Support Dogs

Eligibility: People with physical disabilities, people with epilepsy and children with autism.

Cost: Free.

Support Dogs is a national assistance dog charity (member of ADUK) dedicated to training dogs to transform the lives of people with physical disabilities, people with epilepsy, children with autism.

Support Dogs currently offers 3 training programmes:

Disability Assistance Programme - The client's pet dog is trained to provide assistance and support with everyday activities such as:

• Loading and unloading the washing machine
• Fetching the post
• Dressing and undressing
• Opening and closing doors
• Picking up and dropping objects
• Raising the alarm

Seizure Alert Programme - Support Dogs provide the dog for this programme. Seizure Alert Dogs are trained to give up to a 50 minute warning prior to an oncoming epilepsy seizure, allowing the client to get to a place of safety.

Autism Assistance Programme - Support Dogs provide the dog for this programme. Autism Assistance Dogs are trained to provide safety and companionship for children aged 4-10 years with autism. They have been shown to:

• Reduce stress for family members
• Promote positive changes in behaviour
• Provide comfort for the child when upset
• Increase safety for the child
• Enhance verbal communications
• Reduce social isolation

All qualified support dogs will receive a jacket and identification book which allows them access in restricted areas.

DIAL Disclaimer

Whilst all the information given in this document was correct at the time of going to press, DIAL Doncaster cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes.