I dont know if anyone has knowledge about the laws associated with leader dogs but here is my dilema. I have a young Martial arts student who is blind. He was given the gift of a leader dog from Foundation Mira in Canada. His parents went there because in the states you must be over 18 to qualify for one of our organiztions. Our school district is giving him and his parents alot of greif because of the dog. She is a Labornise which is a breed that Mira developed and she is priceless for the service she provides to this very special young man. The school district wants the parents to sign a waiver of liability, and a contract that states every school year they will reveiw whether or not they will allow the dog back into the school. From the start they opposed having the dog in school. They gave his parents an ultimatum to sign within 30 days or they will take further action to stop her from comming to school. This young man has been given the gift of eyes which this wonderful canine has provided. I worked with him and his dog twice a week for the first couple months she is amazing and he is a great handler. If anyone has knowledge about the pricise laws concerning leader dogs in schools and the protocole please post it. Quinn is the first person in the United States under the age of 18 to have a leader dog, and he has earned it. He is also the first blind child in the United States to attain a black belt, that he did this summer. So again any help would be greatly appreiciated the clock is ticking. The more information I can get the better equiped we will be to fight for Qunn and Koda.

If the dog is from a credited school, I'm not familiar with "mira", but he would be protected under the law. The precise law I have forgotton, but you can contact that school and they will know. Or check out the "delta society" they might have information. HIs school would be in BIG trouble for doing what you have described. It really sounds strange. What state do you live in? Are you in the city or country. Also check with different guide dog schools in the U.S. they would be able to give you the specifics.

Thanks for the help. We live in Marinette WI and I think that the school district because of their ignorance to the dissabled and their lack of knowledge is just trying to throw their weight around. I will do what has been suggested Thanks again

Thank you for your interest. We handled the situation to a positive. I contacted the ADA and they were very interested in what the shcool district was trying to pull. After a stern talking to from them they have become ever so accomidating. This is an amazing animal!

Glad to hear that all worked out well, it is amazing to me that such ignorance and negativity towards a service dog exists here in the USA!!! I thought that everyone was pretty much up to speed on the ADA, so this was a real surprise to me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
My kids are in Karate now and to see how difficult it is to learn all of the moves, this young man is to be commended on his accomplishments and I wish him all the best.