A boy with autism is disappointed that his service dog isn’t being allowed into his Waterloo, Ont., school.
Fourth-grader Jack Baldwin said Jensen the dog helps him with his schoolwork, by offering hugs when he gets frustrated.
Jack’s mother, Donna Baldwin, said Jensen has gone to hockey arenas, a church, a hospital and the mall without problems, but the Waterloo Catholic District School Board won’t allow him past the front door of St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School.
Ian Ashworth, head trainer at Dog Guides Canada, said his organization has given 250 dogs across Canada to children with autism, including Jack, and he knows of dozens of cases where they are allowed in schools.
He said Waterloo Catholic District School Board has been the “toughest” to deal with. Another of the board’s students has also had a service dog banned, he said.
Ashworth and Baldwin met with the principal at St. Teresa, who told them their board policy does not allow the dogs, Ashworth said. Baldwin added that the principal told her that other students’ needs must also be taken into account.
Ashworth called the decision “very disheartening.”
“Accessibility is not up for discussion,” he said.
The Baldwins have received support in local MPP Catherine Fife, who said she plans to bring a petition forward at Queen’s Park calling on employers and schools to “understand that therapy dogs play an important role in ensuring accommodations for those with special needs.”
Baldwin said she hopes the issued can be resolved through discussion, rather than a complaint to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
With a report from CTV Kitchener’s Abigail Bimman
