AIM Assistance Dog - Group Sessions

Introduction 

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on AIM determinations where attendance of an Assistance Dog is requested. 

During the production of this policy it has been acknowledged that respect and fair treatment must be afforded to both of the following groups whose needs may at times be in conflict: 

• People in need of assistance dogs for either physical or mental disabilities 
• People who suffer from a phobia of dogs 

Instigating support measures where there may be a mix of both of these groups can be challenging. It requires some advance information, there is a potential need to communicate the information and a degree of compromise may be required. This document will outline the AIM policy which will look to balance the needs of all parties in a reasonable manner. 

Scope 

This policy applies to all individuals employed by AIM and clients who use our organisations services. 

Policy 

If an AIM client would like to be accompanied by an assistance dog at any group session, notice must be provided in advance to AIM. The information required is: 

• Which drop-in or training session the request refers to 
• What task the dog has been trained to do 
• Confirmation that the dog is well-behaved and will be under control in the session 

On receipt of a request, AIM will contact other potential attendees of that session who have previously informed AIM of a dog phobia. 

If both groups named above are likely to be represented at the session, facilitators, with support from AIM leadership if necessary, will determine the most appropriate attendance criteria on an individual needs basis. 

In order to maximise the opportunity for all parties to attend the sessions, AIM will carry out the following measures: 

• Discuss any compromise options in advance of the session 
• Prepare seating in advance ensuring a ‘dog space’ is available. This space may be used by the client and their assistance dog but co-located with the wider group to ensure the client remains able to fully participate in group activities and not be excluded 
• Allow clients who want to be distanced from the dog to choose their preferred seating 
• Review all sessions after an assistance dog has been in attendance to identify any learnings and potential changes to this policy 

Notes 

These recommendations are to apply equally to all sessions we deliver whether they be drop-in sessions or more formal training. 

A dog phobia will be defined as such: “if the presence of dogs will have a substantial long-term impact on daily activities”. 

AIM reserves the right to review Assistance Dog attendance decisions if risk or distress is caused.

Conclusion 

AIM is committed to providing high-quality services to autistic adults and their families and value the attendance of all clients, putting in place reasonable adjustments where possible to cater for as many clients as we are able. This policy is aimed at doing that.