A South Australian public highschool has lastly allowed a student’s help canine on campus after the household says they spent a 12 months attempting to hunt approval.
Logan Reese, 12, took his help canine, Hunter, to main college with him for 3 years for assist together with his epilepsy, autism and cerebral palsy.
WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Help canine allowed in SA college after mom complains of discrimination.
Watch the newest information and stream without cost on 7plus >>
Nonetheless, in February 2002 – a 12 months earlier than Logan was as a result of begin at Murray Bridge Excessive College – mum Murianna Reese mentioned she suggested the varsity her son would nonetheless want Hunter with him when he transitioned from main college, however was advised the canine was not allowed.
She mentioned workers had been involved different youngsters may have allergy symptoms or may very well be uncomfortable with a canine on college grounds.
“Hunter is basically necessary to Logan – he is his companion, his assist,” Murianna advised Sunrise on Wednesday.
“He is skilled to alert folks to Logan’s seizures.”
Murianna mentioned she continued to contact the varsity all through final 12 months, looking for permission, however was not given approval for Hunter to attend college with Logan this 12 months.
She then emailed a grievance to the principal, together with the state premier and schooling minister.
Logan attended the primary two weeks of highschool this 12 months with out Hunter, who helps him really feel assured in social settings and reduces his anxiousness about seizures, Murianna mentioned.
“Logan (has) cried and begged to not go to high school due to the actual fact Hunter could not be there,” she mentioned.
On the day the household spoke to Dawn, additionally they attended a pre-arranged assembly with the varsity principal and schooling division – after which that they had some excellent news.
The South Australian Division for Training introduced that, whereas it had already offered a assist officer for Logan in school, it might additionally now accommodate his want for an help canine.
A division spokesperson famous it was a “complicated” scenario and the varsity needed to take into account the wants of different college students, together with if that they had allergy symptoms.
“Murray Bridge Excessive College has been working carefully with the household in the direction of a constructive decision for Logan and the remainder of his classmates,” the spokesperson mentioned.
“The division may also present a canine handler to take care of his canine whereas it’s on-site supporting Logan. The recruitment for this function has already begun.”
Hunter the canine is ready to start orientation on the college quickly. Canine coaching may also be offered to high school workers, the spokesperson mentioned.
Murianna mentioned she felt like her advocacy for Logan and Hunter had paid off.
“Anybody with a incapacity has simply the identical quantity of human rights as everybody else,” she mentioned.
– With Sowaibah Hanifie
