Page 30 2024 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2024 A sensory signal dog or social signal dog is “trained to assist an autistic person or their caregiver. These dogs are trained to do a variety of social or sensory tasks based on the needs of the individual. For example, a dog might cue a person to pay attention to street crossings and crosswalks when walking to their job.” Additionally, “a dog might listen for a parent calling a child’s name and guide the parent to the child.” Seizure Response Dogs are “trained to assist a person with a seizure disorder. How the dog serves the person depends on the person’s needs. The dog may stand guard over the person during a seizure, or the dog may go for help. A few dogs have learned to predict a seizure and warn the person in advance to sit down or move to a safe place.” Steps for Applying for a Service Dog If you think you may qualify for a service dog, there are several steps you must follow. The Service Dogs for America site says, “The first step in applying for a service dog from Service Dogs for America (SDA) is to fill out and submit the preliminary application.” Before you submit a preliminary application, you should make sure you meet certain eligibility requirements. For example, you need to make sure you meet the age requirements. SDA says Those applying for “Mobility and Seizure Response” need to be “12 years of age or older and possess the physical and developmental capacity to handle a service dog independently.” Those applying for assistance with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder “must be 21 years of age or older.” If you have a medical need, you must be able to verify it. At times, a letter from a doctor may be needed. If you have PTSD, “you must have an official PTSD diagnosis from a qualified and licensed mental health professional, be actively engaged in therapy for the PTSD diagnosis, for a minimum of one (1) year, and maintain compliance with therapeutic recommendations.” Applicants need to be able to show they can “demonstrate proficiency in handling a service dog at home and in a variety of public environments.” Additionally, they must be able to oversee “the dog’s safety, behavior and working skills.” Applicants are also “required to supply proof of financial resources sufficient for the care of a service dog, including veterinarian care.” Continued --
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