Allison Kessler, Disabled Condo Owner Sues over Dog's Access

A disabled Streeterville woman is taking her condominium association to court over a dispute about how she is allowed to enter and exit the building with her assistance dog.

Allison Kessler is suing the condo association at 401 E. Ontario for not making appropriate accommodations for her.

Kessler is confined to a wheelchair and said she is unable to use the usual way in and out for dog owners because it involves climbing stairs.

"I felt I was backed up into a corner and it was my only option to be able to live my own life and you know take my dog out to go to the bathroom and go to the park and do all the things that all the other dog owners in our building do," Kessler said.

She said the alternative proposed by the association involves rolling her wheelchair through a parking ramp and is too dangerous.

Walking dogs through the lobby of Kessler's building is not allowed and can result in fines of $500 per incident.

Representatives of the condo association did not responded to repeated requests for comment.