Public school forbids epileptic girl from bringing her service dog to class

SHERRARD, Ill., May 23 (UPI) -- School officials in Illinois banned an 8-year-old epileptic girl from bringing her service dog to school after an incident between the animal and a teacher.

According to her family and lawyers, Kellsey McGuire requires the presence of her service dog, Jasper, as he is trained to respond when she has an epileptic seizure.

"Kellsey has had seizures in the past where she stopped breathing and she goes unresponsive and she turns blue," Kellsey's mother Brandi told local reporters.

It's very important that Jasper is there. I mean he is her furry little angel. He is the one that comes and tells us when she is having a seizure.

According to nonprofit Ribbons for Kellsey, Jasper was banned from school grounds after an incident with Kellsey's art teacher.

"This was a piece of medical equipment that was denied for her basically," said April Bowlyou of Ribbons for Kellsey. "It violate[s] the Americans with disabilities act."

Kellsey has been enrolled at a local Catholic school where Jasper is allowed to assist her.