My 3 year old daughter, Adalynne (Addie) has special needs and attends a local special needs school.

Addie has a host of medical problems, but you would never know by looking at her as it doesn't get her down. She has a rare lung disease and a brain malformation along with Autism. She has little to know impulse control and a seizure disorder and gets chronic lung infections. Three weeks ago we brought home a service dog for Addie -- a loving GoldenDoodle named Data. He has been a total lifesaver and he is AWESOME.

But now, Addie’s school is not allowing Data to come to school.  This is against the American for Disabilities Act. The school says that in New Jersey (where we live), there is a law that requires Data to have an adult handler, since Addie is so young.  However, Data's official Federal service dog ID clearly states that he is a service dog to Adalynne with an adult handler. A service dog is considered DME (durable medical equipment) just as a wheelchair, nebulizer, etc.

New Jersey needs to clarify this law, clearly stating that a service dog is DME, should not to be ever denied admittance into a school, and it is the aide's responsibility to tend to the service dog, just as they would a wheelchair or any other piece of DME.

I feel this is imperative so that other children are not denied access to service dogs like my daughter has been.  Let's make this change/law happen in Addie's name.

Thank you for listening -

Most sincerely,

Samantha Gill, Addie's Mom.

www.addies4everfriend.org

Facebook: Addies 4ever Friend 

www.4pawsforability.org

Instagram: sammyegill #addies4everfriend

Suggested changes: New Jersey Law Statute, Title 18A:46-13.3. Permitted access for service animals in school buildings http://law.onecle.com/new-jersey/18a-education/46-13.3.html  Addie's 4ever Friend Law would add:

Section D: Should the student with the disability be unable to handle the service dog due to young age, the Service Dog (which is already considered to be Durable Medical Equipment) will be under the direct care and handling of the student's 1:1 aide in the classroom. Should the student not have an aide in the classroom, the aide will then have an aide provided at the school district's expense. This plan will be reflected and reviewed in detail in the student's IEP. There will be no delay in the start of school with the student and service dog. The service dog and the student shall not be separated as to not disconnect this bond.

Section E: The service dog will always be permitted to ride the public/private school bus with the student(s) to and  from school. The service dog will not block the aisle or egress/rear fire door. The service dog will sit in the same row as the student in front of one empty seat next to the student. The service dog will remain on the lead/leash and under the handlers control at all times, as stated in Section D: the handler will  be the 1:1 aide should the student be of young age. If the student does not have a 1:1 aide, the district will provide one for the bus/transportation.