>>
>>
>> How 13 Famous Companies Got Their Brand Name
>>
>>
>>
>> How 13 Famous Companies Got Their Brand Name
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> A Photographic Story Of One Special Dog's Final Day
>>
>>
>>
>> A Photographic Story Of One Special Dog's Final Day
>>
>>
>>
>> 22 Hilariously Awkward Baby Photos
>>
>>
>>
>> 22 Hilariously Awkward Baby Photos
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Advertise With Us
>>
>> Civility 101
>>
>> FAQ
>>
>> Terms of use
>>
>> Privacy Policy
>>
>> About
>>
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>>
>> Careers
>>
>> News Partners
>>
>> Inquisitr
>>
>>
>>
>> About
>>
>> fbook icon twitter icon rss icon
>>
>> Founded in 2007, OpposingViews.com is an independent media site that
>> publishes original journalism on politics, social issues, religion,
>> sports and entertainment. Our editorial staff presents breaking news,
>> in-depth analysis and cutting-edge content around the clock. Based in
>> Los Angeles, we currently reach 15 million unique visitors every month.
>>
>>
>>
>> Entire site copyright 2008-2014, OpposingViews.com
>>
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>> - See more at:
>> http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/education/arkansas-school-refus
>> es-hol
>> d-leash-7-year-old-boy-s-service-dog?utm_source=PANTHEON_STRIPPED&utm_
>> medium
>> =PANTHEON_STRIPPED&utm_campaign=PANTHEON_STRIPPED#sthash.GuhzmefC.dpuf
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