Best friends: Molly Watt, 17, says she was left to eat lunch alone in a separate room because another pupil is allergic to her dogA deaf and blind teenager is refusing to go to school after teachers banned her guide dog from the dining hall.
Molly Watt, 17, says she was left to eat lunch alone in a separate room because another pupil who uses the canteen is allergic to the dog.
She has since been signed off sick by a doctor after suffering a panic attack when she was separated from her black Labrador-retriever cross named Unis.
The A-level student, from Maidenhead, Berkshire, has not attended classes at Mary Hare School in Newbury, Berkshire, since November 3.
And the pupil, who has been nominated by deafblind charity Sense to carry the Olympic flame, says she will not return until the ban is lifted.
Her mother Jane, 46, said Molly is ‘besotted’ with her dog and becomes ‘distressed’ when her companion is not by her side.
Home-bound: The A-level student, from Maidenhead, Berkshire, has not attended classes at Mary Hare School in Newbury, Berkshire, since November 3‘My main concern is Molly's well-being and education. She doesn't deserve what is happening to her.’
Molly - who is studying English, textiles and performing - was born deaf and lost her sight aged 14.
That prompted her to move from mainstream education to the specialist boarding school for deaf children.
She initially relied on a cane or a friend to guide her between rooms but was ‘embarrassed’ to be seen with the stick.
No dogs allowed: Mary Hare School chiefs have banned Molly's dog from the school dining roomShe was given Unis in July and returned to school before the start of term in September so the two-year-old dog could learn the layout of the buildings.
But concerns were raised about the welfare of another pupil who has a ‘hyper sensitivity to allergens’ - particularly animals.
It means he is at risk of a fatal anaphylactic shock if he comes into contact with the dog.
Her mother said: ‘Molly used to bump into things and be covered in bruises.
‘She is a young girl who is fashion conscious and did not like to be seen with a cane. She would rather fall over.
Family portrait: Molly with her mother Jane, a charity workerHe said it leaves Molly without Unis for less than two hours a week and he believes she could use alternative support - such as a stick or friend - to guide her during this time.
Mr Shaw said it was ‘regretful’ that restrictions were necessary but stressed they had the backing of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Molly was named Young Deafblind Person of the Year 2010 by deafblind charity Sense and was nominated to carry the Olympic flame.
A petition called Justice 4 Deafblind guide-dog Owner Molly Watt has been signed by more than a thousand people, including former alumni.
source: dailymail
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