What is an Animal Needed for Those with Disabilities? These animals help people overcome the limitations of their disabilities and the barriers in their environment. They are working animals and not pets, and this work may also entitle them to access of public places and common areas. The most common animals for persons with disabilities are dogs, but sometimes other species are used (for example, a cat or a bird). These animals may be any breed, size, or weight. Some, but not all, of these animals wear special collars and harnesses. Depending upon the duties the animal will perform, these animals may be called service, assistive, therapeutic, emotional support, or companion animals. These animals can be for people with physical and/or mental disabilities. Indiana Code 16-32-3-1.5 defines a service animal as “an animal trained as a hearing animal; a guide animal; an assistance animal; a seizure alert animal; a mobility animal; or an autism service animal.” What Do These Animals Do? Animals perform many types of services for persons with disabilities. Here are some examples: A guide animal serves as a travel tool by a person who is legally blind. A hearing animal alerts a person with significant hearing loss or who is deaf when a sound occurs, such as a ringing alarm or a knock on the door. A service animal helps a person who has a mobility or health disability. Duties may include carrying, fetching, opening doors, ringing doorbells, activating elevator buttons, steadying a person while walking, helping a person up after a fall, etc. A seizure response animal assists a person with a seizure disorder. The animal’s service depends on the person’s needs. The animal may go for help, or may stand guard over the person during a seizure. Some animals have learned to predict a seizure and warn the person. A companion animal or emotional support animal assists people with psychological disabilities. Emotional support animals can help alleviate symptoms such as depression, anxiety, stress and difficulties regarding social interactions, allowing tenants to live independently and fully use and enjoy their living environment. They are sometimes also called assistance animals. fhcci.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FHCCI-Animals-for-Those-with-Disabilities-Guide.pdf
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 01:41:11 +0000
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