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 | ECAD, a voting member of Assistance Dogs International Inc, is an organization which raises, trains and places assistance dogs with individuals that have various disabilities which causes loss of independence. These conditions may include Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Brain Injury among others. The dogs are trained to act as the arms and legs for their disabled partners. These dogs are taught to activate light switches, open doors, retrieve items, pull wheelchairs, and perform many other tasks specific to the needs of each individual. In just the past six years, ECAD has placed over 50 dogs, 10 of which were placed with youths. |
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| In 1999, one of NSD’s autism teams was highlighted on the first episode of the now popular Dogs With Jobs television program. The adventures of Andrew and Maggie created much international attention. Service dog providers around the world are now experimenting with NSD dog training models. NSD receives numerous inquiries each month from individuals around the world looking for information on how to develop similar dog training centers in their own locations in order to provide services to children with autism and other special needs. |
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| Over ninety percent of NSD’s clients have been, and will continue to be, children with autism. Service dogs have been shown to improve the family’s lifestyle and the child’s communication skills and behavior. Service dogs also help to increase the child’s levels of safety, independence, confidence and social acceptance. Autism is called the “invisible disability.” Being teamed with a quality-trained National Service Dog, this illness is brought into the light, and social isolation is dramatically reduced. |
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