OT Service dogs and schools

[LockShockBarrel]

I agree that it sounds like having the dog on that crowded of a bus would be a safety hazard, not only for the teen but for the dog as well. If they do decide she needs to be on a bus by herself with the dog, I think it's a good decision but they need to have the bus pick her up AT her house, not by it.

I also don't agree with adding the name and the reason for the dog in the letter. That's a privacy issue. I mean it's nice that they're trying to let everyone know the specifics if you look at it from an educational standpoint, but at the same time, the fact that any student needs a service dog for any reason should be enough information.

 

[Anne MN]

There are already 9 kids on this bus. If they had to split the route anyway, why not let teen and dog ride with her friends? my DD's and our neighbor? we are all within 1/4 mile of eachother and the bus can only take 2 chairs. my DD and the neighbors, so if they try to put another kid with a chair on the bus, where are they going to put it?

I don't know what the district is thinking- DD did not use her chair at the end of school last year- school is much smaller and she had all the time in the world to switch classes. high school at least 2 times the size of previous school- switching classes is 3min. DD would have a hard time walking down a crowded hallway to get to class, let alone she is so small she would get run over. she is going to start the school year with her chair and see how things go. she likes the safety and a little distance- away from getting run over- her chair gives her- they need to bring in a desk from elementary school for her- she is the size of a 3rd grader- 52 in tall and now she is 56lbs!!! so there is a real danger to her in the halls with kids who are the size of her dad- 6'2"