[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

I think the studio has the right to refuse service to a special needs kid if only because they may not know how to best service her needs. That said, if they were smart they would offer a class specifically geared to kids like that. I bet it would be a money maker.

[sharkhawk]

I think the studio has the right to refuse service to a special needs kid if only because they may not know how to best service her needs. That said, if they were smart they would offer a class specifically geared to kids like that. I bet it would be a money maker.

Agreed 100%. Do you hold the rest of the class back for 1 student, does the teacher have to spend all of the class time with the special needs student? What about the parents of the kids in the rest of the class, are they paying full price for a lesser product?

[fatnotlazy]

I was thinking the studio is more concerned about liability should the girl be injured.

[RedStateRocker]

You might think that. But the federal law is absolutely clear.

I worked as a CADD draftsman and a manager at a MUCH higher level (bosses’ bosses bosses boss or such) wanted his bathroom remodeled. I did the design to ADA specs. He said “no I don’t have to do that”... it was, I must confess, a pleasure to hear my boss tell him, in no uncertain terms, that outside of a private residence there was NO bathroom in the country that didn’t have to follow those specs, as it always is when the high and mighty get a comeuppance.

IOW, either of our opinions are inconsequential, it is a very strictly enforced law, maybe the most universally and stringently enforced federal law there is, and pretty much any non private residence outside of the military is going to have to abide by every jot and tittle.

[5th MEB]

A child with Downs Syndrome does not necessarily require any special accommodations.
Other than usually some mild to (some times) sever mental retardation they are perfectly capable of all range of motion as any other kid.
They are generally capable of taking and following instructions and participation in physical play and sports.
The ADA does apply in this case and this child was unreasonably discriminated against.
WHY; because she is different.
Just to make every one aware; no I don't have any Downs Syndrome children, but I have worked with a lot of them.