We have recently encountered discrimination against our 16 year old daughter because she has a service dog. She has attended a church camp in our district for several years. Now that she has a medical condition that necessitates the use of a service dog, she is being denied the opportunity to attend. The district contact has said that he is not familiar with students who have "special needs." However, as a former member, I know many students who have attended and had a multitude of medical conditions and special needs, including autism. I am quite disheartened that "the body of Christ" would turn away a young person who wants to spend a week of her summer pursuing God. I know that this discrimination has greatly wounded her spirit, as she expected acceptance from the church.
Posted in: Q & A on the ADA: The Church and the Americans With Disabilities Act
We have recently encountered discrimination against our 16 year old daughter because she has a service dog. She has attended a church camp in our district for several years. Now that she has a medical condition that necessitates the use of a service dog, she is being denied the opportunity to attend. The district contact has said that he is not familiar with students who have "special needs." However, as a former member, I know many students who have attended and had a multitude of medical conditions and special needs, including autism. I am quite disheartened that "the body of Christ" would turn away a young person who wants to spend a week of her summer pursuing God. I know that this discrimination has greatly wounded her spirit, as she expected acceptance from the church.