#disabilitylaws

Introduction to Service Dogs for Children Key Takeaways: Service Dogs for Children with Disabilities - Understanding the best breeds for service dogs and their training requirements - Exploring the costs and financial assistance options for obtaining a service dog - Learning about the specific tasks service dogs can perform for children with various disabilities - Recognizing the laws that protect the rights of children with disabilities and their service dogs - Discovering the benefits of service dogs for children with autism and physical disabilities What Are Service Dogs for Children?

Service Dogs for Children are more than just pets; they are specially trained companions that assist children with disabilities in their daily lives. These incredible animals are selected and trained to perform specific tasks that cater to a child's unique needs. Whether it's helping a child with physical disabilities, providing emotional support, or aiding with psychiatric conditions, Service Dogs for Children play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for many families. Imagine a furry friend who can open doors, pick up dropped items, or even alert a caregiver if something is wrong. That's what a service dog can do! They are not just ordinary dogs; they are skilled helpers that undergo rigorous training to become a child's best friend and assistant. Benefits and Importance of Service Dogs for Children with Disabilities The benefits of having Service Dogs for Children with disabilities are immense. Let's take a closer look at some of the key advantages: - Physical Assistance: Service dogs can help children with mobility issues, providing support and stability. They can even be trained to operate light switches or retrieve objects. - Emotional Support: An emotional support animal, especially an emotional support dog, can provide comfort and companionship, reducing anxiety and stress. - Increased Independence: With a service dog's assistance, children can perform daily tasks on their own, fostering a sense of independence and self-confidence. - Safety and Security: Service dogs are trained to recognize potential dangers and alert caregivers, ensuring the child's safety. - Social Interaction: Having a service dog can encourage social interaction, helping children make friends and engage with others. - Therapeutic Benefits: The presence of a service dog can have therapeutic effects, aiding in physical therapy and emotional well-being. Here's a table that summarizes the benefits: Benefit TypeDescriptionPhysical AssistanceHelps with mobility, retrieving objects, operating switchesEmotional SupportProvides comfort, reduces anxietyIndependenceEnables children to perform daily tasksSafety and SecurityRecognizes dangers, alerts caregiversSocial InteractionEncourages social engagementTherapeutic BenefitsAids in physical therapy, emotional well-being From my personal experience as a dog trainer, I've seen how a well-trained service dog can transform a child's life. Whether it's an ESA dog or a psychiatric service dog, the bond between the child and the dog is something truly special. It's not just about the tasks they perform; it's about the love, trust, and companionship they offer. Service Dogs for Children with disabilities are indeed a blessing, opening doors to a world of possibilities and joy. They are not merely pets but lifelines that make a significant difference in the lives of children and their families. By understanding the importance and benefits of Service Dogs for Children, we can appreciate the incredible role they play in empowering and enriching the lives of those they serve. https://youtu.be/-1ni_oH-q_E Choosing and Selecting the Right Service Dogs for Children with Disabilities Qualities to Look for in a Service Dog Selecting the right service dog for a child with disabilities is a critical decision. It's not just about picking a cute puppy; it's about finding a dog with the right qualities and temperament. Here's what to look for: - Temperament: The dog should be calm, gentle, and patient. A child's needs can be unpredictable, and the dog must be able to adapt. - Intelligence: A smart dog can learn tasks quickly and respond to complex commands. - Sociability: The dog should be friendly and not aggressive towards people or other animals. - Health: A healthy dog is essential for the demanding role of a service dog. - Age: Puppies might be adorable, but a slightly older dog may already have some training and be more settled. I've worked with many families to find the perfect match, and it's always a joy to see the connection between a child and their new furry friend. Training and Certification for Service Dogs Training a service dog is a specialized task that requires expertise and patience. Here's a step-by-step guide to the process: - Assessment: Evaluate the dog's temperament and suitability for training. - Basic Training: Teach the dog basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come. - Specialized Training: Train the dog to perform specific tasks related to the child's disability. - Socialization: Expose the dog to various environments to ensure they can adapt. - Certification: Obtain certification from a recognized organization to ensure the dog meets the required standards. It's essential to work with a professional trainer who has experience with service dogs. Organizations like Assistance Dogs International can provide guidance and support. Breed Considerations When it comes to choosing a breed, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Different breeds have different characteristics, and the right choice depends on the child's specific needs. Here's a table to help you understand some popular breeds for service dogs: BreedCharacteristicsBest ForLabradorFriendly, Intelligent, AdaptableMobility Assistance, Autism SupportGolden RetrieverGentle, Patient, Easy to TrainEmotional Support, TherapyGerman ShepherdStrong, Loyal, ProtectivePhysical Disabilities, SecurityPoodleHypoallergenic, Smart, SociableAllergies, Various Disabilities Temperament and Behavior Assessment A dog's temperament and behavior are crucial factors in determining suitability as a service dog. An assessment by a professional can help identify any potential issues and ensure the dog is a good match for the child. - Behavioral Tests: These evaluate how the dog reacts to various stimuli and situations. - Compatibility Assessment: This ensures that the dog's temperament aligns with the child's personality and needs. - Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ins with a professional can help ensure the dog continues to meet the child's needs. Matching with a Child's Specific Needs Every child is unique, and so are their needs. Matching a service dog with a child's specific requirements is a delicate process that involves understanding the child's disability, personality, and lifestyle. - Understanding the Disability: The type of disability will determine the tasks the dog needs to perform. - Child's Personality: Some children might need a playful dog, while others might need a calmer companion. - Family Lifestyle: Consider the family's daily routine, living situation, and other pets.

Finding the right service dog for a child with disabilities is a journey filled with love, care, and understanding. It's about creating a bond that goes beyond mere assistance and blossoms into a lifelong friendship. Whether it's a Labrador for mobility assistance or a Poodle for emotional support, the right match can make all the difference in a child's life. It's a process I've been honored to be a part of many times, and it never fails to warm my heart. Types of Disabilities and Service Dogs for Children Physical Disabilities and Service Dogs Children with physical disabilities often face challenges in mobility and performing daily tasks. Service dogs can be trained to assist in various ways: - Mobility Support: Helping with walking, balance, and stability. - Task Assistance: Performing tasks like opening doors, retrieving items, and pushing buttons. - Emergency Response: Alerting caregivers in case of a fall or other emergencies. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds are commonly used for these roles due to their strength and intelligence. Autism and Emotional Support Dogs Autism can affect a child's social interaction and communication skills. An emotional support dog or therapy dog can provide comfort and companionship, helping the child feel more at ease. - Sensory Support: Providing a calming presence during sensory overload. - Social Interaction: Encouraging social engagement with peers and family. - Routine Assistance: Helping maintain daily routines and transitions. Golden Retrievers and Poodles are often chosen for their gentle temperament and ability to connect with children on the autism spectrum. Emotional Support Dogs Emotional support dogs provide comfort and companionship to children dealing with emotional or mental health challenges. These dogs are not specifically trained to perform tasks but offer emotional support and stability. - Anxiety Reduction: Offering comfort during anxious moments. - Depression Support: Providing companionship to lift the child's mood. - Therapeutic Presence: Being a non-judgmental friend who listens and loves unconditionally. Breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their affectionate nature and make excellent emotional support animals. Therapy Dogs Therapy dogs are used in therapeutic settings to enhance the healing process. They are different from service dogs as they work with various individuals rather than being assigned to one person. - Hospital Visits: Bringing joy and comfort to children in hospitals. - School Programs: Assisting in educational settings to promote learning and social skills. - Counseling Support: Enhancing therapy sessions with their calming presence. Breeds like the gentle Labrador or friendly Beagle are often used as therapy dogs. Assistance Dogs for Specific Disabilities Some children have specific disabilities that require specialized assistance. Service dogs can be trained to cater to these unique needs: - Hearing Impairment: Alerting the child to sounds like doorbells or alarms. - Visual Impairment: Guiding the child safely through various environments. - Medical Conditions: Responding to medical emergencies like seizures. Here's a table summarizing the types of disabilities and corresponding service dogs: Disability TypeService Dog RoleCommon BreedsPhysical DisabilitiesMobility Support, Task AssistanceLabrador, German ShepherdAutismSensory Support, Social InteractionGolden Retriever, PoodleEmotional SupportAnxiety Reduction, Depression SupportCavalier King Charles SpanielTherapyHospital Visits, School ProgramsLabrador, BeagleSpecific DisabilitiesHearing, Visual, Medical AssistanceVarious Breeds Depending on Needs Service dogs for children with disabilities are versatile and adaptable, capable of meeting a wide range of needs. From physical support to emotional comfort, these incredible animals are trained to provide assistance tailored to each child's unique situation. Whether it's a Labrador for mobility or a Cavalier for emotional support, the right service dog can make a world of difference in a child's life. It's a relationship that goes beyond mere assistance, forming a bond of trust, love, and understanding. Training, Socialization, and Techniques for Service Dogs for Children Basic Training for Service Dogs

Training a service dog for children is a rewarding but complex process. It starts with basic obedience training, where the dog learns fundamental commands and behaviors: - Sit and Stay: Teaching the dog to sit and stay on command. - Leash Training: Ensuring the dog walks well on a leash without pulling. - Recall: Training the dog to come when called, even with distractions. - House Training: Teaching proper bathroom habits and routines. These foundational skills are essential for any service dog, as they form the basis for more specialized training later on. Socializing Service Dogs with Children Socialization is a crucial part of training service dogs for children. It helps the dog become comfortable with various environments, people, and situations: - Exposure to Children: Introducing the dog to children of different ages and behaviors. - Public Places: Taking the dog to stores, parks, and other public areas to get used to crowds and noises. - Other Animals: Ensuring the dog is comfortable around other pets and animals. - Different Environments: Exposing the dog to various settings like schools, homes, and medical facilities. Socialization helps the dog become well-rounded and adaptable, ready to assist the child in any situation. Specialized Training for Different Disabilities Depending on the child's specific disability, the service dog may need specialized training. This training is tailored to the child's unique needs and can include: - Mobility Assistance: Training the dog to provide support for walking or balance. - Sensory Support: Teaching the dog to recognize and respond to sensory triggers for children with autism. - Medical Alert: Training the dog to detect and respond to medical conditions like seizures or diabetes. Specialized training requires a skilled trainer who understands the child's disability and can create a customized training plan. Ethical Considerations in Training Training a service dog must be done with care, compassion, and ethical considerations. Here are some key principles to keep in mind: - Positive Reinforcement: Using rewards and praise to encourage desired behaviors, rather than punishment. - Clear Communication: Ensuring the dog understands what is expected through consistent commands and signals. - Respect for the Dog: Recognizing the dog's needs, limitations, and well-being throughout the training process. - Transparency with Families: Keeping families informed and involved in the training process. Ethical training ensures that the dog is treated with respect and kindness, fostering a positive relationship between the dog and the child. Training service dogs for children with disabilities is a journey filled with challenges, joys, and profound rewards. From basic obedience to specialized skills, each step of the training process is carefully crafted to meet the child's specific needs. Socialization ensures that the dog is adaptable and comfortable in various settings, while ethical considerations guide the training process with compassion and respect. As a dog trainer, I've had the privilege of witnessing the incredible transformation that takes place as a service dog learns to assist a child. The bond that forms between them is more than just functional; it's a connection of trust, understanding, and unconditional love. Whether it's a Golden Retriever learning to support a child with autism or a Labrador trained to assist with mobility, the journey of training a service dog is a beautiful testament to the extraordinary capabilities of these amazing animals. Tasks, Assistance, and Integration into Daily Life

Right now, you’re starting high school, and you’re nervous. The halls form a beige-tiled labyrinth. The older students loom tall and assured as you wobble along. The assignments are serious, and you aren’t sure if you, with your anxious brain and tense hands, are up to the challenge. Trust me, you are. Steady your shaking and smile, because high school is where you’ll really begin to discover yourself. Get ready to dig in. You’ll learn to navigate the halls, but more importantly, you’ll learn to explore what it means to be you. You’ll free your own ideas and feelings  – in writing, out loud, through music, and in relationships. You’ll still get nervous, but that won’t keep you from growing. Pay attention, and take everything in. Here are some things to keep in mind...

Family and Friends Your parents are the best thing you have going for you – I’m serious. Realize that the things they do for you every day aren’t so small or easy, and that your claws-out attitude can be a lot to handle. Even when you’re scared, sad, and confused inside, know that they’ll love you. They’ll be there through the messiness of being a teenage girl with a disability, and they’ll help you untangle the snarled knot of your heart until you’re left with a strong, shining line of intuition. It is an internal gift that will serve you well wherever you go. Similarly, your brothers will let you be the smiling, curious, sensitive girl you often lose to worry or external expectations. They’ll always get your meaning and your sense of humor, and they’ll always let you be you. In your family, you’ll always belong, even when your disability makes you feel different out in the world.

Be ever thankful for your friends – two of them especially will be by your side through tough times, accomplishments, and celebrations.  The three of you’ll be drawn to each other in choir and band practice, but try not to be surprised when they want to hang out with you after school and on the weekends. To them, you’re more than the disabled girl with a quirky walk, poofy hair, and mediocre clarinet skills. You’re witty, fun, caring, and smart. You make woodwind sectionals and after school rehearsals a good time. You’re a writer and a brilliant party planner. Learn to see yourself through their appreciative eyes. Their assessment is dead-on, and kinder than your own self-criticism.

You and Your Disability

Speaking of self-criticism – simmer down on that. It doesn’t serve you. I know you don’t see it, but you’re beautiful. You don’t need to move and walk like a supermodel to be okay. You don’t need to show everyone the typology of your skeleton to counteract your irregular way of moving through the world. Perfection is impossible, and the more you reach for it, the further you get from the people and goals that truly matter.

When you ask a boy to the Homecoming dance in the choir room, you don’t have to stammer a thank you or feel tempted to take a breather under the baby grand when he says yes. He isn’t doing you a favor by being in your presence. You aren’t repulsive or pitiable, and this isn’t like the prince deigning to take the ugly stepsister. You’ll go together because you both want to have a good time. Also, guess what? You’re a pretty awesome person to be around.

Oh, and about your body? I know it sometimes feels like it has abandoned you, becoming tired and unstable and painful when you most need it to carry you. It is okay to be frustrated. I agree, it isn’t the ritziest or most reliable of bodies. It usually has the doddering fickleness of a grandma’s old bones, but it will wisely teach you how to bridge the gap between what you want to do and what you can do. You’ll continue to learn how to problem-solve this way, and it will serve you personally and in your work with others.

Wait, about feeling frustrated – it’s okay to feel really pissed off sometimes. You don’t have to go around with a plastered-on poster girl smile and can-do attitude all the time. I know you’re used to it. I know you started out as the sweet little blonde kid in the purple cupcake sweater, pulling your walker like a shiny, mutated barre on wheels and waving for charity. Great. That act still works for you, generally. And you’ll love your life, but it can still be spectacularly unfair. If you don’t let those feelings out, they’ll pull you down, dim your vision, slow your steps, and ice your heart. You don’t have time for that. Let your anger fire you up, and fuel some powerful critical thinking.

I know that you try not to think of yourself as different. In fact, you try not to think about your disability at all. I can understand this, because most people don’t talk about it. When they do, their messages are negative, confusing, vague, or trite. Well, here is something I can tell you with assurance: Despite what you hear, you aren’t defective or incapable. You don’t need to be fixed, because there is nothing wrong with you. Your disability isn’t a wicked pathology, and it doesn’t morph your body into a leper colony. It is a part of you, but it isn’t all of you.

And another thing – even though I’m talking about bodies, you should know that a lot of your disability has to do with society. More open-mindedness, fewer biases, stronger laws, and more accessible public space are crucial for you and people like you. There is more to your disability than the straps and screws on your braces, the X-Rays and scans, and the appointments with doctors and therapists. Those are just symbols of a society that tries to control and normalize anything different. Confronting and challenging that social control will be maddening and discouraging at times, but it will also be empowering. It will eventually bring you into contact with a community of audacious crips, and you’ll find your place in the movement.

Freshman Year

You’ll have young, adorable eager English teacher who will ask you to write a poem about yourself in the style of a fiery Chicana author. Something about her Kahlo-esque imagery will resonate with you, and you’ll write a defiant declaration about being a rose. The poem will be blood red and full of crookedness, thorns, and layered depth. You’ll feel a sizzle of liberated righteousness when you read it over. Much of it will hold true for who you’ll become. However, don’t forget that roses aren’t so very different from any other flower. They start out tightly coiled, bright, and sharp, but their petals eventually droop open, dry up, and drop to the ground. They too must face the cold and snow of winter. And their thorns serve as protection, but they must be stripped before they can be held, offered as gifts, or clustered together in a vase. Remember that it is okay to be vulnerable, open, and honest. Asking for help and depending on others isn’t a weakness. It will allow you access to what you need, and it will give you a role as a negotiator in your own life.

Sophomore Year

You’ll take math with an old-school Wellesley feminist, and she’ll teach you the meaning of the word. She won’t exactly get you to love geometry, but she’ll be the advisor for the feminist club called Empower. On Tuesday mornings, you and a small group of other students will meet to talk about women in the news, the workplace, politics, education, and the media. You’ll start to think about how you have always been drawn to women’s stories, and you’ll get angry when you realize how many of those stories are lost or minimized because of gender inequality. Respect that sense of outrage. It will fuel your recognition of the oppression of many groups of people, including people with disabilities. It will also ground your belief in the soul-affirming importance of being able to make choices. For now, learn to love being a feminist, and start to connect your own story to those of the strong, brave women who have come before you.

Junior Year

You’ll be similarly unsure about chemistry, but your funny, passionate, and insightful Korean-American teacher will make you love coming to class. He’ll care about each student as an individual, not just a (likely temporary and unwilling) retainer for facts about the periodic table and chemical reactions. On Fridays, he’ll give Fireside Chats in the style of F.D.R., a man with polio legs and a radio voice who hid his disability but shared his belief in social change. He’ll make you laugh and consider important topics. This teacher will also see you as a capable and influential person beyond your academic skill. At the end of the year, he’ll make predictions about the future careers of each student in the room. He’ll tell you that you’ll be a psychologist or a helper, listening to others’ problems and working with them through difficult times in their lives. Try not to let this make you uncomfortable. He doesn’t mean to make you feel like the cripple with the heart of gold, and he is more right than you know. Being a helper can be empowering, collaborative, and radical.

Senior Year

This one will be hard. You’ll come up against a lot of doubt and uncertainty about the time ahead, and whether you’ll make it in college away from home and your family. When you get deferred and then rejected by your dream school, you’ll start to feel like you aren’t good enough. Guess what? You are. You aren’t Captain Ahab in AP English’s Moby Dick, and the fact of your disability isn’t a pounding, divisive bone-beat driving people away and warping their perceptions. You’re going to be fine. You’ll find the college you’re meant to attend. There, you’ll learn, grow, question, build friendships, and – most importantly – finally find a place for your story in the rich, enduring narrative of human struggle and social change.  

Later Life Previews

I wanted to write this to me in high school, but in case you’re wondering what happens later, here are some previews of life in college, grad school, and beyond…

You’re capable of living away from home, even though it is a learning process.

College isn’t that much more intense than high school.

You’ll get really comfortable using the word disability – in school, in conversation, in writing, in professional networks, and in your job. You’ll probably say it or write it at least once every day.

You’ll sell candy vaginas for a good cause.

You’ll make really good friends.

You’ll get a master’s degree in a field related to disability.

You’ll move to the East Coast without really knowing squat about the area, the people, where you’ll be living, and exactly what you’ll be doing – but it will work out!

Your chemistry teacher’s prediction will be pretty accurate.

You’ll have a real grown-up job! Interestingly, your job will feature the word disability and a derivation of the word special. Both of these words make you uncomfortable now, but you’ll learn to embrace them.

You’ll have an apartment!

You’ll have a cat!

Someone you care about very much will face illness and disability. This will make you sad, angry, stressed, and afraid, but you’ll try your best to show her fierce love and steady support.

I hope that provides some motivation and anticipation, because life is about to get interesting. You’re doing great. I’m proud of who you are now, and I’m proud of who you’ll become!

Love,