Assistance Dogs for the Disabled/Guide dogs

For many disabled people, an increase in their independence is always welcome. A disability can be mild, moderate or severe. The capability of each individual disabled person varies enormously. Sometimes assistance is needed from an outside source to help with every day tasks. Assistance Dogs can be trained to retrieve cash from ATMs, empty washing machines and enable a disabled person to lead a more independent life.

One dynamic way of support and assistance, is specially trained, Dogs for the Disabled. Specially selected dogs are trained to help to do practical tasks. Following a good match between trained dog and disabled client, a relationship is formed which can lessen the feeling of isolation, and create a better quality of living. Disabled children can benefit a great deal from a partnership with a Dog for the Disabled. A dog assists the child with small tasks and can also be involved in a physiotherapy program, behavioural problems, as well as becoming a loyal companion.

Assistance Dogs

We have always been aware of Guide Dogs for the Blind, as well as dogs assisting people who are Deaf. Astonishingly, Dogs are also being widely used in other specialised areas for certain medical conditions, such as mental health, Seizures, Autism and Epilepsy. For example, these dogs are trained to predict when a Seizure may be occurring, and give a warning.

Apart from the obvious practical services, many assistance dog partnerships bring about psycho-social benefits, by increasing confidence, as well as providing an ability to go out without the help of another person, enhancing social integration.

Travelling with an Assistance dog

Nearly all form forms of transport have facilities in place to carry assistance dogs with their owners. They have a duty under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) to provide services to enable assistance dog’s owners to travel.

Assistance Dogs

How you can help

Assistance dog organisations are always grateful for donations and proceeds from fundraising events. A unique way of increasing the amount of dogs for training is to adopt a dog. Adopting a dog, can cost as little £1 per week, your support will sponsor the dog during the 18 months of training.