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Bonnie Bergin’s website says that President Kennedy’s staff contacted her when it began assembling the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) When the Act was written, and passed by congress, she was invited to the Rose Garden to witness John Kennedy add his signature. So she helped define their roles, their access rights, and their classifications. Dogs can do different things that range from physical to social assistance. ”Assistance Dog” generally refers to a dog that helps people with physical tasks such as opening a door, picking up items, turning on switches, and variations of those tasks. The most highly trained dogs fit this description that includes both behaviors and temperament. Social therapy dogs work with people in institutions, counseling and social settings. So as I was reading the Website for the Bergin Institute I clipped these definitions. The dog I hope to purchase and train will be a Facilities Dog that is qualified for social therapy.
ASSISTANCE DOG ROLLS |
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Assistance Dogs help people with disabilities be more self-sufficient. They “see” for blind people; “hear” for deaf people; offer mobility form people in wheelchairs;and offer therapy and love to people who are lonely or sick. Did you know that some Assistance Dogs, known as Service Dogs, turn on and off lights for their owners who can’t use their arms? They can also push elevator buttons, pull wheelchairs and retrieve items for their owner. When you see a person with a Guide Dog, you’ll know that the Guide Dog helps guide its owner around obstacles and alert him or her to street curbs and traffic. You may not have known that there are dogs for deaf people, too. These special dogs let their owners know when the telephone rings or if the smoke alarm or alarm clock goes off. They can even alert their person to a baby’s cry. Another special Assistance Dog is a Social/Therapy Dog. These dogs provide unconditional love to people who can’t have a dog because of their disability, illness or age. These dogs make special visits to places like hospitals and nursing homes. Dogs are often called “Man’s best friend”. Now you know that some dogs are even more than friends. For people with disabilities, Assistance Dogs make possible the things that are sometimes taken for granted. |
