So What Exactly is a Service Dog?: So What Exactly is a Service Dog? KASA – Kids As Self-Advocates February 11, 2006 Presenters: Therese A. Nadeau and Sassy


An Assistance Dog Is…: An Assistance Dog Is… A dog that is specially trained to help people who have disabilities with specific tasks. There are different types of assistance dogs depending upon what type of disability an individual has. An assistance dog is NOT a pet.


Types of Assistance Dogs: Types of Assistance Dogs Guide Dog Service Dog Hearing Alert Dog Seizure Alert Dog


What Does a Service Dog Do?: What Does a Service Dog Do? Pick up objects Open doors Push elevator buttons Get something out of the refrigerator Assist with shopping Help with laundry Assist with balancing Can call 911 or someone for help


Opening Refrigerator: Opening Refrigerator


Get Something From Refrigerator: Get Something From Refrigerator


Opening Doors: Opening Doors


Retrieving Objects: Retrieving Objects


Helping With Laundry: Helping With Laundry


Shopping: Shopping


Assist at Work: Assist at Work


Assist while Traveling: Assist while Traveling


How Does The Law Apply?: How Does The Law Apply? People with disabilities who have service dogs have civil rights protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990: The ADA requires businesses and places of public accommodation to admit people with disabilities who have service dogs to their premises People with service dogs have access to nearly every place the general public is welcomed Examples: ride in taxicabs, buses, trains or airplanes, may enter restaurants, theaters, hotels and schools


How Do Local Health & Safety Laws Apply?: How Do Local Health & Safety Laws Apply? Remember service dogs are NOT pets. Therefore local laws that restrict pets do not apply. A good rule of thumb is that the ADA is the law that governs matters related to access to public places and businesses for people with disabilities accompanied by their service dogs. Handlers of service dogs must obey local leash and vaccine laws and must have their dogs under control at all times.


Legislation Protecting People with Disabilities and Service Dogs: Legislation Protecting People with Disabilities and Service Dogs Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 Fair Housing Amendments of 1988 Rehabilitation Act of 1973


What if others complain about a service dog being present?: What if others complain about a service dog being present? Explain to customers that the service dog is medically necessary and that Federal law permits people with service dogs to have access to public places. However, you may exclude any animal, including a service animal, when the animal’s behavior poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others.


Meeting Someone With a Disabilityand Their Service Dog: Meeting Someone With a Disability and Their Service Dog Speak to the person first. Do not try to pet the dog. The dog is working. Never make noises to the dog when working. Never try to help someone with a disability or their assistance dog without asking if they need help first.


What Should I Consider if I Want a Service Dog: What Should I Consider if I Want a Service Dog Find a Service Dog Trainer that meets your needs Keep a Service Dog Healthy & Well Groomed Make sure the organization you work with considers your lifestyle with the personality of the dog you are being teamed up with COST – To obtain & after lifetime costs


How Do I Qualify for a Service Dog?: How Do I Qualify for a Service Dog? Organizations may establish their own qualifications Ability to care for and manage a service dog / provide guidance through commands A person’s disability-related needs and lifestyle Desire to have a service dog


Costs & Funding Sources: Costs & Funding Sources Varies by organizations – from no cost to over $10,000 Ways to obtain funding: Financial Assistance Programs in organization Assistance Dog United Campaign (ADUC) Service Organizations – Lions, Knights of Columbus Diagnosis-related associations Fundraisers done by individuals


Additional Information: Additional Information Delta Society http://www.deltasociety.org Assistance Dog International, Inc. http://www.adionline.org International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) http://www.iaadp.org


Service Dog Organizations: Service Dog Organizations Top Dog USA – AZ (Train own dog) http://www.topdogusa.org Assistance Dog International, Inc. http://www.adionline.org


Contact Information: Contact Information Therese Nadeau, MSW and Sassy University of Connecticut Center on Disabilities 263 Farmington Avenue MC 6222 Farmington, CT 06030 Phone: (860) 679-1591 Email: tnadeau@uchc.edu


Having Fun: Having Fun