Bill dealing with disabilities clears Senate committee

By CHELYEN DAVIS

RICHMOND--

Disabled children would be able to take service dogs to school under a bill passed by a Senate committee yesterday.

The bill requires schools to comply with provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The measure, sponsored by Del. Mark Cole, R-Spotsylvania, defines schools as public entities, which means they have to abide by the ADA, including allowing service dogs.

The bill was inspired by Matt Hooios, a 10-year-old Stafford County child disabled by x-linked hydrocephalus. Matt has a service dog, a golden retriever and Labrador mix named Calder. But he is not allowed to take Calder to school with him at Margaret Brent Elementary School.

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Disability bill in Virginia