A Survey on Awareness of Service Dogs among Teachers of Schools for Physically Disabled Children

Abstract

Currently 74 service dogs are working in Japan (as of Aug. 1, 2015). This number is far less than that of potential users. One of the reasons for the discrepancy is the poor awareness about service dogs among potential physically disabled users. Educating the young physically disabled about service dogs as one of the helps for independence and social participation may lead to an increase in future service dog use. In this study, therefore, we conducted a survey on the awareness of service dogs among the teachers of schools for physically disabled children - possible future service dog users. The result showed that most of them lacked correct understanding and specific image of service dogs though they knew the presence of the dogs through media coverage. In addition to our current promotion method of hosting events at the Service Dog Training and Rehabilitation Center in Aichi Prefecture, to improve our promotion methods, distribution of the brochures and the demonstration and the lecture by service dog users held at the schools should be provided.