Title

Occupational Therapy’s Role in Matching Handlers and Assistance Dogs

Authors

Jyoti K. Tatla, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Becki Cohill, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Susan MacDermott, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow

Files

Description

The purpose of this project was to assess and observe the matching process and to identify the role of an occupational therapist in aiding the evaluation process with potential handlers and assistance dogs. Three sites were explored within California: Canine Support Teams, Canine Companions for Independence, and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Interviews were conducted with twenty-five participants about roles, routines, physical environment, need for an assistance dog, and additional support.

Key findings from this project revealed a need for occupational therapy within the evaluation process and two-week team training. Therapists could aid with adapting learning material, addressing performance patterns, conducting home evaluations, and educating staff about a range of clients who have different disabilities.

Publication Date

Spring 4-23-2020

Medical Subject Headings

Occupational Therapy, Animal Assisted Therapy, Dogs, Process Assessment, Health Care

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the Spring 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on April 23, 2020.

References

1. Assistance Dogs International Inc. (2019). ADI terms and definitions. https://assistancedogsinternational.org/resources/adi-terms-definitions/
2. Dunn, W., Brown, C., & McGuigan, A. (1994). The ecology of human performance: A framework for considering the effect of context. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 48(7), 595-607. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.48.7.595
3. Fairman, S.K. & Huebner, R. A. (2001). Service dogs: a compensatory resource to improve function. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 14(1), 41-52. https://doi.org/10.1080/J003v13n02_03
4. Lloyd, J.K., Budge, C., Grow, S.L., & Stafford, K. (2016). An investigation of the complexities of successful and unsuccessful guide dog matching and partnerships. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 3, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2016.00114

Recommended Citation

Tatla, J. K., Cohill, B., & MacDermott, S. (2020, April 23). Occupational Therapy’s Role in Matching Handlers and Assistance Dogs. Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonespring2020/19