COLUMBIA, IL (KTVI-FOX2now.com)—
Even in the face of a court order, the Columbia, Illinois, school district is refusing to allow a boy with autism to take his specially trained service dog to school. Wednesday, Carter Kalbfleisch, 5, is starting school somewhere else. "You would think that any district would be willing to go that extra mile to help a child with special needs," his mother, Melissa said Tuesday night. "It's kind of disheartening." Carter Kalbfleisch starts classes at Illinois Center for Autism in Fairview Heights, as a vastly changed little boy since he got his service dog, Corbin, this summer.The school's staff here has never dealt with a service dog. After meeting Carter and seeing the impact of his Corbin, they can't say 'no'.
Just in the span of his month-long court battle, the difference in Carter has been astounding.
When FOX 2 first brought you his story last month, he was distant, silent. His mother called it a triumph just to get him to the swingset without a tantrum. She marveled at simply being able to take him out of the house. The changes were so slight it was hard for anyone but his parents to see them.
Now Carter's downright charming; progress coming daily since he got Corbin. Carter smiled, laughed, and sang throughout his entire visit with a FOX 2 News crew Tuesday.
"It was worth the wait, it was worth the money, it is worth the fight. We have a changed life here at the Kalbfleisch home," his mom said.
Carter and Corbin will go to school together, but 30 miles from home, while his case is tied up in appeals.
The Columbia School District has to pay part of the transportation cost and continue using taxpayer money to fight the case, even though state law and a court order says they have to allow the dog at school. District officials will not comment on the case.
In court, an attorney for the district first argued the courts had no jurisdiction over the case. When that failed, she cited concerns from the family of another student who's allergic to dogs.
The staff at Carter's new school is thrilled to have them, especially after Carter's meeting with his new teacher.
"He greeted her with a huge smile and climbed right up her and gave her hug; knew immediately who she was, and it was just wonderful for all of us to see," said principal, Sandra Rodenberg.
She knew of no research to explain the impact of animals on people with autism, but said that impact was consistent. The other students seemed to warm up to Corbin during a 'get acquainted' visit. "It never really created much of a disturbance at all. A few of the kids stopped and smiled, and said 'hi doggie' and went on about their business."
"He's a changed boy," his mother beamed. "Before, we didn't get to see that in him. He wasn't this happy, kind, boy that he's become."
She said Carter seemed to know Corbin was his, unconditionally. Right away he sensed the dog responded to him without frustration or heartache over his autism; which could be hard for people. As a result, the real "Carter" started coming out.
Her husand, Chris, said the legal fees and costs associated with Corbin and training was approaching $50,000.
He and his wife vowed to keep fighting until Carter and Corbin can go to school where they said they were supposed to be going: where they live.
