From left to right, Stacy Bartkowski, Jasmin Rutter, Jordyn Arrington, Makenzie “Kenzie” Golla, Genevieve Gore and Rep. Ed Osienski pose for a photo outside of Legislative Hall in Dover. The four Newark Charter School students and their social studies teacher were invited to watch as a bill inspired by their project passed the House.

Students at Newark Charter School addressed the stigmatization of individuals with mental disabilities and people using service animals for a class project. After the students shared their concern with Rep. Ed Osienski, his team found disparities between Delaware Code and the ADA. He drafted legislation to update the language in Delaware, to include mental disability and change “support animal” to “service animal”. The bill awaits Gov. John Carney’s signature.