Canine Companions for Independence®
Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children is proud to partner with Canine Companions for Independence®. Canine Companions for Independence® is the oldest and largest dog assistance organization in the country. Since its inception in 1975, Canine Companions has placed over 6,200 dogs with children, adults, veterans with disabilities and professionals working in visitation, healthcare and education settings. All of their services including training, placement and ongoing follow up care are provided to families free of charge.
Canine Companions for Independence® trains assistance dogs for people with over 65 disabilities in the following areas:
1. Service dogs to assist adults with physical disabilities by performing daily tasks in include to retrieving dropped items, opening and closing doors and drawers, pulling a laundry basket, helping to dress an individual (with socks and a jacket), pulling a manual wheelchair over a short distance, and turning lights on and off.
2. Hearing dogs to alert the deaf or hard of hearing to important sounds such as the doorbell, alarm clock, smoke alarm by nudging the leg or arm. They are specially bred Labrador and Golden Retrievers.
3. Skilled companion dogs enhance independence for children and adults with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities. A facilitator, usually a parent of caregiver, is needed to help with the handling and care of the animal as well as the customized training needs of the dog.
4. Facility dogs work with professionals in a visitation, education or healthcare setting. The dogs trained in this area can perform over 40 commands designed to motivate and encourage the clients with special needs.
There are 6 training facilities all over the United States, the closest one in our own back yard in Orlando. They are committed to their core values of teamwork, compassionate service, integrity, community, excellence and innovation.
To learn more about Canine Companions for Independence® and how they service those within the exceptional needs community visit their website here.
Christina Marinelli
Community Outreach Coordinator, EMT-B and Parent Advocate
christina@collaborativecorner.org