Discrimination case decided in disabled teacher's favor

ANCHORAGE - A disabled teacher who claimed the Anchorage School District fired her because students complained about her guide dog has won $45,000.

The Alaska Commission for Human Rights ordered the district to pay back wages to Vilma Anderson who uses a dog for help with her impaired vision.

She worked as a substitute for a short time in 2005 but was told she was a threat to student health and safety after some complained about allergies and fear of her dog.

KTUU reports the district failed to assess Anderson for her true abilities as a teacher. Employees will have to attend a training seminar on disability discrimination.