Sunday, November 14, 2010

In Oregon, case trying to get autistic boy's service dog into school appears stalled

From The AP:

HILLSBORO, Ore. -- It's been a year since a civil rights complaint has been filed with the U.S. Department of Justice because a Hillsboro, Ore., boy with autism can't take his service dog to school.

But The Oregonian reports that the complaint appears stalled. In the meantime, 10-year-old Scooter Givens (pictured) is forbidden by the school district to bring his specially trained German shepherd, Madison, to Patterson Elementary School.

Wendy Givens says her son is prone to violent meltdowns. She says Madison helps keep her son calm and improves his access to education. The district argues that the boy's behavior can be controlled without his dog.

The newspaper says the Justice Department has declined comment on the investigation, other than to say it's ongoing.