Cypress School District in Orange County is refusing to allow a six-year-old boy with severe autism to bring his service dog to school. By denying the child with a disability his legally required accommodation, the district is violating his civil rights. On May 3, the Disability Rights Legal Center, along with co-counsel, Winston & Strawn LLP, filed a motion for preliminary injunction in federal court compelling the district to accommodate the child's use of his service dog. Diagnosed when he was two-years-old, the boy's autism is severe. He is non-verbal, has a low cognitive level and difficulty interacting with others. His service dog Eddy, a Golden Retriever, was trained by Autism Service Dogs of America for nearly two years, beginning when Eddy was eight weeks old. As part of the dog's training he was placed in a special education class with children who have autism. "By not allowing this student to bring his service dog to school, the district is damaging the bond between him and his service dog, thereby making his service dog less effective in his daily life," said Shawna Parks, Legal Director of the Disability Rights Legal Center. "Schools are still behind the times when it comes to service dogs for students with autism. But when you look at the research and track record of these dogs it is clear they are very effective. Moreover, the law is explicit that people with disabilities have a right to use their service dogs, including at public schools." Read the press release. 

Steve Cuellar, DRLC Litigation Assistant, was selected for an Award of Merit from the Legal Aid Association of California for his exemplary work in improving access to justice as a paralegal at the Disability Rights Legal Center. Mr. Cuellar was cited for his emphatic handling of client's legal issues as well as his outstanding professionalism and good nature. The Association will present the award to Mr. Cuellar at a June 7th reception in Los Angeles.

Jamie Ledezma, Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC) Staff Attorney, joined 2,000 participants at the Third Annual Susan G. Komen Northern Indiana Race for the Cure in South Bend, Indiana, last weekend. Komen Northern Indiana awarded the CLRC a grant to provide essential cancer-related legal information and resources to the Northern Indiana breast cancer community. Ms. Ledezma offered a wealth of information on various topics including clinical trials, financial assistance and disability insurance to dozens of race participants, attendees and other grantees at the CLRC Booth and was also available to answer questions for patients, survivors, caregivers and health care professionals.