The District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) is committed to providing a supportive learning environment that fosters independence, dignity and respect. We provide a range of differentiated placements and programs to support student success and we strive to ensure that the principal of equity of opportunity is reflected and valued in our learning environment. It is the policy of the DSBN, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, to provide individualized accommodation to students with disabilities to enable them to have meaningful access to education services.
Pursuant to the Education Act and regulations, a school building is not a place to which the public is customarily admitted. Each request to have a Guide Dog, Service Dog or Service Animal accompany a student while attending school or a school related event, will be reviewed individually by the DSBN. The request will consider the student’s dignity, independence and disability-related learning needs and the accommodations available to enable meaningful access to education.
The process of accommodation shall also consider the competing human rights of other students and of staff; the impact of the Guide Dog, Service Dog or Service Animal on the learning environment; and the health and safety of all individuals who are or might be in the school, on school grounds or at a school-related event.
The DSBN encourages any family considering the acquisition of a Guide Dog, Service Dog or Service Animal to meet with the school principal before making a commitment.
The Board shall retain data regarding the requests for Guide Dogs, Service Dogs and Service Animals.