PACE welcomed the newest member of the therapy staff this February-Balia, PACE’s first facility/therapy dog! She is a black lab/golden retriever mix with a very mild temperament, perfect for our students.
Balia and Allison get ready for the school day.
Facility dogs are expertly trained dogs partnered with a facilitator working in a health care, visitation, or education setting. Her facilitator is our OT Allison, who attended an intensive two-week Team Training course to learn dog handling and care.
There are many benefits to facility/therapy dogs:
- Can perform over 40 commands designed to motivate and inspire clients with special needs
- Gives unconditional love and attention to the clients and patients
- Helps engage students in schools and special education classes
- Encourages feelings of calm and security for clients in a visitation setting
Balia will work with Allison to help teach PACE students and facilitate interactions. We are all very excited to have her here, and she has already been a major hit with PACE School students! I’ll be sure to update on Balia’s progress and success stories.
PACE student Demitri pets Balia.
PACE School student Steven shakes with Balia.
For more information about therapy dogs, visit www.cci.org. Do you have any stories about facility/therapy dogs and people with Autism/developmental disabilities?
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