About ADAI
Welcome to
Assistance Dogs of America, Inc., located in Swanton, Ohio. ADAI helps children and adults with
disabilities achieve greater independence by training and placing service and therapy dogs to
assist with the individual's daily needs. For over 20 years, ADAI service dogs have helped
transform the lives of over 150 individuals. From children with muscular dystrophy and spina bifada
to adults with cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries, our dogs provide their owners with
self-reliance, self confidence and self-esteem… and most importantly, a chance to live their lives
to the fullest potential. ADAI therapy dogs, equally highly trained, offer comfort and
companionship to children in schools, persons in nursing homes and individuals with developmental
disabilities, autism and Down’s Syndrome.
In recent
years, ADAI has launched a number of innovative new programs, including the Prison Puppy
Program. Inmates at the Toledo Correctional Institution and Cleveland's
Northeast Pre-Release Center learn about responsibility by raising and training puppies
for ADAI. In November of 2007, the first three dogs graduated from the Toledo
Correctional Insitute's Prison Puppy Program. Jazzy, Scarlet and Belle were succesfully placed
with their new partners. As the program grows, we look forward to many more successful
placements.
If dogs could speak, they might be able to explain that special bond and its
benefits that exist between humans and dogs. Our success stories and studies speak for them.
Studies show again and again that dogs can provide tremendous benefits to individuals by offering
companionship and performing everyday “human” tasks. Not only can dogs reduce the physical
obstacles facing people with disabilities, but also the social barriers. A
dog helps bridge gaps of ignorance by stimulating common interests, like sharing dog
stories.
At ADAI, volunteers allow us to provide these essential services to those with disabilities and special needs. From corporate sponsors to grade school children who raise money by baking and selling dog biscuits, ADAI is extremely grateful for the generosity of our donors and volunteers. With their support, we will continue to train and provide service and therapy dogs to enhance the lives of more and more individuals.
Our Mission
The mission of Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. is to help children and adults with disabilities achieve greater independence by training and placing service and therapy dogs to assist with the individual's daily needs.
Our Value Statements
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Increasing the independence of people with disabilities is beneficial to both the individual and the community.
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Obtaining an assistance dog is a life changing experience for people with disabilities, providing for both their physical and emotional needs.
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Clients deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
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Placement of successor dogs with past clients should have priority over new dog placements.
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Dogs should be selected and trained to satisfy individual client needs.
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Positive-reinforcement training and high levels of care produces higher quality dogs.
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Dogs have an important place in people’s lives.
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The people involved in ADAI are sincere about and committed to the mission and reputation of the organization.
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The organization is successful because there is camaraderie, friendship, recognition and a sense of fun among the people involved.
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The organization is successful because there are good people intimately involved in the work.
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ADAI provides a service by providing people with an opportunity for community service time and to learn life skills.
Happy Endings - Susan and Cody
Susan of Toledo, OH says her new service dog, Cody, a Golden Retriever, offers many
benefits. Cody will help Susan, who has Multiple Sclerosis, to pick up pens, keys, and the
telephone, as well as help open doors. Most of all, Susan, who is a part-time college tutor and an
active community volunteer, says Cody offers hope…hope for a better life now and in the future.
Cody was donated by Sandra McCartney of Liepsic, Ohio and was fostered by Sue and Alicia
Rakes of Napoleon, OH.