I am sorry that you have such severe allergies. I'm sure had the family with the dog known it was causing you discomfort they would have gladly moved.
That said you need to contact your state Rep or Senator to have the ADA changed. Currently allergies are not considered a disability. Most likely because they are situational and can be treated. Plus that would also open the door to people with allergies qualifying for SSDI. I have to admit, I'd gladly give up my large lab service dog and even have my child take on your child's allergy if it ment my child not having severe autism.
I hope you have success finding air to breathe.
This is not correct(bolded), and one of the more narrow minded popular opinions found on this board. In the past Sue has done a good job of not allowing "my disability is worse that yours". In the interest of providing correct info:
"In an historic judgement on December 20, 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced an agreement with Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass., to ensure that students with celiac disease and other food allergies can fully and equally enjoy the universitys meal plan and food services in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The judgement found that food allergies may constitute a disability under the ADA. Individuals with food allergies may have an autoimmune response to certain foods, the symptoms of which may include difficulty swallowing and breathing, asthma and anaphylaxis. For example, celiac disease, which is triggered by consumption of the protein gluten (found in foods such as wheat, barley and rye), can cause permanent damage to the surface of the small intestines and an inability to absorb certain nutrients, leading to vitamin deficiencies that deny vital nourishment to the brain, nervous system, bones, liver and other organs. "
and
Does the ADA Apply to People with Asthma and Allergies?
Yes. In both the ADA and Section 504, a person with a disability is described as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or is regarded as having such impairments. Breathing, eating, working and going to school are "major life activities." Asthma and allergies are still considered disabilities under the ADA, even if symptoms are controlled by medication.
The ADA can help people with asthma and allergies obtain safer, healthier environments where they work, shop, eat and go to school. The ADA also affects employment policies. For example, a private preschool can not refuse to enroll children because giving medication to or adapting snacks for students with allergies requires special staff training or because insurance rates might go up. A firm can not refuse to hire an otherwise qualified person solely because of the potential time or insurance needs of a family member.
In public schools where policies and practices do not comply with Section 504, the ADA should stimulate significant changes. In contrast, the ADA will cause few changes in schools where students have reliable access to medication, options for physical education, and classrooms that are free of allergens and irritants.
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=19&cont=255
And:
"The SSI program can provide valuable monthly cash payments to children who
..... psychomotor retardation,
allergic reactions, recurrent infection, poor growth
http://ssa.gov/disability/professionals/childhoodssi-pub048.htm
I get why my situation probably seems like a nice dream to you, but you can tell people it's Autism and they care. Sometimes they may even stop staring and quit blaming it on you. They may do something to help or accommodate you. There are support groups, you have rights, you get equal or even sometimes preferential treatment. There are Autism awareness days at parks and museums, you get parade floats. People accept your excuse if all your kid can eat that day is cookies. You have a family of people fighting for your child's cause.
