Page 29 2024 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2024 The ADA does not specify any conditions. However, the ADA registry site says, “Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs and even Therapy Dogs can benefit people with disabilities associated with many diagnoses.” These include “Arthritis Ataxia (poor balance), Autism, Blindness or Impaired Vision, Deafness or Impaired Hearing, Diabetes, Cardio/Pulmonary Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Physical mobility Issues, Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.), Psychiatric Disabilities and Seizure Disorder (Epilepsy).” As LaFrank says, “Title II and III of the Americans With Disabilities Act describe service animals as those who “have been specifically trained to perform a task for the person with a disability.” Because these dogs are trained to do certain tasks, they are allowed to accompany their owners in most public spaces. The tasks these dogs perform depend on the needs of the person. Therefore, there are various types of service dogs. For instance, a guide dog, also known as a seeing eye dog, helps people who are blind or visually impaired “navigate their surroundings.” For hearing impaired people, service dogs can alert owners to sounds they cannot hear. An alert dog is another type of service animal. LaFrank says, “Though their exact detection skills vary by individual, an alert dog is trained to detect and alert their person of a substance that could be harmful to their health. There are diabetic alert dogs who can detect glucose, gluten alert dogs, and even seizure alert dogs.” Additionally, LaFrank says, “There are many other services a licensed dog can perform, from mobility assistance (providing support for a person to hold onto as they stand) or psychiatric service to daily tasks around the home. These all help an individual with a disability find more confidence and independence, no matter what difference they otherwise face.” The ADA National Network site on service animals and emotional support animals explains how these animals assist those with disabilities or other diagnoses. For instance, the site says, a psychiatric service dog “has been trained to perform tasks that assist individuals with disabilities to detect the onset of psychiatric episodes and lessen their effects.” These tasks may include “reminding the handler to take medicine, providing safety checks or room searches, or turning on lights for persons with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, interrupting self-mutilation by persons with dissociative identity disorders, and keeping disoriented individuals from danger.” Continued --
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