Effects of Partnerships Between People with Mobility Challenges and Service Dogs

2014

Terry Crowe
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505-272-1753

OBJECTIVE.The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of partnerships between people with disabilities and service dogs on functional performance and social interaction. METHOD.A single-subject, alternating treatment design was used. Participants were 3 women with mobility challenges who owned service dogs. For each participant, time and perceived amount of effort for 2 tasks were measured for functional performance. Interaction and satisfaction levels were measured for social interactions. RESULTS.Primary findings: service dog partnerships decreased performance time for 4 of the 6 tasks, decreased effort for 5 of the 6 tasks, increased social interactions for 2 of the participants, & increased levels of satisfaction with social interactions for all participants. CONCLUSION.For adult women with mobility challenges, service dog partnerships may contribute to energy conservation through decreased time and effort required to complete some tasks & may increase social interactions.

mobility challenges, service dogs

Peer-reviewed publications in scholarly journals Published/In Press

Consumers/Families, Professionals, Students

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