2015 Press Releases

UCC partners with Irish Assistance Dogs

19 Nov 2015
Eoin with his assistance dog, Hector, who took part in a UCC research project on assistance dogs Image: John Sheehan

A new umbrella organisation, Irish Assistance Dogs, today addressed the Oireachtas Health Committee to highlight the need for special recognition for Assistance Dogs in Irish legislation.

The new group which has UCC as a research partner will ensure that the families of children with autism and other disabilites will continue to enjoy the access rights to vital social amenities such as cinema’s, restaurants and other public spaces.

Irish Assistance Dogs brings together Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, My Canine Companion and Dogs for the Disabled.  

Speaking ahead of the session, Andre Geary, Chair of Irish Assistance Dogs, said, “We are here today to help inform Oireachtas members of the challenges faced by those living with autism.  We also want to show the importance of the work of our assistance dogs and the positive effect they have on the lives of children with autism, as well as their families.  Access rights and proper recognition for working dogs are critical to ensuring that our work is as effective as possible.”  

Research by the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at UCC  has shown that assistance dogs  can act as a ‘bridge’ between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)  and the physical and social environment.   The study, which was published in the British journal BMJ in July of 2014,  found  that the dogs increased the safety, security and positive public reception of children  with ASD.  The research suggested that the presence of an assistance dog can make parents and guardians feel more competent in managing their child.  The study highlighted the role that an assistance dog can play in promotion of child safety, calmness and provision of friendship.  Furthermore, the research drew attention to the role the dogs have in facilitating ‘normal’ family functioning such as being able to visit a shopping centre. 

David McCarthy, Client Engagement and Services Manager, Irish Guide Dogs, said, “We have seen for nearly a decade now how much of an impact working dogs have on the lives of families with autism.  Irish Assistance Dogs is designed to bring the four charities dealing in the delivery of assistance dogs closer together to ensure we can guarantee the highest standards in our working partnerships.  Collaborating in this way will also allow us to focus on specific campaigns to make the lives of families living with autism better.  With that in mind we have identified to key pieces of legislation that we will work to have amended to offer specific recognition to Assistance Dogs they are the Control of Dogs Act and the Child Care Act.  We plan a number of strong advocacy and lobbying campaigns to deliver this in 2016.”

Irish Assistance Dogs is focussed on maintaining the highest standards in the delivery of working dogs for families of children with autism as well as a number of other disabilities.  The group will foster greater co-operation between its four constituent members to deliver effective and sustainable solutions for their clients.

 

 

 

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