Assistance Dogs of America, Inc.
The mission of Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. is to help children and adults with disabilities achieve greater independence by training and placing service and therapy dogs to assist with the individual's daily needs.
Description:
Assistance Dogs of America, Inc., located in Swanton, Ohio, pairs highly trained dogs and individuals with disabilities to help maximize their independence. For over 20 years, ADAI service dogs have helped transform the lives of over 150 individuals. From children with muscular dystrophy and spina bifada to adults with cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries, our dogs provide their owners with self-reliance, greater self confidence and self-esteem… and most importantly, a chance to live their lives to their fullest potential. ADAI therapy dogs, equally highly trained, offer comfort and companionship to children in schools persons in nursing homes as well as to persons with developmental disabilities and individuals with autism and Down’s Syndrome.
History:
Sam Maxwell started “Guide Dogs for the Handicapped” in 1984 by training their dog, Abbey, for her husband, who was a quadriplegic. Joe also helped train several dogs. Guide Dogs for the Handicapped was created to “provide specially trained dogs and/or adaptive equipment that aids the handicapped, enabling them to become more independent." It created its first Board of Directors in 1986 and the organization obtained a 501 c (3) tax exemption status in 1987. Jo Kiser was the first Executive Director. The group became registered at local, state and federal levels and began to expand its name and message throughout the country.
In 1989, the name of the organization was changed to Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. (ADAI). ADAI moved its training headquarters to two and a half acres in Swanton, Ohio, about 29 miles west of Toledo. The owner of the land, Richard Ranson, donated half of the cost of the property and the Kiwanis of Downtown Toledo paid for the rest. The property includes office facilities, a training building and insulated, heated kennels with 20 indoor-outdoor runs. ADAI dogs have a beautiful, grassy “home” with attentive staff and volunteers.
Contact person: Karen Swartz-Dowling, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (419) 825-3710
Address:
Web Site: http://www.adai.org
| Last updated on September 15, 2009 |
