ABOUT US
About Us
American Service Dogs, Inc. is a private company founded in 2008 and based around the proven medical fact that canine companionship and service can be instrumental in the quality of life of the disabled. Recognizing that disabilities come in visible and hidden forms from personal and family experiences, our founders were introduced to the concept of service animals in 2007, and have seen the benefits and service that these animals can provide to disabled individuals. In 2008, we incorporated with the goal of bringing awareness and opportunity to benefit from service animals across the nation. We look forward in joining with you in brining the quality and care that only a canine can provide, truly "man's best friend".
A Few Facts about Disabilities and Service Animals
There are more than 43 million Americans diagnosed with one or more physical or psychological disabilities, a number that is increasing as the population ages with the Baby Boomer generation entering their twilight years. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) mandates the extension of equal treatment and civil rights to individuals with disabilities as are extended to all Americans. We believe that all Americans could be considered to have one or more physical or psychological disabilities, based on the criteria specified under the ADA. Under the ADA, individuals with disabilities are entitled to the assistance of a service animal. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to a person because of his service animal, nor can they require an additional security deposit. Privately owned businesses that serve the public, such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, taxis, theaters, and sports facilities, are required to allow persons with disabilities to bring their service animals onto business areas in whatever areas customers are generally allowed. Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) the same prohibitions of discrimination that apply
"Service animals are animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, or performing other special tasks. Service animals are working animals, not pets. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and organizations that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go. This federal law applies to all businesses open to the public, including restaurants, hotels, taxis and shuttles, grocery and department stores, hospitals and medical offices, theaters, health clubs, parks, and zoos. US Department of Justice, ADA Business Brief: Service Animals
Some commonly used tasks for service animals
Any business that is open to the public must provide access to people with service animals. Plan ahead so that employees who are not fearful of dogs handle interactions with customers and clients with service animals.
Some Examples of Psychiatric Service Dogs Tasks |
||
| Disorder |
Symptom | Trainable Task |
| Major | Apathy | Tactile stimulation |
| Depression | Hypersomnia | Wake up Handler |
| Feelings of isolation | Ouddle and kiss | |
| Sadnes or tearfulness | "Hug" | |
| Memory Loss | Lick tears away Remind to take medication Help to find keys or telephone |
|
| Bipolar (Manic) Phase | Aggressive driving Racing thoughts or distraction Insomnia | Alert to aggressive driving Tractile stimulation Alert to insomnia |
| Schizophrenia | Hallucination Forgotten personal identity Confusion or disorientation Social with drawal Feeling overwhelmed |
Hallucination discernment Carry handler identification documents Take handler home Facilitate social interaction Buffer handler in crowded situation |
| Panic disorder | Pounding heartbeat, nausea, or sweating Dizzness Flight or flight/ flight response |
Staying with and focusing on handler Brace or lean against the handler Lead handler to a safe place |
| Post-traumatic Stress Disorder |
Hypervigilance Fear or startled response Fear or anxiety Nightmares |
Alert to presence of other people
|