The impact of Service Dogs on the OccupationalPerformance of Individuals with Disabiliites
Graduation Date
2010
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Stacy Frauwirth, MS, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Abstract
This qualitative study examined the use of service dogs by individuals with physical disabilities, how the dogs aided in adaptation, and the effects the dogs had on occupational performance and independence. Face to face, semi structured interviews were conducted with six participants recruited through Canine Companions for Independence, located in Santa Rosa, California. By researching in detail how service dog users' occupational performance and independence changed with help from their dogs, it was hoped that occupational therapists would gain insight into how service dogs aid in the adaptive process for individuals with disabilities.
Results revealed that the service dogs' presence benefited participants because they were never truly alone. The dogs were able to provide physical assistance, companionship, and safety measures to their partners. Participants' service dogs also acted as social facilitators by encouraging social occupations, attracting positive attention, and providing educational opportunities to the public. Despite the benefits of service dog use, participants discussed the challenges including the dogs' inability to provide assistance in all areas of daily living. By understanding that the dogs could not do everything participants were able to choose other approaches to address the challenges they faced such as assistance from devices or caregivers. Since participants did not abandon the use of their service dogs despite some challenges, it appears that service dogs are an effective adaptive source for some individuals with disabilities.