Hey there, folks! Welcome back to Part 2 of our journey through the world of teaching with a service dog. Buckle up because today, we're diving deep into some real talk about the challenges that come with finding a teaching job and getting clients when you've got a furry companion by your side.
But before we dive in, let's do a quick recap of Part 1. We talked about the joys and triumphs of teaching with a service dog and introduced my amazing teacher assistant, Estrellita – the one and only. She's not just any dog; she's a certified Service Dog. And not just any service dog, mind you – she's a Medical Alert Dog and a PSD, and let me tell you, she's the best Cavalier King Charles Spaniel you'll ever meet. Yep, she's as wonderful as she sounds.
Now, onto Part 2 – the challenges. You see, despite the invaluable aid that Estrellita provides, navigating the world of employment and clientele can be a bit of a maze when you have a service animal. It's like trying to find your way through a forest without a map tripping over unseen obstacles – It’s tricky, to say the least. So, I really do help that these blogs will help my fellow educators with service dogs with the knowledge and confidence that they need when it comes to teaching.
Even off the clock she will come to me when she senses something is off. She will climb on me to lay on my desk sometimes as I teach online. I could at least make sure she is comfortable.
Alright, let's tackle a tough topic – discrimination in the workplace, specifically for individuals with service dogs looking to land teaching jobs. It's a sad reality, but one that we can't ignore.
First off, let's talk about how common this discrimination really is. Unfortunately, it's all too prevalent. Imagine this: you've aced the interview, wowed them with your skills, and then, just when you think you've sealed the deal, you drop the bombshell – you have a service dog. Suddenly, the tone changes, and you're met with resistance.
But don't just take my word for it – let me share one of my experiences. I was interviewing for a professor position at a university in Southern California. The interview was going swimmingly; the interviewer was impressed with my background and loved my mock lesson. Then, I drop the bomb – I mention that I have a service dog.
And just like that, the tone shifted. The interviewer hesitated and said, "We don't accept pets." Diplomatically, I explained that my service dog isn't a pet – she's a working dog, trained to assist me with my disabilities. But despite my efforts to educate him about ADA laws and my rights, he remained adamant – "We don't allow pets."
Instances like these highlight the misinformation and confusion surrounding service animals. Despite federal laws protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities, discrimination still rears its ugly head, fueled by misconceptions and different forms of ignorance. I even called the human resources of that University and shared what had happened. Providing constructive feedback and educating others about people with service dogs is crucial. The lady that I spoke to was very apologetic and felt bad. When I made that phone call it wasn’t because I was angry, I got into my protective mode for others and to help share the knowledge.
Knowledge is power. By shedding light on these discriminatory practices and advocating for our rights, we can create a more inclusive and accepting environment for individuals with service animals in the workplace. We need to keep fighting the and standing up for what's right – one paw print at a time. 🐾
One of my students had a cat that just had to greet the guest. When I visit my students’ homes I always bring a carrier out of respect for my clients.
But what about the tutors out there? I have owned a tutoring business since 2009. I can not verbalize the emotions which included both excitement and fear when I was prescribed a service dog. Even though at the time I was teaching 100% online it still scared me about getting clients and everything. Then when I decided to do a combo of online and in-person. I was so worried. Would students be ok of me having a service dog? These were one of the questions that was running through my head.
Disclosing the presence of a service dog to potential clients. It's like walking a tightrope – on one hand, you want to be transparent and upfront about it, but on the other, you worry about how they'll react.
And boy, do they react. Common concerns and misconceptions abound when it comes to working with an educator who has a service animal. "Will the dog be a distraction?" "Can we trust the dog around our children?" Sound familiar? Yep, these are just a few of the questions that may pop up in potential clients' minds.
I try not to let it get me down. Instead, I take the time to address their concerns, dispel any misconceptions, and showcase the incredible bond I have with my service dog. And you know what? More often than not, they come around. Because at the end of the day, it's not about the dog – it's about the quality of education and support that I can provide. And fun fact did you know that dogs can help people learn better? I will be writing a separate blog on that in the near future. At the time, I’m writing this blog, I’m actually training Estrellita to be a therapy dog to help students at schools!
Alright, let's switch gears and talk about how schools handle the presence of service dogs, particularly when it comes to educators like us. It's a topic that's not always black and white, but with a little knowledge and understanding, we can navigate through it together.
First things first – how do schools verify the legitimacy of service dogs accompanying educators? Well, it varies from school to school, but typically, they may request documentation or certification from the handler to confirm that the service dog is indeed trained to assist with a disability. Yes, I know. That they are not allowed to ask that. Just like everywhere else, they are supposed to ask those 2 questions. Schools cannot not just say you may not enter or not teach there because they didn’t see the “evidence”. What they should do is bring it up to a school property and/or facility and/or school function then must be directed to the Superintendent, designee, or school site administer and deem that your service dog as “appropriate”. Sometimes, they might also observe the dog's behavior and interactions to ensure they're well-trained and well-behaved.
Now, let's talk legal rights and accommodations. As educators with service animals, we're protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), which grants us the right to have our service dogs accompany us in educational settings. This means schools are legally obligated to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure our service dogs can do their job effectively.
But here's the biggest thing – communication is key. It's essential for educators to effectively communicate with schools about their service dogs and ensure their rights are respected. This might involve having open and honest discussions with school administrators for accommodations that meet both the needs of the educator and the students.
And let's not forget about strategies for navigating these conversations. Whether it's educating school staff about the role of service dogs, addressing any concerns or misconceptions they may have, or collaborating on a plan to ensure the smooth integration of the service dog into the educational environment, there are plenty of ways to approach the situation positively and proactively.
We've covered a lot of ground today, haven't we? From the challenges of finding employment to navigating client interactions, it's been quite the journey. But before we wrap things up, let's take a moment to reflect on what we've learned.
First off, let's talk challenges. Whether it's facing discrimination in the job market or overcoming misconceptions from potential clients, educators with service dogs have their fair share of hurdles to jump. But hey, we're a resilient bunch, aren't we? With a little perseverance and a whole lot of determination, we can overcome anything that comes our way.
But here's the thing – we can't do it alone. Addressing misinformation and advocating for inclusivity are crucial steps in creating a more accepting and understanding environment for educators with service dogs. Whether it's educating employers, clients, or colleagues about the role of service animals, every conversation counts.
So, let's keep the dialogue going. Let's keep educating, advocating, and sharing our stories. Together, we can promote understanding and acceptance of service animals in the teaching profession and beyond. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about us – it's about creating a world where everyone, furry companions included, can thrive. So here's to embracing inclusivity, championing diversity, and paving the way for a brighter future!