Vol. 7, No. 1 Winter 1999	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger
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Independence Dogs Can Help People with Disabilities

Amy Bowles, AT Specialist, Sussex County ATRC

Most people have probably heard of seeing eye dogs, which are trained to guide the blind when walking, and may also be trained to do some things around the home. People with physical disabilities also may be able to live more independently with assistance from clever canines. Independence Dogs, Inc., a non-profit school, provides highly trained dogs for children and adults with mobility impairments. The dogs are trained to provide all the physical, psychological, and therapeutic support their human partners need to lead full, productive, and independent lives.

Wheelchair Dogs are trained to assist a person with strong upper body function who uses a wheelchair. They are taught to pull their partners up ramps and to support their partners as they transfer from a wheelchair to another chair, car, or bed. They can even help their partner get back into the wheelchair after a fall. Since dogs are not color-blind, they can identify objects, such as books or clothes, by color. These dogs are also trained to open heavy doors, pop wheelchairs over high curbs, and carry packages or books in their specially constructed backpacks.

Walker Dogs are trained to help a person who has such difficulty walking that s/he generally needs a cane, crutches, walker, or the assistance of another human being. By leaning on a dog equipped with a specially designed harness, the person can be assisted up and down stairs, and in and out of chairs and cars. These dogs may also retrieve articles dropped by their master, and may also open heavy doors, bring telephone receivers, and carry items in their backpacks.

Quad Dogs are trained to help a person with quadriplegia who uses a power wheelchair and who has very limited upper body strength. These dogs can complete all of the tasks done by a wheelchair dog, but can also turn light switches on and off and press elevator buttons.

Many people with physical disabilities have benefited from the services that these dogs offer. Chris, who has muscular dystrophy, was 13 when he obtained Tasha, an independence dog. At that time, Chris' left hand was too weak to grasp the pulling handle on Tasha's harness for more than ten minutes at a time. A special leather loop was designed to go around the back of Chris' hand; it redirected the main pressure to the wrist and back of the hand. In addition, the muscles in Chris' upper body were so weak that if he leaned to the right or left while sitting in his chair, he could not straighten himself into an upright sitting position without assistance. His doctors felt sure that Chris would have to have Harrington rods inserted along both sides of his spine.

Chris made wonderful progress. In just a few months he was able to discard the special leather loop because he had developed enough strength in his left hand to hold the harness. His weak left hand had become so strong that Chris and Tasha returned to the training school to work on strengthening his right hand. Because of working with and caring for Tasha every day, Chris had strengthened his back muscles so much that he could sit completely upright in his chair. The insertion of the Harrington rods had become unnecessary! Having Tasha made a huge impact on Chris' life.

There are several steps in the process of obtaining an independence dog. They include:

1. Calling for an IDI application package.
2. Completion of an in-depth questionnaire designed to pinpoint the applicant's physical requirements, temperament, and lifestyle.
3. Completion of a form by the applicant's primary physician describing the person's medical condition and confirming that an Independence Dog can help.
4. Submission of personal recommendations by three of the applicant's friends or family members.
5. Submission of a videotape that chronicles a "day in the life" of the applicant to further illustrate the daily environments and challenges faced by the applicant.
6. After being accepted into the IDI program, the applicant is encouraged to visit the school and talk with the trainers about unique needs.

For more information on this particular program, contact:

Independence Dogs Inc.

146 State Line Road

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

(610)-358-2723

Other organizations in the surrounding areas:

Fidos for Freedom, Inc.

P.O Box 5508

Laurel, MD 20726

(410)-880-4178

 

 

 

K-9 Service Dogs of NJ

144 N. Beverwyck Rd., Suite #145

Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034

201)-335-7144

 

 

 

Canine Partners for Life

#130D, R.D. #2

Cochranville, PA 19330

(610)-869-4902