SD and school?

[TwitterMouse]

I'm giving college another try.
I have a question though, because I've had nothing but bad experiences when it comes to my service dog and schools (heck, I had to fight like crazy just to be not suspended for bringing him to high school).
Where does it say that school rules can be different than ADA standards?
I thought access laws for ADA said that people can't ask for a doctor's note. Why can a community college require one? I'd understand maybe if it was a private school, but it's not. I'm not asking the college to do anything different, I don't need extra test time or anything, and I'm getting my own tutors. Why are they allowed to require a doctor's note when other places aren't? Am I missing something somewhere?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I cannot specifically answer this question; you might want to contact a New Jersey advocate office for specific information. However, my understanding is that a service animal had to be able to something for you that you cannot do for yourself. There more than likely is a difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal.

You might be asked for proof that the dog is a trained and/or certified service animal. I think they can also ask to specify what services the animal will perform for you that cannot be perfromed by you.

Note that I am not attempting to directly answer your question but only provide some guidance.

 

[pezter]

I'm giving college another try.
I have a question though, because I've had nothing but bad experiences when it comes to my service dog and schools (heck, I had to fight like crazy just to be not suspended for bringing him to high school).
Where does it say that school rules can be different than ADA standards?
I thought access laws for ADA said that people can't ask for a doctor's note. Why can a community college require one? I'd understand maybe if it was a private school, but it's not. I'm not asking the college to do anything different, I don't need extra test time or anything, and I'm getting my own tutors. Why are they allowed to require a doctor's note when other places aren't? Am I missing something somewhere?

I currently attend school with a SD and have had problems with security but have never been asked for a doctor's note. The only thing I can think of is that the college I attend requires a note for any type of in class accommodation, probably to eliminate any potential abuse. The campus I attend has an office for students with disabilities. Maybe they can help, unless they are the problem?

 

[WendyisDarling]

This is a good document
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/animal.htm

If the school is still questioning your use of SD, file a complaint with Office of Civil Rights. Hint: sometimes if you mention you are going to file a complaint with OCR (and it is legit), problems mysteriously resolve.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

They do and they get away with it somehow. Schools are s'posed to be under the ADA, not above it. They always seem to ask for proof of disability before providing any accommodations (not just service dog access).

Contact the DOJ Hotline and talk to them. Also, you can talk to an advocate or lawyer in your area, if need be.

One lady on a list I'm on has had a really hard time with her school - they even forced her to get a certain hearing test done with the results going to them (the dog is a hearing ear dog) and even her doctor is fighting with them, trying to tell them they can't ask for that and for more than that and all.

It isn't easy with most schools of any level, from what I hear! There are some students and even some teachers who do go to school every day with their service dogs, though! Keep up the fight!!

(By the way, religious entities aren't under the ADA. If your school is a religious entity and doesn't get any federal funding [i.e. students with scholarships], it isn't under the ADA, but if it does get any kind of federal funding, then it is under the ADA, from what I have been told.)