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Service animals working with people with invisible disabilities

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Service animals working with people with invisible disabilities

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Invisible Disabilities Association - IDA

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Service Animals Assist People with Various Disabilities

Service animals - what do you think they do? Most people are familiar with service animals such as guide dogs often seen with people who are sight impaired and hearing dogs for those who are hearing impaired. We may even know about service animals that help pull wheelchairs or retrieve various items. Yet, we often do not realize that there are many different types of service animals for many types of disabilities.

So, what is a service animal? A service animal is not just a pet or companion. "Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability cannot perform for him or herself" ( USDOJ). As a result, the person must have a disability according to a medical professional and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which can be either a "physical or mental impairment" (USEEOC).

In addition, the animal must be trained to mitigate a person's disability by performing such tasks as retrieving, leading, pulling, providing balance and/or alerting. They should also be able to follow basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, here, down and/or follow, as well as exhibit good behavior in public places.

What are the rights and rules governing service animals?

What rights do service animals have? "Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go" ( ADA 2010).

What kind of animals are they? For many years, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (section 36.104 of the title III regulation) did not limit service animals to dogs. Therefore, although a service animal has most often been a dog, it could also have been another species of animal such as a monkey, miniature horse, pig or cat.

However, in September 2010, a final rule was published in the Federal Register to amend the service animal definition to be limited to dogs (with some exceptions for miniature horses). This new regulation went into effect in March 2011 (ADA Fact Sheet). Of course, a person may still keep a service animal such as a pig or monkey for their personal use, but they are not granted public access.

There can be some confusion regarding service animals that assist those living with invisible disabilities caused by chronic illness, injury, pain and mental disorders. Nonetheless, for those debilitated by such symptoms as extreme pain, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision and cognitive impairments, a service animal can make a vast difference in their quality of life. These service animals can perform helpful physical tasks such as picking things up off the floor, reminding a person to take their medicine, helping with balance and more.

The impact of service animals on the lives of those with physiological and psychological disorders.

Service animals are also changing lives by alerting their owner of a physiological response such as a seizure or potentially dangerous changes in blood sugar levels. You may have even read about Belle the beagle. She dialed 9-1-1 after her diabetic owner Kevin Weaver, had a seizure and collapsed. Kevin believes he would not be alive today if it were not for Belle (AP).

For those living with various types of mental disorders, "The final rule also clarifies that individuals with mental disabilities who use service animals that are trained to perform a specific task are protected by the ADA" ( ADA Fact Sheet).

In these cases, a service animal can alert the handler to an incipient manic episode, anxiety or panic attack, as well as alert the owner to aggressive driving. He can also assist the owner with confidence in leaving the home or exiting a situation that is causing a rise in anxiety, panic, distress and/or fear. What's more, he may help the handler with physical tasks such as reminding the person to take their medication, assisting them with finding their keys or the telephone, turning on lights to safety check a room and nudging them to wake them up (PSDS, tasks).

For those battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD, service animals can also interrupt flashbacks and nightmares, reduce anxiety and stress and help regain self-assurance (such as Canines4Hope, Service Dogs for America, ).

The Psychiatric Service Dog Society advises anyone obtaining a service dog for their psychiatric disorder should get a letter from their doctor (PSDS FAQ). Their advice probably holds true for all service animal owners, especially those living with other types invisible disabilities.

Where are service animals allowed to go?

In all, a trained and qualified service animal used for reasons under the ADA guidelines is allowed access to public places. "Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), privately owned businesses that serve the public, such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, taxicabs, theaters, concert halls, and sports facilities, are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The ADA requires these businesses to allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals onto business premises in whatever areas customers are generally allowed." In addition, "An individual with a service animal may not be segregated from other customers" (USDOJ).

How are service animals identified?

How does a proprietor know the handler's animal is a service animal? Although some service animals wear special harnesses or vests and some owners carry certifications, these things are not required. Therefore, "When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform. Staff cannot ask about the person's disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task" (ADA 2010).

Many business owners have a "no pets" policy on their premises. Nonetheless, "A service animal is not a pet. The ADA requires you to modify your 'no pets' policy to allow the use of a service animal by a person with a disability. This does not mean you must abandon your 'no pets' policy altogether but simply that you must make an exception to your general rule for service animals" (USDOJ).

The ADA protects service animals and Often a business will state that their local county health department has told them that only a seeing eye or guide dog has to be admitted. However, "... [you are in violation of the ADA] if you refuse to admit any other type of service animal on the basis of local health department regulations or other state or local laws. The ADA provides greater protection for individuals with disabilities and so it takes priority over the local or state laws or regulations" (USDOJ).

What are the rules about service animals on public and private transportation?

Many transportation companies often fear that admitting an animal into their taxis, buses and trains would be detrimental to their other customers. In spite of this, "...under the ADA regulation issued by the Department of Transportation (49 C.F.R. Part 37) for the provision of transportation services to individuals with disabilities by public and private entities, section 37.167(d) requires those entities to permit service animals to accompany individuals with disabilities in vehicles and facilities. The regulation defines the term 'service animal' in the same manner as the Department's ADA regulation" (Dunne).

Of course, not all animals helping people are deemed service animals. For example: Therapy, social and facility animals are often utilized for visitations or are placed in homes or facilities "...to provide therapeutic benefits" (ADI). Yet, "Federal laws have no provisions for people to be accompanied by therapy animals in places of public accommodation that have 'no pets' policies. Therapy animals usually are not service animals" (PetPartner).

This includes emotional support animals that are not trained as service animals: "Dogs that are not trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability, including dogs that are used purely for emotional support, are not service animals" (ADA Fact Sheet).

How does the Fair Housing Act impact service animals and their owners?

On the other hand, regarding matters of housing, " The Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3604(f)(3)(B)) prohibits discrimination against a renter or buyer on the basis of disability. Discrimination includes a refusal to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services, when those accommodations may be necessary to afford a person with a disability equal opportunity to use and enjoy a place of residence. While the Fair Housing Act and the regulations issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development do not specifically address service animals, it is likely that the Act would at times require that service animals be allowed in a housing facility in order to afford a disabled individual fair use and enjoyment of the facility" (Dunne).

Thus, in the light of housing issues with people with verifiable disabilities, "... [The Fair Housing Amendment Act and the ADA] protect the right of people with disabilities to keep emotional support animals, even when a landlord's policy explicitly prohibits pets.... In most housing complexes, so long as the tenant has a letter or prescription from an appropriate professional, such as a therapist or physician, and meets the definition of a person with a disability, he or she is entitled to a reasonable accommodation that would allow an emotional support animal in the apartment" (BCMHL).

The bottom line is that "The rule defines 'service animal' as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability" (ADA Fact Sheet) and the service animal owner must have a legitimate disability. All the same, we are not attempting to interpret the law nor make assessments regarding who specifically qualifies and who does not. That must be done based on each individual case, circumstances and determined by medical professionals and/or legal authorities.
Disclaimer: This pamphlet is not a legal document. Rules are subject to change. Seek advice from a medical and/or legal professional.

Copyright 1997-2018 Invisible Disabilities Association www.InvisibleDisabilities.org. All rights reserved. This article is one of our many informative pamphlets available for ordering. Visitors may read this pamphlet online for free and they may print up to 3 copies from the website for their personal use. However, permission is required to distribute this article in any way and our pamphlets cannot be re-published electronically in any form on the internet, emails, etc. If you would like to quote up to 100 words from this article, with full credits and a link to this article, please send the request to IDA through our Contact Page. Order This Pamphlet Here Thank you!

UPDATE: 9/15/2010 - "Service animal" definition changed to dogs only (with exception of mini-horses under specific condition) on 7/23/2010. Final rule published in the Federal Register 9/15/2010, which goes into effect 3/15/2011.Due to changes in the laws, some information found in this article and links may no longer apply. Title II Fact Sheet
NEW ADA Revisions Limit "Service Animals" to Dogs IDA's Service Animal Links Page How was the definition of "service animal" changed July 23, 2010? Final Rule for Title II Text of Revised Title II Regulation
Final Rule for Title III / Title III Fact Sheet
Text of Revised Title III Regulation RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE

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Service Animals are More than Pets -- They are Working Companions

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Service animals - what do you think they do? Most people are familiar with service animals such as guide dogs often seen with people who are sight impaired and hearing dogs for those who are hearing impaired.

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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Suurella sydämellä Sinulle ja Asiakkaallesi

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Voimatassu is a company that produces rehabilitation and social services. We offer, among others, occupationaltherapy services, communal group and club activities, as well as education. We develop and sell activity-based materials, such as literature, card sets, therapy tools and games. We are a part of Green Care -services, which promote the welfare and health of people with the help of nature-, animal- and farm-assisted procedures.

Voimatassu-services

Voimatassu Ky and Trade name Occupational Therapy Eeva Kahilaniemi

Finland, Tampere

Mobile: +358 40358 9827/ Eeva Kahilaniemi

E-mail: voimatassu (at) voimatassu.fi

Online shop: https://holvi.com/shop/voimatassu

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Voimatassu -services in english Voimatassu is a company that produces rehabilitation and social services. We offer, among others, occupationaltherapy services, communal group and club activities, as well as education. We develop and sell activity-based materials, such as literature, card sets, therapy tools and games. We are a part of Green Care -services, which promote the...

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contact: info@guidedogs.org.hk

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Through financial support from the Lee Hysan Foundation and in cooperation with the Ebenezer School and Home for the Visually Impaired, the Hong Kong Society for Blind and the International Guide Dog Federation, four blind persons from Hong Kong have received guide dogs from Guiding Eyes for the Blind, New York, USA and returned with their dogs to Hong Kong.

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Riding is widely recognized as one of the most beneficial forms of therapy the disabled can receive. It builds self-confidence, improves concentration and self-discipline and, at the same time, provides recreation and sport.

Riding for the Disabled was founded in Hong Kong in 1975 by the then Governor's wife, Lady MacLehose. A small group of helpers and riders met once a week at the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Riding School at Beas River. Horses and ponies which belonged to the Jockey Club were used, as well as mules from the British Army Transport Division. The programme was so successful that Lady MacLehose obtained a government grant for land at Pokfulam, and the jockey club built a riding school for the use of the disabled, incorporating a public riding school and a PHAB centre. The Pokfulam Riding school opened in Sep. 1978 and RDA now has its base there.

Today the RDA runs weekly horse riding lessons for disabled children and adults, operating out of Jockey Club riding schools in Pokfulam, Tuen Mun and Sheung Shui. Riders have a wide range of disabilities, including Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, blindness and autism. Riding offers a sense of freedom and personal dignity that might otherwise be hard to achieve, and pupils also experience the pleasure of riding and the discipline involved in learning to control a horse.

Participants in the RDA 's annual dressage competition have gone on to represent Hong Kong at the World Dressage Championships for Disabled Riders.

Volunteering: Demand for lessons far outstrips supply and the RDA welcomes volunteers of any age or background. Riding experience or knowledge of horses is an advantage, but is not essential. In fact, training is provided. The group needs volunteers to help with riding lessons, but also behind the scenes on the administrative side. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit their website, complete and submit their volunteer application form.

Tags: animals, handicapped, volunteering

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Riding is widely recognized as one of the most beneficial forms of therapy the disabled can receive. It builds self-confidence, improves concentration and self-discipline and, at the same time, provides recreation and sport. Riding for the Disabled was founded in Hong Kong in 1975 by the then Governor's wife, Lady MacLehose.

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guide horse foundation for the blind using miniature horses

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Guide Horse Foundation - Miniature horses for the blind

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Guide Horse Foundation for the blind using miniature horses

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The Official ESA Registration Of America

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ESA Registration Of America - Emotional Support Animals

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ESA Registration Of America allows you to self-register your animal as an emotional support animal. Bring your animal anywhere in public it is permitted.

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Let's face it. Getting older can be very lonely. Loved ones and friends move or pass away, and it becomes increasingly difficult to leave the house and participate in once-loved activities. But there is once source of comfort and companionship that benefits seniors in countless ways: pets.

The Benefits of Pet Ownership for the Elderly

Animals can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity. Pets provide other intangibles, too.

"Dogs and cats live very much in the present," says Dr. Jay P. Granat, a New Jersey-based psychotherapist. "They don't worry about tomorrow, which can be a very scary concept for an older person. An animal embodies that sense of here and now, and it tends to rub off on people."

Pets can also have an astounding effect on symptoms of depression and feelings of loneliness.

"Older pet owners have often told us how incredibly barren and lonely their lives were without their pets' companionship, even when there were some downsides to owning an active pet," says Linda Anderson, who founded the Angel Animals Network in Minneapolis with her husband, Allen, to spread awareness of the benefits of pet ownership.

Marjorie and Richard Douse couldn't agree more. Soon after the Douses retired, they adopted Bonnie, a golden retriever puppy who quickly became an indispensable member of the family.

"We never felt alone when Bonnie was in the house. As we aged and tended to go out less, she provided us with loving companionship," say her owners.

Bonnie's outgoing personality enhanced the lives of other seniors as well. The Douses took her to visit aging relatives in a nearby nursing home, and she was a hit with the residents and staff alike.

Psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld, who brings her own golden retriever mix, Sandee, to her New York City office, has even witnessed animals' ability to prompt better memory recall in their elderly owners.

"I've seen those with memory loss interact with an animal and regain access to memories from long ago," she explains. "Having a pet helps the senior focus on something other than their physical problems and negative preoccupations about loss or aging."

Animals benefit from adoption, too, particularly when seniors adopt older pets.

"These lucky animals go from the pound to paradise. Retired adopters tend to have lots of time to devote to a previously unwanted pet, forming a lasting bond," says Chicago veterinarian Dr. Tony Kremer, who operates Help Save Pets, a nonprofit rescue organization, with his wife Meg.

How to Find the Right Pet for a Senior

While the advantages of pet ownership are undeniable, there are some drawbacks and consequences to be aware of before going out to adopt a furry friend for an aging loved one. Dr. Donnenfeld encourages seniors and caregivers to have a thorough conversation about pet ownership before welcoming a pet into the family.

10 Questions to Ask When Considering a Pet for a Senior

1. Is the senior set in their ways?
"If change isn't your loved one's cup of tea, then they may not be a good candidate," say the Andersons. Adopting an animal usually affects a person's whole daily routine.

2. Have they had a pet before?
Amy Sherman, licensed therapist and author of Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life, thinks it's best if the elderly person is an experienced owner. However, if they are open to a new and rewarding commitment, then first-timers can still make great owners.

3. Does the senior have any disabilities or functional limitations?
"Dogs can be wonderful companions who encourage a senior to exercise," Dr. Donnenfeld says. But dogs can be a challenge for individuals with limited mobility. If taking a dog outside and walking it is too trying, lower-maintenance animals like cats and birds may be preferable.

4. Would a therapeutic or emotional support animal be beneficial?
If a person is very infirm or impaired, they may be a candidate for a specially trained therapy dog to help them function both at home and while on outings.

5. What age pet would be best?
A puppy or kitten may not be ideal for elderly owners because of the intensive care and training they require. Furthermore, young pets may outlive their owners. It's important to consider that some animals like birds have especially long life spans. On the other hand, a senior pet may have its own physical limitations and illnesses, but they are usually well-trained already.

6. What temperament would be a good fit for the senior?
It is very important to research different breeds' characteristics and interact with prospective adoptees to get a feel for their energy levels and personality. "Many older people might think they'd do better with a Jack Russell Terrier because it's a small breed, but they are very, very, very high energy and require a great deal of effort and commitment," says Susan Daffron, author of Happy Hound: Develop a Great Relationship with Your Adopted Dog or Puppy. While there are some general truths about specific breeds, every animal is unique.

7. Is the pet healthy?
It's important that any pet be examined by a professional prior to adoption. "You don't want to compromise an older person's immune system since some pets carry diseases," says Dr. Katharine Hillestad, a veterinarian based in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Unhealthy pets can be difficult for seniors to handle both emotionally and financially.

8. One pet or two?
While multiple pets can keep each other company, that may not be a good idea for an older person. "Two animals may bond with each other rather than with their owner," Dr. Hillestad explains.

9. Are finances an issue?
Pets are a significant long-term financial commitment. A small puppy can rack up more than $810 for food, medical care, toys and grooming just in its first year. A low-maintenance animal like a fish is less expensive, coming in at about $235, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Be sure to carefully consider a senior's current budget before taking home any animal.

10. Is there a backup plan in place for the pet?
It isn't pleasant to think about, but owners must plan for the unexpected for their pets, too. If a senior had to go to the hospital, spend time in a short-term rehabilitation facility, or move to a long-term care community, what would happen to their animal(s)? What would happen if they passed away? Our golden years can be very unpredictable, so it's important to have a contingency plan in place for our furry and feathered friends before an emergency strikes. Without one, beloved animals may wind up back in a shelter.

Where to Find a Pet for a Senior

While breeders are a good source, adopting from shelters is usually much less expensive and comes with the added benefits of giving an unwanted animal a home and possibly saving it from euthanasia. Some shelters even offer reduced adoption fees for older pets and and adopters.

Shelter employees often know each animal's personality well and can assist in making a good match, says Daffron. Online pet shopping is also possible, thanks to sites like Petfinder.com, which allows potential owners to search a massive database of adoptable animals from nearly 11,000 animal and rescue groups nationwide. However, it's still recommended to meet a potential pet in person to more accurately gauge the fit.

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Owning a pet can bring elders a tremendous amount of joy and a renewed sense of purpose. No matter the type of animal, pets can have a beneficial impact on both an older adult's mental and physical health.

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Nicholas Kristof follows a large rodent as it searches a minefield in northern Angola.

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Diagnosis of Tuberculosis by Trained African Giant Pouched Rats and Confounding Impact of Pathogens and Microflora of the Respiratory Tract

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Trained African giant-pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus) can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis and show potential for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). However, rats' ability to discriminate between clinical sputum containing other Mycobacterium spp. and nonmycobacterial species of the respiratory tract is unknown. It is also unknown whether nonmycobacterial species produce odor similar to M.

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Animals Asia Foundation Animal Assisted Therapy programmes in HK 

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Animals Asia Foundation Animal Assisted Therapy programmes in HK 

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Animals Asia Foundation runs the Dr Dog and Professor Paws programme where they bring registered therapy dogs into hospitals, schools, elderly care centres for therapeutic needs and connecting people with animals.
Contact Karina O'Carrol - kcarroll@animalsasia.org

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Animals Asia's Dr Dog is an innovative animal-assisted therapy programme that provides people in need with what they need most - a best friend. The program is also changing the way people feel about dogs. In China, where we focus our work, Dr Dog is challenging beliefs and changing lives for animals.

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Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust - ADNZTrust

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Assistance Dogs NZ Trust Purpose bred & trained assistance dogs, to meet the unique needs of each individual client and family living with disabilities.

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We are a non-profit organization that helps adults with spinal cord injuries and other mobility impairments live more independent and engaged lives. We do this by providing them, free of charge, with a unique service animal: a highly trained capuchin monkey to help with their daily tasks.

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Dolphin Facts and Information | Dolphins World

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Dolphin Information, feeding, habitat, distribution, reproduction, anatomy and more. Facts about the Bottlenose Dolphins, the Amazon Pink Dolphin, the Spinner

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Dolphin Facts Main

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From bizarre service animals like ferrets and boa constrictors to the most common & dependable ones like dogs and mini horses! Subscribe to Talltanic http://goo.gl/wgfvrr 4. Llama and Alpaca Although these guys have trouble being classified as service animals as well, they do make excellent therapy companions.