If you're interested in contributing material for a blog post or a full blog post, please fill out our form. Please be aware that all blog posts must be educational in nature and no fundraising or promotional posts will be allowed. Members of the public may submit the initial interest form, but blog posts from ADI and ADI members are prioritized over publicly generated posts.
Reimagining Language: The IDEA Committee's Perspective on Correctional Terminology
Published Thursday, November 7, 2024 | by Duncan Edwards and Brittani Uribe Sleets
As members of the IDEA Committee—Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility—we recently undertook the task of reviewing terminology within Assistance Dogs International’s Standards, specifically concerning individuals in correctional facilities who work with our member organizations to socialize or train future assistance dogs. This process initiated an important conversation within our committee, compelling us to reflect on the complexities of the criminal justice system and the power of language in shaping perceptions.
Unleashing Potential: Animal Assisted Education Programme
Published Monday, September 30, 2024 | by David McCarthy
Facility dogs are increasingly recognized for the incredible support they provide in specialized settings such as hospitals, schools, and residential care facilities. Unlike service dogs, which primarily assist individuals with disabilities, facility dogs are expertly trained to work alongside professionals and volunteers in environments where many people can benefit from their skilled tasks. These dogs actively promote well-being by assisting multiple clients across diverse environments, offering much more than just a comforting presence. A shining example of their impact can be seen in Animal Assisted Education (AAE).
Sourcing dogs for Assistance Dogs
Published Wednesday, August 21, 2024 | by Sydney Bolak
Seeing a Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Standard Poodle, or German Shepherd working with in public their partner is a familiar experience as these breeds are renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility in assisting individuals with disabilities. However, not every ADI organization chooses to exclusively use purpose-bred puppies.
Assistance Dog Organizations Facilitate Work Opportunities: Reducing Barriers to Inclusive Employment
Published Tuesday, July 23, 2024 | by Kaitlyn Lowes
Assistance dog providers empower disabled individuals to reduce barriers to independence by providing trained dogs to mitigate the symptoms and challenges of their disabilities. The continued development of support, advocacy, and opportunities for clients creates an accessible workplace with educated and compassionate employers.
ADI Trainers Workshop - a recipe for success
Published Monday, June 24, 2024 | by Martin Atkin, Communication Consultant
Take 25 assistance dogs, 14 trainers, 74 participants from three continents, two amazing host organisations and one (very) dog-friendly hotel and stir the ingredients thoroughly for three days. What do you get? One of the most successful, enjoyable and well-attended ADI regional training sessions of recent years!
The Importance of Comprehensive Breeder DNA testing, tools and services, and COI for your breeding programs
Published Wednesday, May 22, 2024 | by Lisa Peterson, Embark Content Strategy Lead
Genetic health testing is an integral part of a sound dog breeding program. A comprehensive full-panel test leaves no stone unturned and lets you identify ‘clear,’ ‘carrier,’ and ‘at-risk’ designations for all breed-relevant conditions.
Valuing Sustainability at Dogs for Better Lives
Published Monday, April 22, 2024 | by Sara Ifert
At Dogs for Better Lives, we believe it is the program's duty to lessen our impact on the environment and the strain we put on finite resources. To live this belief in our daily work, we have added sustainability as one of the core values our entire team lives by.
Inspirational and inclusive: celebrating the women behind our success
Published Friday, March 8, 2024 | by Chris Diefenthaler, Executive Director, Assistance Dogs International
As we mark International Women’s Day, I am particularly struck by this year’s theme: Inspire Inclusion. For me, that two-word phrase sums up what Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is all about. The inspirational work of our global network of members is only possible because we embrace inclusivity.