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Michigan Girl Wins Battle with School–Supreme Court Sides with Her

Michigan Girl Wins Battle with School–Supreme Court Sides with Her

admin No Comments February 28, 2017
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Advocates for service dogs won a round in Michigan recently. Groups representing Ehlena Fry, a 13-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, now have the right to argue the case in court, without the need for lengthy administrative work.

The Supreme Court ruling doesn’t finish the matter. Actually, it just opens the door to pursuing the court case. The school district fought the ruling, insisting that the problem could be solved less expensively with “administrative remedies.”

Wonder Makes Ehlena’s Life Easier

The dog in question is Wonder, a Goldendoodle service dog, He is trained to pick things up, open doors and do other everyday jobs that give the girl greater independence. Ehlena’s mobility problems and disability made it difficult to handle a wide range of routine tasks as she navigated the school day.

Since Ehlena was in kindergarten, the school system has resisted efforts to let the dog accompany her to class. They felt that school aides could assist Ehlena, and the dog was unnecessary.

Over time the school district eased up a bit. It allowed the dog to accompany her, but put a host of restrictions on what the dog could do and where it could go.

Eventually, Ehlena’s family decided to homeschool her. Finally, they enrolled her in a school district in the area that actually welcomed the dog.

What Was the Problem with a Service Dog? 

Many people, hearing the story, could only shake their heads. Aren’t service dogs allowed everywhere, legally?

The answer is “most of the time.” In Ehlena’s and Wonder’s case, two disability laws collided. According to the school, the Disabilities Education Act gave them the right to keep the dog out because they had teacher’s aids to do the job the dog was doing.

But the family said the Americans with Disabilities Act gave Ehlena the right to have Wonder with her in school, whether aides were available or not. For that reason, they are suing the school for damages, with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union.

The judge ruled that the family can pursue their suit, but pointed out that the final decision of the court might go against the family.‘

There is good news. At 13, Ehlena can now attend classes without Wonder. Her mobility has improved and she is far more independent that she was in her younger years, when she relied heavily on the dog.

Register Your Service Dog 

It’s important to get the credentials of your service dog in order, just in case questions arise. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is at USA Service Dog Registration. It only takes a few minutes to follow the three easy steps on the website. And it’s free!

USA Service Dog Registration also has an online store with a full line of service dog items. These include patches, vests and handles, collars and leashes, ID cards and tags and digital certificates.

The website has a Service Dog Information page that answers common questions, like:

  • Where service dogs are allowed
  • The need to control a service dog
  • What types of questions business owners can ask
  • Conditions that service dogs help with

The goal of USA Service Dog Registration is to get every service dog and emotional support dog registered quickly and easily. They understand how essential these animals are for independence and comfort. People with support animals need them to accomplish everyday tasks that others take for granted.

Stop by the USA Service Dog Registration website today to register your dog and find practical accessories that help when you take him out in public.

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SERVICE DOG ID CARD USA Service Animal Registration Your Service Dog ID card will include our convenient QR Code for a quick scan link to our registry lookup. By simply entering your dog\'s registration number your official registered profile will be accessible for quick verification in the event the validity of your service dog is ever questioned. 2054
$29.99
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5 12634
- by , March 25, 2011
1/ 1stars
Horrible. My letter wasn't accepted and I am forced to live somewhere else now. Never again.
Great experience - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Overall easy to purchase and register.
One more step - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
I will be satisfied when I get a fax number to send my apartment complex paperwork to be filled out
Did not receive order - by , March 25, 2011
1/ 1stars
I made a purchase on 3/9/2023 and it is now 3/23/2023 and I have yet to receive my package in the mail. I also can not get ahold of anyone at the company to check on my order.
Very thin - by , March 25, 2011
3/ 3stars
The vest is thin, not sure how long it will hold up. Love the cards tho they are nice and help show registration
Housing Letter - by , March 25, 2011
3/ 3stars
Well, they did email my letter, although my understanding was to also send a hardcopy in the mail. I never received this. I paid serious money, with a budget of disability so no choice but to send this disgruntled review
Dog tags - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Great I love how fast you receive service
- by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
I did not see a place to unload my photo
Great Customer Service - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Excellent and gentle people. Caring and Loving Staff
amazing great nice perfect - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Perfect service awesome experience
Teronica - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
It was nothing less than amazing. Very sweet therapist , very kind & understanding
Excellent Service - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
You were very helpful as I worked on the registration and determined what to order. Thank you very much to Carolyn and Lori for their email and phone assistance.
Great experiences - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
The vest is very lightweight and fits my dog perfectly. Thank you for helping in this process
Exceptional Service - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Great, thorough
Great Customer Service - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Great customer service. expedient process, easy to access resources
USA Service Dog Registration - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
USA SDR ia a wonderful company. They're quick to respond and make purchases easy, quick . The instructions and explanation are to the letter. This is the third time I have used them. If in the future I need a new dog registered I will only use them.
Easy to complete - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Great ! This site made it so easy to complete
UsA Service Dog Registration - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
What a great experience. Everything was straight forward and easy to use. Got my card within 3 days of ordering
Order Correction - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
I made a mistake and ordered the Deluxe ESA package and included the letter I didn't need. With a Very quickly returned - Super friendly, helpful and Honest phone call, the matter was resolved and my order was edited and will be out to me ASAP. Please thank her for me on behalf of me and my partner Blue! The speed of everything was great, but the Kindness of my agent- I can't remember her name! - was Unreal.
- by , March 25, 2011
1/ 1stars
Good have not. Received card yet