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Alterations to qualifying criteria is expected to make it possible for more young people to be aided by an assistance dog.
The Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust (ADNZT) says: “We have made some changes to our application eligibility criteria to improve access for those we can support most effectively.”
The trust says the aim of the adjustments is “to consolidate its point of difference within the New Zealand service dog sector” and to better align its services with an early intervention approach.
“Our vision is to provide the most effective assistance possible for individuals living with disabilities and their families, creating a ripple effect to better serve our communities.”
Applicants must apply on or before their 18th birthday.
They must also have a diagnosis of a primary disability such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, brain injury, Down syndrome, or another neurological or physical disability.
The trust says it will also consider applications from young people with Epilepsy, ADHD, or Sensory Processing Disorder as a secondary diagnosis, “provided they have at least one of the primary disabilities”.
Expression-of-interest applications to receive an assistance dog open on March 1.
“This has been made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and the wider community,” says the trust.
“ADNZT is the only internationally accredited service dog organisation in New Zealand that provides disability assist dogs to children under the age of 16.
“We know from academic research and experience that early intervention results in greater long-term health outcomes.
“To be accredited as a disability assist dog, each dog must perform at least three tasks that directly benefit their client, as per Assistance Dogs International (ADI) standards,” says the trust.
Applications can be made online from March 1 at https://www.assistancedogstrust.org.nz/apply-for-an-assistance-dog-1
