ADAI Achieves Accreditation from Assistance Dogs International
PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Chris Diefenthaler, Executive Director
Assistance Dogs of America, Inc.
(419) 825-3622
cdiefenthaler@adai.org
www.adai.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. Achieves Accreditation from Assistance Dogs International
Toledo, Ohio, (February 18, 2008) – Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. (ADAI) in Swanton, OH
recently achieved full accreditation from Assistance Dogs International (ADI), effective for five
years.
ADI is an international coalition of non profit organizations that provide assistance dogs
to individuals with disabilities. Members of ADI strive to improve training, placement and
utilization of assistance dogs. ADI is the industry leader in establishing standards, guidelines
and ethics. Organizations that achieve accreditation can proudly state that all aspects of their
program meet the high standards of ADI. Donors, volunteers and clients should look for this
accreditation when researching assistance dog organizations.
ADI accreditation assessors conducted an onsite survey on April 23, which included interviews
of the staff, volunteers, applicants and graduates. They evaluated every aspect of ADAI’s
administration, facility and programs. This included reviewing training methods, health and care of
the dogs, compliance with legal regulations and all other activities.
“The work of Assistance Dogs International is essential to the entire assistance dog
industry,” said Chris Diefenthaler, executive director of Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. “We’re
pleased and proud to be recognized for maintaining their standards of excellence.”
For over 20 years, ADAI has helped individuals with disabilities achieve greater independence
by training and placing service and therapy dogs to assist with the individual’s daily needs. ADAI
has created over 250 successful client and assistance dog matches.
For more information, please visit Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. at www.adai.org or call
(419) 825-3622.
Posted: 2/25/08