Team Training, Accreditation, and Follow-up of Assistance Dog Partners (Applicants) and Assistance Dogs (Candidate Dogs):

Current Situation from the Standpoint of Independence and Social Participation

Abstract

Regarding the training and certification of assistance dogs for persons with physical disabilities (assistance dogs), despite existing standards and guidelines, many issues have been reported. In order to realize the purpose of the law, which is to promote the independence and social participation of persons with disabilities who live with assistance dogs, it is essential to ensure the quality of services provided by training providers and designated corporations that certify them. This paper summarizes the current situation and issues of team training, certification, and follow-up of assistance dogs (candidate dogs) and assistance dog partners (applicants). In addition, it analyzes how the promotion of independence and social participation of a person with disabilities, which is the core of the Act on Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons, is evaluated in team training, certification and follow-up. All of the issues that have been identified so far could limit the further independence and social participation of assistance dog partners, which is expected from partnering with assistance dogs. It has been suggested that evaluation of social participation in assessment and follow-up of assistance dog partners is insufficient, and the team training, certification, and follow-up are not conducted sufficiently from the perspective of how assistance dogs can promote independence and social participation of partners. In particular, it has been pointed out that the concept of social participation differs depending on the training provider and the designated corporation. In 2022, efforts were made to standardize the application documents for accreditation screening, but there has not been sufficient discussion on operational procedures concerning the processing of the application documents. In order to make the accreditation standards more transparent and to eliminate variations within and among designated corporations, it is essential to clarify both the operational procedures for the processing of application forms and the role of professionals involved in the screening.