Skip to content

Episode 76 Resources: United Disabilities Services (UDS) Service Dogs Training Program

Original Broadcast: January 8, 2020

Recording and Transcripts Episode 76: United Disabilities Services (UDS) Service Dogs Training Program
On this episode of ADA Live! we take a closer look at how these important companions are trained and discuss the important work of training service dogs. We will learn about the fascinating and extensive work that is needed to train a dog to be a service animal, the types of breeds typically used, how dogs and potential clients are matched, and much more.
Speakers: Kristina Smith and Lori Breece, with the United Disabilities Services (UDS) Service Dogs Training Program
Moderator: Steve Kuusisto, a poet, author and Professor in the Center on Human Policy, Law, and Disability Studies at Syracuse University.

Contents

Learn about United Disabilities Services (UDS)

  • United Disabilities Services (UDS)
    A nonprofit organization in Pennsylvania that helps those who are aging, veterans and people with disabilities live safely and more independently in their own homes. Discover the services, programs and resources available to people throughout central Pennsylvania and beyond.
    Link: udservices.org
  • United Disabilities Services (UDS) Service Dog Training Program
    Learn more about the UDS service dogs who are trained from pups for over two years by a team of dedicated volunteers and professionals to help people who have a mobility disability.
    Link: udservices.org/services/service-dogs
  • Prison Tails: Inmates Train Puppies for Use as Service Dogs
    Learn more about the UDS service dog training program involving prison inmates.
    Link: udservices.org/news/prison-tails-inmates-train-puppies-for-use-as-service-dogs

Other Service Animal Organizations

  • Canine Companions for Independence (CCI)
    A non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.
    Link: cci.org
  • Assistance Dogs International, Inc. (ADI)
    A worldwide coalition of non-profit programs that train and place Assistance Dogs. Assistance Dogs organizations that pass ADI’s accreditation process become ADI Accredited Member programs, and are regularly assessed to ensure they meet the highest standards in the industry.
    Link: assistancedogsinternational.org
  • Guiding Eyes for the Blind
    This organization breeds, raises, and trains guide dogs and trains students to work with guide dogs that have been carefully selected to match their individual needs.
    Link: guidingeyes.org
  • Psychiatric Service Dog Partners
    Promotes the mental health of people using service dogs for psychiatric disabilities by educating, advocating, providing expertise, facilitating peer support, and promoting responsible service dog training and handling.
    Link: psychdogpartners.org
  • Guide Dogs for the Blind
    This organization prepares highly qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind or have low vision in the United States and Canada.
    Link: guidedogs.com
  • Seeing Eye Dogs
    Offers programs enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye® dogs.
    Link: seeingeye.org
  • Paws with a Cause
    This organization breeds and custom-trains Assistance Dogs for people with physical disabilities, hearing loss, seizures and autism.
    Link: pawswithacause.org/what-we-do/assistance-dogs
  • Canine Assistants
    This organization places  service and companion dogs with people who have mobility difficulties, type I diabetes, epilepsy, and other medical needs.
    Link: canineassistants.org
  • Flying Puppies! These Cuties Flew American Airlines for Service Dog Training (Article)
    American Airlines has a Puppies in Flight program for service dogs.
    Source: Fort Worth Star Telegram
    Link: star-telegram.com/news/business/aviation/american-airlines/article223365215.html
  • Guide Horse Foundation
    Justice Department ADA regulations recognize only dogs and miniature horses as service animals for people with disabilities. Guide horses are a reliable mobility alternative for visually impaired people.
    Link: guide-horse.org

ADA Requirements and Service Animals

Service Animal Podcasts, Videos, and Webcourses

Podcasts with Audio Files, Transcripts, and Resource Lists

Videos

  • Service Animal Video Series
    These nine captioned videos answer common questions about service animals and the ADA.
    Source: Rocky Mountain ADA Center, ADA National Network
    Link: adata.org/service-animal-resource-hub/videos

Webcourses

  • ADA Training Webcourse: Service Animals and the ADA
    This one-hour webcourse defines service animals and the rights and responsibilities of service animal handlers under the ADA, as well as the differences between service animals, emotional support animals, and therapy animals.
    Source: Rocky Mountain ADA Center, ADA National Network
    Link: rockymountainada.talentlms.com/catalog/info/id:132

Disclaimer: Accessibility cannot be guaranteed for external websites. The Southeast ADA Center provides these links as a courtesy and does not endorse, take responsibility, exercise control of the organization or vouch for the accuracy of the contents of the destination.