Service Dogs And Assistive Technologies

United Disabilities Services (UDS) specializes in offering people the ability to age gracefully, as well as assisting those with various disabilities. We provide a wide range of services that can be exceedingly useful when creating a daily independent environment for people. Options like our service dog program are designed to help people with mobility issues or serve as a built-in mental health assistant for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Assistive technologies, like custom wheelchairs and handrails, are also available to help improve mobility. While we work with many people who have a need for specific services we offer, some may decide that using both a service dog and assistive technologies is the best course of action. Our goal is to provide multiple options to ensure that there is a program best suited to your specific needs.

So how do you know what is best for you? The best first step is to learn more about the options that are available. Of course, UDS is always here to guide you every step of the way and help you evaluate your options and what is best in your specific case.

Here is some additional information to help you get started.

Service Dogs

Service dogs are trained to assist with a variety of disabilities ranging from physical to
emotional. They are trained to be able to help people in different environments, not limited exclusively to the main household. There are different types of service dogs, so it is important to do some research before making a decision. Some are trained to specifically provide mobility support, specializing in:

• Balance assistance
• Opening doors
• Turning lights on and off
• Retrieving items

Another type is medical alert dogs. They can be trained to alert people to recognize:

• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Seizures
• Low blood sugar
• Anxiety or panic attacks

Having a service dog provides an extra layer of comfort in social situations allowing for people to feel more independent as they are less reliant on help from other people. Service dogs can be trained to help with opening doors, picking up items, retrieving medicines, alerting others to medical emergencies, or simply providing a comforting presence. Dogs, in general, require consistent schedules. Having a service dog can also help people maintain active routines, which can in turn help with socialization or overall health improvement. It is clear that they can provide more than just assistance for their trained tasks. They become a source of comfort and companionship for the families and people that welcome a service dog into their home.

Assistive Technologies

Many people choose to use assistive technologies to help with mobility. Deciding to use
assistive technologies can help people feel more independent throughout their homes. They
can allow people to move more freely without the help of another person. Assistive
technologies can include but are not limited to:

• Custom wheelchairs
• Grab bars
• Automatic door openers
• Stairlifts or porch lifts

For people having difficulties with mobility, adding some of these assistive features to your
home may prove extremely beneficial and help improve quality of life. Custom wheelchairs can help improve overall postural alignment and relieve pressure on the body. Stairlifts can be customized to the user’s liking and help people age in place. Handle bars can also help prevent slipping in bathrooms or help balance going up and down stairs.

Determining the Right Choice

When considering options to help with mobility it is important to do thorough research in order to make sure that you are making the best decision for yourself or your family member. A service dog can help in multiple areas of life, improving mental health and mobility. Adding assistive technologies, like grab bars or stairlifts, to your house can help promote independence through building confidence with a newfound ease in moving. Some people may opt to utilize both a service dog and assistive technologies in their home. Using both can add a new level of comfort in all areas of life by having the in-home technologies and the service dog for assistance outside of the main home.

How UDS Can Help

UDS is proud to offer a service dog program for individuals who have a mobility disability,
autism, or Veterans with PTSD. We also offer dogs for the classroom that are specially trained to help children that struggle with learning. Our Accessible Home Modifications page has an extensive list of the assistive technologies we offer to give you the opportunity to live more independently. We’ve compiled a page detailing our customizable wheelchair process that includes a video and FAQ’s for referencing. At UDS, we pride ourselves in being with you every step of the way, and making ourselves available for any questions and guidance. UDS serves most of eastern and central PA. For more information, please contact us and fill out your information to learn more about our services.