School Allows Autistic Boy, But Bans His Helper Dog

by Alison Leithner · 2010-12-03 05:30:00 UTC
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In Collier County, Florida, an autistic, seizure-prone 6-year-old named J.C. isn’t allowed to bring his medicine to school.  Why not?  Because his prescription is Pepsi, a service dog.

Elizabeth Lasanta, J.C.’s mom, spent months trying to find help for her son. Finally, she found Pepsi, a golden retriever. Pepsi is trained to recognize when J.C. is going to have a seizure, prevent him from falling and injuring himself and call attention to the boy to ensure that he gets the help he needs. On a daily basis, the dog reduces the disruptive behaviors caused by J.C.’s autism, making it possible for the little boy to function.

Estates Elementary and the Collier County School District have been made aware of the great service that Pepsi does for J.C. and yet, they still won’t allow the dog to come to school with the boy. According to the principal, the school’s “individualized education play” is enough to “provide…an appropriate education.” Well, that’s good. And if Pepsi’s role was solely to help J.C. learn, then that would have been the end of the story. Except that Pepsi’s job is much bigger than just helping his master learn. Pepsi keeps the boy safe; something individualized education play cannot do.

The school also suggested that Ms. Lasanta wanted Pepsi to go to school so that he and J.C. could “bond.” Clearly, both Estates Elementary and the school district are missing the point completely. Service dogs are not household pets that are poorly trained and fun but unnecessary. They are tools used to help handicapped people. They don’t just lie on the couch and eat shoes and play fetch. They provide medical assistance to people who need it. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, tools such as service dogs are allowed in public places – that includes schools.

When businesses and public spaces restrict entry to service dogs, they are breaking the law. Tell Collier County School District to follow federal law and allow Pepsi and J.C. to go to school together.

Photo credit: Elizabeth Lasanta

Alison Leithner got her M.A. at American University and teaches English as a Second Language to adults and university students.

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