Innovation through a multifaceted lens
Removing Barriers...
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Target Audiences
End-Users/Consumers (Service Dog Teams), Producers (Service Dog Trainers or Service Dog Training Organizations), Regulators (Government: Public Access & Human Rights), Donors, Grant Makers, Corporate Sponsors, Private Sector, and Other Stakeholders (General Public, All those that are required to grant public access to Service Dog Teams) |
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Purpose of the Briefing Paper
This paper provides a summary of topics pertaining to Service Dogs in Canada along with an introduction to the big picture. There is also mention of the growing interest in the prospect of developing a Canadian Service Dog Industry Association. As a result, the Foundation is in the process of reviewing this probable next step. Highlights Include:
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Publications for Service Providers and Government Regulators Consideration
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A picture of a glass that is half full or half empty depending on one's perspective.
An Evolving Landscape
A landscape is typically described as the visible features of a specific environment. In order to fully appreciate this landscape all of its features must become apparent. For instance, the Basic Terminologies section encompasses general explanations in an attempt to make things more clear. The reference to Standards are meant to help people grasp some of the nuances and differences within the standards arena and the importance of not using these terms interchangeably, but in their proper context. In all cases Standards within this context refer to service dog organizations 'private company standards'.
Presently, there are no consensus-based national or international Standards that meet the requirements recognized by the Canadian or global standardization network known as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Members of ISO cannot be individuals or companies, but rather, each member represents its own country. For example, Standards Council of Canada (SCC) represents Canada's National Standardization Network through its membership with ISO. In a nutshell, there are standards, for developing standards.
Private company standards have merit in that their self-declaration echoes the commitment of the organizations that create and uphold them. However, without the proper infrastructure in place to showcase and value the industry at large, establish consensus-based standards, and a corresponding third-party conformity assessment scheme quality assurance and credibility is compromised; which brings us to our next topic; benefits.
The Benefits of Competition
The Benefits of Competition are reinforced through the Trade Association Best Practices on account of their alignment with Canada's Competition Act. There is a fine line between competing in the marketplace and how organizations go about it, therefore, the Foundation is in the process of coordinating educational opportunities to inform this process.
The End-Users/Consumers Checklist is the culmination of general responses from The Canadian Foundation for Animal Assisted Support Services (CFAS) when people are seeking direction as to how to get the help they need. CFAS receives hundreds of calls and thousands of email messages annually concerning Animal-Assisted Services and many of these communications relate to service dogs. As such, CFAS is no longer able to respond to every person and question individually, therefore, it made sense to provide a general checklist for consideration in order to compensate for the absence of an official guiding document.
A landscape is typically described as the visible features of a specific environment. In order to fully appreciate this landscape all of its features must become apparent. For instance, the Basic Terminologies section encompasses general explanations in an attempt to make things more clear. The reference to Standards are meant to help people grasp some of the nuances and differences within the standards arena and the importance of not using these terms interchangeably, but in their proper context. In all cases Standards within this context refer to service dog organizations 'private company standards'.
Presently, there are no consensus-based national or international Standards that meet the requirements recognized by the Canadian or global standardization network known as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Members of ISO cannot be individuals or companies, but rather, each member represents its own country. For example, Standards Council of Canada (SCC) represents Canada's National Standardization Network through its membership with ISO. In a nutshell, there are standards, for developing standards.
Private company standards have merit in that their self-declaration echoes the commitment of the organizations that create and uphold them. However, without the proper infrastructure in place to showcase and value the industry at large, establish consensus-based standards, and a corresponding third-party conformity assessment scheme quality assurance and credibility is compromised; which brings us to our next topic; benefits.
The Benefits of Competition
The Benefits of Competition are reinforced through the Trade Association Best Practices on account of their alignment with Canada's Competition Act. There is a fine line between competing in the marketplace and how organizations go about it, therefore, the Foundation is in the process of coordinating educational opportunities to inform this process.
The End-Users/Consumers Checklist is the culmination of general responses from The Canadian Foundation for Animal Assisted Support Services (CFAS) when people are seeking direction as to how to get the help they need. CFAS receives hundreds of calls and thousands of email messages annually concerning Animal-Assisted Services and many of these communications relate to service dogs. As such, CFAS is no longer able to respond to every person and question individually, therefore, it made sense to provide a general checklist for consideration in order to compensate for the absence of an official guiding document.
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Where do service dogs fit within the grand scheme of things?
Canada's social fabric has involved and treasured their relationships with animals since the beginning of time, but there is still much confusion in terms of where they fit in exactly. For instance, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) currently recognizes 10 sectors nationwide, however, Animal-Assisted Services (AAS) is not on this list, but there is no reason why it couldn't be. Range of Animal-Assisted Services within 'this landscape':
Who benefits from Animal-Assisted Services?
Persons with: developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, visual, hearing and mobility impairments, head Injuries, neurological disorders, chronic illness, substance abuse issues, life-altering injuries, trauma-based injuries, vicarious trauma, pressures that lead to heightened stress and anxiety levels, etc. These reciprocal relationships whether informal, clinical, or non-clinical in nature benefit people, pets and partners (animals in service). Last, but by no means least, the welfare of the animals is paramount in all we do and aspire to do. |
 People and communities coming together to engage in interdisciplinary and cross-sector excellence.
Anthrozoology
Anthrozoology is the study of Human-Animal Relationships (HAR). Animal-Assisted Services (AAS) would fall under this field of study, however, AAS is not a 'recognized field'. This up and coming field encapsulates a wide range of disciplines like humanities, veterinary medicine, social sciences, epidemiology, and anthropology. How would recognizing this industry ignite Canada's social landscape, economy as well as its industrial innovation? The possibilities are virtually endless. While this prospect may seem over the top it is possible. Much of the AAS Sector already exists it is just a matter of bringing it together and that is where CFAS comes in. CFAS endeavours to inspire and sustain the innovation, coordination, and integration of exceptional Animal-Assisted Services within Canada's healthcare, social services, justice, and corrections sectors in order to build a healthier and safer Canada with people, pets, and partners (animals in service). For more information please check out our milestones page and our overarching goals. Interest in blazing this trail has grown over the years, but we still have a ways to go given the breath and depth of this amazing landscape; and this is where you come in. Tidbits from a flash Poll in May 2018
Given that canine-assisted services are so diverse, fragmented, and unregulated by the government or an impartial third party would you be willing to entertain discussions that may include a combination of the following topics: Please choose all that apply.
If the Foundation is able to get the necessary sponsorship to host a national event would you like to attend professional development workshops that address a number of commonalities like the ones listed below? Please check all that apply.
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