Legislation to allow students with special needs to bring service animals to school was signed into law Monday. The law, sponsored by Assembly Democrats John J. Burzichelli, L. Grace Spencer, Vincent Prieto, Paul D. Moriarty and Angel Fuentes, allows a student classified as eligible for special education programs and services for autism or other developmental disability to bring a service animal in school buildings, including the classroom, and on school grounds. The law does not require the school to provide the service animal.
“All students regardless of disability deserve the best educational tools available to prosper academically,” said Burzichelli (D- Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland). “Allowing a student with autism or other developmental disability to bring a service animal to school will enhance the learning process and help the student reach his or her full potential.”
“Service animals can be trained to be a calming influence for students with autism or other developmental disabilities by providing a connection to the familiar in unfamiliar surroundings,” Spencer (D-Essex and Union). “This is especially important in a school setting, where an environment conducive to learning is key for students to succeed.”
“The needs of children with autism or other developmental disabilities are not limited to the home,” said Prieto (D- Bergen and Hudson). “Their needs extend to the classroom where they are expected to learn. If bringing a service animal to school helps these students better navigate the learning process, there’s no reason to deny them that.”
Under the law, a school official may inquire about the necessity of the service animal and the tasks the service animal will perform, if the information is not readily apparent.
A school official may require certification from a veterinarian that the service animal has been properly vaccinated, and documentation that a license has been obtained for the service animal, if one is required by the municipality where the student resides. The law stipulates that the school is not responsible for the care or supervision of the service animal, but does require the school to make reasonable accommodations for its care and feeding.
“Every child deserves a fair shot at a solid education. Service animals have proven to be tremendous assets for children with disabilities, breaking down educational and social barriers,” said Moriarty (D-Camden/Gloucester). “A service animal can help a child with a disability better learn and better socialize with other children in the classroom.”
“A child with a disability must work harder. A service animal helps ease the burden by providing a reassuring force that helps the child prosper academically and even socially,” said Fuentes (D-Camden/Gloucester). “Schools will not be obligated to provide the service animal, but simply allow them to accompany the child. Considering the benefits these animals can provide children with disabilities, it is well worth the effort.” TLS.
Another feel good piece of legislation sponsored by the Democrats who seem to think everything else is OK with the ship of state. While there are no arguments to the merits to this bill, aren’t there more urgent matters to be dealt with? These guys are like the band on the Titanic!
What happens if this dog is in my sons class and my son is terrified of this animal.
I think this law is crazy. They only think of themselves never the other person.
I will fight this if any animal comes into my sons class in SCHI
ot #2 most of these animals are trained for one purpose only and that is to help the child in need, the animal will always lay down at the side of the child or adult, it will not bother anyone. I think this is a wonderful idea, as a matter of fact the was a dog recently in the news who is the smallest service dog on the planet who made the guiness book, her name is LUCY she is a yorkie weighing in at only 2pounds so this service dog is just the right size.
#2 read your post!!! Who are you thinking of…YOURSELF!!!! And the sad part is you can’t even see it, I feel sorry for you.
Great to hear!
A great idea !
To #2 “I will fight this if any animal comes into my sons class in SCHI”
if this becomes law you have no grounds to fight it ,again we have people in this town who think they can pick and choose what laws they want to obey ~ does not work that way!
I think this is a great idea, when my daughter was in the hospital I will never forget what her face looked like when TOBY came to visit, I can’t tell you what a joy it was to have this dog visit, it made all of us smile for a moment. just those few minutes made us forget why she was there. this is the best thing to happen. she is now well and my grandson is the best
To number 2 , I’m sorry to say this but that is very selfish. It has been proven and there have been many miraculous stories of how service animals have SAVED the lives of children with disabilities. Dogs noses are so much stronger than humans that certain breeds of dogs have been able to alert children’s parents BEFORE their child has a possible fatal seizure or before a child’s sugar levels drop so low that they go into a diabetic coma. Maybe if you actually gave these gentle animals a chance you would see they are not terrifying beasts. Animals sense when someone is afraid or doesn’t like them and that;s what puts an animal on edge. Not all dogs are the same. When you group dogs as all being vicious monsters its the same as grouping certain groups of people together as being bad drivers, criminals etc