Service Dogs and Invisible Disabilities | Sarah Meikle | TEDxDeerfield
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 พ.ค. 2018
- Psychiatric service dogs are misunderstood; very few people produce them and there is a desperate need for more people to do so. There are even more people that could benefit from these animals that do not realize that exist--and that they represent a treatment that can often meet needs that no other option can.
There is also a desperate need for more members of the public to be well informed regarding how to interact with people with service dogs. Did you know that it is common for people to bark (yes, that’s right, people barking!) at service dogs? If people understood more about how these dogs “work,” they can be more respectful and appropriate these outstanding animals. Sarah runs Diggity Dogs, a non-profit organization that produces medical alert and psychiatric service dogs for conditions that most people don’t realize dogs can address. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
After I was diagnosed with Autism and PTSD last year I started training my rescue ESA to be my service dog, and it's radically improved my independence
I have a service dog. I have anxiety, adhd, and ocd. I am not aware when I scratch my wrists raw when I’m nervous.
I don’t realize when I’m about have a panic attack. People call her fake.
She alerts me to when I am scratching, about to have an attack, biting nails, and she gives compression therapy. She will also re-focus me if she notices that my mind is on another planet.
But people still call her fake. They tell me to get over my mental disability. I cant just get over it. It’s getting better, but it’s not overnight
I understand how that feels. I have ADHD, Executive Functioning issues, ASD, anxiety, and PTSD all of which my SD helps with. Alot of people think I take her with me everywhere "for fun" because she was just my pet until the beginning of 2022. She realized I had gone through a trauma before I had, and even before the symptoms had began manifesting. She immediately took it upon herself to give me DPT (deep pressure therapy) every single night as I tried to go to bed from the very first night I returned home in late December. She also would instinctively watch and notify me about my surroundings previously, but it's become a whole different level since that event occurred. She frequently wants pets which makes people call her a fake but often she's disrupting my anxiety before it shows or other problematic behaviors. She frequently helps me avoid biting my nails or pulling hair although I still unconsciously will do it when she's not nearby to stop it. She will sometimes huff and bark at things but she usually is trying to make me aware of something and people act like that is a sign of an overly excited dog rather than a dog telling me that I should be conscious of something. She does this for a variety of things that normal people may not consider "scary" or potentially dangerous but I'm not a normal person so I need to know these things. And the last thing that I wish I could train her for but have no idea how to do it is some vision training. When I get extremely anxious I start to lose some of my vision (temporarily), and I need her to calm me down for that, but I also have MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and ON (Optic Neuritis) which affect my vision at times, and can make it hard to walk as it greatly affects my depth perception. That is the one thing I have found hard to train her with because it's so inconsistent in when and how it happens. Everything else she picked up naturally or learned fairly quickly. Yet she's still called a fake service dog by many because she started off as a pet (family and friends) or because it's not obvious what my issues are (strangers).
Don't listen to people who say things like this. You and your service dog are valid and precious. 🙏🏻
@@ambersmithpxt Hi Amber, (I am saving up for a service dog so I am no expert, just a fellow 'hidden disability person') your dog sounds remarkable. Her ability to help you with very little training is awesome! In relation to the vision training, I would maybe suggest a simple verbal or hand gesture cue for her to take up guidance duties when you start to lose vision. You may need to seek out a professional trainer to help you with it. Also maybe have a patch on her vest that says "Dog may need to bark doing her tasks" or something similar. Amber and Alyssa both of you keep up the good work and try to ignore the idiots. You know your dogs are worth their weight in Gold!
I'm crying I am so happy right now. I got a service dog only a week ago and I feel like my life has changed. I can actually do the things I enjoy again without fear. PTSD can take a toll on someone.
Lacey Friedman congrats! i’m so happy for you. enjoy ❤️
How did you get PTSD? were you bullied in anyway? Some people have that because they’re bullied by people and don’t know how to tell anyone so they bottle it up so they’re brains can not handle that negativity so it releases it in a way it can or knows how, and that’s to run from everyone and everything that’s why people have PTSD sometimes, because they for some reason can’t get out they’re feelings when people talk about bullying and say they don’t like it abd this has happened to me they feel great about themselves, if people talked to someone about being hurt by someone in anyway they’ll feel better about themselves it makes people happier, when I talk about my feelings I feel extremely good about myself I don’t lash out and I’m not scared I know it’s important to speak your mind, so tbag you don’t have those issues people would not need dogs to help them deal with it, people should just be able to talk to someone, digs shouldn’t do your job,
That’s how I look at it, if you a person living on this earth you should be able to just say look this is what’s happening this person is hurting me he’s beating me up and I don’t like it, how hard is it to say that? I don’t find it hard it’s extremely easy actually
Lol
Still I think PTSD from being bullied could have been prevented if you had have told someone before it got that bad, maybe you would not have ended up with this issue, ADHD is both you can control, people that have ADHD dogs are fantastic for that disorder because they can play play play all day with the dog, so a dog will be extremely great for people with ADHD,
So yeah I think it’s great you getting a dog to play with it will have the energy and time when you other friends don’t have that time to spend with you, so that’s great, I’m just saying PTSD is controllable tho because it’s caused by bullying or a car accident anything scary, who I feel people should just talk about then they will not end up with that, talking about things does prevent certain mental health issues, because you can get other illnesses too because that’s d bullying bit just PTSD, sometimes people get another illness where they feel they have to be mean to people back because they’re scared they’ll be bullied again, that’s another illness all together, there’s certain illnesses I believe could’ve bee prevented if you told someone as you got older, but you did not, you refused
I know ADHD that something people can never control, so I feel your pain because I’ve been bullied to because I was different in school, but I talked about I always told people right then and there, even if they’re no help just getting my feelings out to someone helped my confidence and I felt like I can tackle any bullying that comes my way, so look out bully’s I will stand up for those that are hurt including myself, god bless you
Enjoy your dog, I miss mine lots she died at 17 years old had her since I was 10 she passed last year,
Im reading the comments and i just am surprised people are saying it’s unreasonable for store owners to be familiar with the laws this should be normal practice for store owners and managers to understand the ADA laws and the 2 questions they may ask and nothing else. Not just for the personal aspect and issues I’ve had but because it’s a federal law... I went to a salon with my SDiT who behaved wonderfully and one of the employees was like “I thought service dogs were only for deaf, blind, and people who can’t move” and I’m like first of all OFFENSIVE second no. It’s unfortunately a reality that people deal with when having an SD and also having an invisible disability. My dog is a psychiatric SD and when i get asked questions about her I say “she is a service dog and she’s trained in response tasks”
Shelbee Maree it’s not offensive so much as it’s sad that it’s not common knowledge. If a person doesn’t know they don’t know, they can’t help that. But you can help by teaching them. Respect goes both ways 🤷♀️😇
@@cupstudios3788 as someone who worked in retail for 16 years, the company I worked for was required to cover ADA laws yearly with all employees. It's not up to the person with a disability to educate, it should be the employers job to educate employees in proper treatment of customers.
@Catnip yes it’s been 3 years and my dog and I have grown a lot since then. I was having a hard time dealing with a new change in my life by having a SD and dealing with people. I knew it was going to be hard but I had no idea. I learned, I grew, my also SD learned and grew in her training and experience. I was dealing with a lot of really uneducated people in the area I was in and it was a bit overwhelming for me, some of them were not nice which made me a bit jaded and bitter quickly. I know now that it wasn’t the appropriate response either. It sucks that this comment is out here, but I made it.. it’s what I was feeling in the moment, but it’s not a reflection of what I am now.
Just today I was denied access to a hotel because the employee and the manager believed something about what a service dog "should do." When I tried to educate they told me to leave the property and they were calling the police. It's crazy that 1. people are even like this but 2. There's absolutely no recourse in the moment for the person it's affecting. I might lose out on a job because of this.
This Ted Talk changed my life, and I didn’t even get my service dog yet. Thank you for letting me know that there’s another treatment option for me, I now have a goal to work towards.
I hope to finance my own SD soon, and will be dedicating my hard earned money towards this goal. Being a Massachusetts resident helps make this vision more of a reality in my head. As my condition shifts, I’d like to get ahead of any foreseeable issues through owning a service dog.
For years I’ve looked to different human solutions and none have the effect that a dog has. I have a dream and vision for my personal success and I think a SD will help me reach that goal. Being able to afford and own a service dog is my
Imperative goal for this year.
I am a young entrepreneur who is at his wits end trying to deal with my evolving brain at the onset of my disorder. I never thought of it before, but it seems like a SD is the key to unlocking the life I deserve. i hope to hear more from this
Organization
owner trained dogs do work - if you have the correct temperament and a willingness to work. I am currently training a puppy for stress relief. She is very sensitive to emotions and loves to apply pressure. When I met her, the first thing I noticed was her loyalty to stay by my side or within sight. At 7 months now, she is always within 5' of me. If you chose to self train, please test your puppy - Volhard’s Puppy Aptitude Testing. If your dog shows little interest in your training, it probably won't make a service dog. Training is a skill needed for life skills for the dog. If they don't train well or show low energy in learning - you will have a dog with little energy to perform his task. Not all dog, regardless of breed, are meant to be a service dog. You service dog needs his heart in the job.
Lisa Wheeler same here!!! My dog is my rock
I was SO blessed when I found that list, I put Baron through the paces and he aced everything! I put in for his adoption on the spot, a year later, he’s been such a blessing to me.
I have a great respect for service dogs and what they do . What I have a problem with is people abusing this super great program . I know a friend that is epileptic, and you would never know. She has a service dog maggie . Which I only pet when she says its ok . But once she puts on her vest to go outside I never touch or communicate with maggie she is working. But my friend says she hates people that claim to have service dogs yet you can tell these dogs are not trained. Or as my friend said these animals are not trained as service animals.
Give them 20 racks for one that is
I’m so happy with how she said this. I have a medical alert/ response and psychiatric service dog. And he has given me my independence that a person needs
I’m on my journey to get a PSD. My disabilities aren’t visible you can’t see them.
Dunkin is my second service dog. He is a goldendoodle. He helped alert my wife when I have a seizure.. He reminds me to take my medication.. He is my best friend. Most of the time, my only friend. Being disabled veteran can be lonely
i have severe agoraphobia that causes me to have full blown panic attacks when im out in public due to previous trauma and a history of other anxiety issues. i've considered a service dog (like jason and harper), but i can't afford to buy a trained one, and i don't know if i could mentally handle owner training.
I realize you commented months ago, but please know there is tons of support when you owner-train. There are lots of communities to join online that can both support you as well as motivate you, should you still want to consider owner-training in the future. It's a challenging adventure but well worth it for a successful service dog. :)
sarah jane
You may be able to get group funding. Keep asking around. Don’t give up. I know it’s easier said than done. You may be able to get friends/family/doctor/therapist/somebody, anybody, to search and be on the lookout for funding, grants and other opportunities to cover the costs incurred.
sarah jane get some help from a trainer, I’m owner training with the help of trainers
Facetious Times sometimes that can still be too expensive
sarah jane maybe start a go fund me I’m sure plenty of people would love to help. Training is quite expensive but if you can find something cheap and start a go fund me I would love to help out as much as I can.
I can't wait to train my own SD. I have a Dissociative disorder and PTSD which means for me I find going out in public very difficult, and can cause me to have panic attacks, amnesia, flashbacks which are really bad for me as sometimes it makes me act in a way that is dangerous for myself. I also have a seizure disorder which makes me scared to go out alone. It doesn't give me a great feeling of independence. But I know with some hard work and patience I will be able to get my life started.
I started owner training aswell 4 months ago but then stopped due to hospitalization.I have the exact same issues as you! I hope we can both succeed
I have severe rheumatoid disease and severe anxiety/depression and just lost my Service Dog to angiosarcoma. It is devastating. He handed me things i drop, reminded me by bringing my meds, pulled the clothes out if the dryer and made it possible for me to go places and do things. I feel like the world is closed to me now and I can’t believe he’s gone 😢
I'm a puppy raiser college studentwho is thinking about becoming a trainer and am proud to contribute to improving the lives of members of the disabled community. It has definitely had a huge impact on my life. My guide dog school is able to provide their dogs free of charge to handlers. I understand why this isn't the case for most places, but I wish training facilities could provide dogs for free or reduced costs. (unfortunately there is no way to avoid the fact it may take up to $50,000 dollars to train a dog) My organization can, in part due to it's size, but they mostly cater to the blind (and secondarily to those with PTSD). I have found this to be a common trend, you can get a guide dog for free at these large organizations but for a majority of other types of service dogs you must go to a smaller organization that has much bigger price tags. I don't think that there is any type of foul play, that's just the way it is right now. Unfortunately, owner training or large price tags are not options for many people, especially those who arguably need a dog the most. I hope that bigger schools form around other disabilities to increase affordable access to service dogs.
Lauren Wallace I have epilepsy and luckily it’s not to the point where I wouldn’t be unable to owner train since I had a device implanted in my chest that controls my brain waves through my Vagus nerve( it has electrodes wrapped around it). My seizures were cut by more than 50%. I am also blind in my left eye and have PTSD( I’ve yet to be diagnosed however my husbands friend who gave me references believes I do). I would be ok if they ended up just an ESA. Thanks for all you are doing.
I am a Multi-Purpose Service Dog. I am for Psychiatric and Medical things. I know 18 Tasks, all 100% owner trained. Ohio does not recognize me as a Service Dog because my owner is not blind, deaf, or mobility-disabled {yet}. And because I'm owner-trained. So, we rely mainly on the ADA and are trying to get Ohio law updated.
Excellent information! As a service dog handler with an invisible disability (PTSD) I genuinely thank you!
My daughter is 15 & has anxiety & panic attacks. She now has her Emotional Support Dog "Rocket". He's amazing! It's like he gave her back her confidence.
I have a standard poodle Smokey he helps me with PTSD and seizures I just love him so much
Amazing! Super excited to have my service dog!
Dogs have a bigger heart and are smarter then most / all people
I can say that beings I've lost everyone /everything after my injury's except my dog
I don't know what she would do if I had another seizure , but she didn't leave me when everyone else did
I hope she out lives me
I do know you dont wanna break in here - she will bite you - she judges people better then I can
These dogs are so precious. 🥺😭💕
I've heard about service dogs being useful for some people with ADHD, too.
Everyone is different, but having this option as well is soo amazing! 👌🏻😄
Omg this makes me so happy. I have seizures and my boy alerts me before they happen and helps me stay steady through them. ❤️
I wish that I could get a service dog to help me with my hyper vigilance caused by my anxiety, my depression and depersonalisation disorder, but it’s next to impossible to register a service dog in Southeast Asia
Great educational talk ! U have a clear passion and thank u ! I have a service dog for my PTSD and she is changing my life !
Excellent! Thank you!!!
What a great program! Thanks students!
What a fantastic educational Talk. I have been training my dog with a program and my little service dog has given me so much help with my CPTSD. Literally has been a life saver. ❤
Great work! Much love to ppl who train these dogs. It's a TON of work. Years in many cases.
Always mentioning about my dog was I was upset one time cuz I was diagnosed with bipolar one and I was started to get up and have one of my reactions and she came over she look straight into my eyes like she could see through me or something and she put her paws up on my chest and she's like a 45lb dog so she's not really big but she just kind of laid on me so that I'm not hurtful but just kind of didn't let me get up and I was like let me up and she just looked at me but within a caring way and it's the instant that feeling of wanted to have it unhealthy reaction to it felt and I felt better just having her give me that support and give me that service really because I didn't have to get upset but I felt it and she helped me she looked at me and get and just instantly come to me and I was able to help that passed and it's amazing you know I'm sure we user she's mostly a watchdog that's that's her forte yet I was amazed it that service you provided on that day at that moment and I said I wish you know I wish more people would have that experience
Service dogs are people specific and job specific ; value addition to humanity.
In australia we call service dogs an assistance dogs I have one he helps alot to make sure I'm safe in a sezer and goes get help and helps with my other disabilitys my dog is the only reason I leave my room or the house before I got him I was so scared to go anywhere.
My dog I'm training she helps with autism and over active adrenal system she helps soo much
I'm training my dog as a service dog, Because I am blind in one eye and frequently run into things, His actual "work" training is done but I still need to do his public access training
Even if I needed a Service Dog and we have proof and my Psychologist and EMDR specialist has meet our 2 elderly well-behaved dogs at home and 4 cats and have given a documentation that both dogs we have worked with to help me in some forms of tasking for my CPTSD and won't hinder a Service Dog.
When I need a Service Dog to work with me outside of the house where EMS dogs cant go. I'm told after paying $$$$ upfront that they decide NO because they won't acknowledge my senior dogs regardless of the EMS documentation and are good behaved. I was even told by one it would be distractions for Service Dog despite my specialist seeing and knowing thats not true, we work with our two elderly dogs to help me and that still means nothing. I need a Service Dog to help me manage my CPTSD outside of the home more so than in home except for night terrors. I was told by another "surrender your dogs or wait till they are both dead before reaching back out to us for a Service Dog from them" I went into full CPTSD attack vomiting and severe migraine and partial disassociation couldn't believe I'd be told something like that from a Service Dog Facility it destroyed me emotionally and mentally to hear them say get rid of or wait till they die if you want a Service Dog through them, I was disheartened and disgusted and wanted to give up on getting a Service Dog even though I knew I needed one in order to live again outside of my home with my CPTSD. Why do that after charging $$$$ for applications and upfront skype fee they'd go and do such a thing. I'm 39 and am a Rescue Adoption Shelter Animal Advocate never thought to hear such monsterous words from a Service Dog Facility after giving them $$$$ of my money while trying to raise the 1st $5,000 needed to be put down to start if selected. How can a Service Dog Facility do that?
If the Service Dog Facility one of 5 we have wasted $$$$$ on application and intervies by 4 others who said no because they didn't acknowledge the documentation by my Pschologist and EMDR Specialist my 2 senior dogs were not an issue, if this 5th one says No I don't know what I'll do, and no we won't give up my beloved EMS pets, yet I'd have to give back $7,000 raised for my needed Service Dog if it doesn't work out. I don't want to wait till I'm 60 either to qualify based on this issue over EMS pets in house.
I’ve been learning about service dogs a lot recently. It makes me really appreciate and realize how important they are. It’s truly amazing.
I’m thinking that maybe an ESA or even a SD would benefit me. Though, I don’t have any diagnoses, so I don’t count as disabled. I do think I have autism and adhd, I also have a hard time being independent. Going into a store alone causes me quite a bit of stress, I’ve cried a lot when asked to go into a store independently.
I probably don’t need an actual service dog, but it’s a thought. They are very expensive though, which is a concern.
Get a service dog please :)
@Kicapu i know
@Kicapu ok
@Kicapu not in America there's no certification or doc needed to get an SD
Kicapu, I’m currently a minor and not ready to talk to my mom about getting a service animal. I’ve never seen a doctor, only when I was young. Plus, it can be costly and my family doesn’t have the money. I’d love a diagnosis, but it’s a privilege I don’t have.
Please help me I was run over by a truck two years ago and I can barely walk and talk please bring me out of my shell and give my son his dad back it's hurts my heart that he said to me daddy you don't play with me anymore did I do something wrong with tears in my eyes I told him he didn't do anything wrong it broke my heart
Great speech. The speaker has a terrific speaking voice.
Yeah I'm listening to more of this and that sensory overload meltdown I've had that before and having her come over and having hope name to Hope come over and interrupt me like that really made me feel better I mean it was just I don't I didn't even realize I was just reacting what I needed something to to make me see what I was getting ready to do
My daughter could really use a service dog but they are so expensive! Sometimes around $40K! How can we make this more accessible? We can't afford $4K let alone $40k!
I was told by a doctor once to get a cat but unfortunately, I don't have the money to take care of an animal. I think it would help my anxiety and PTSD
That's amazing I have a dog that I had seen what
I was made to get rid of my dog because at the apartment where I live were scared of her because she is big. I am disabled. Also in fear for my life because of reasons I can not put on here. I have her at my friends and tried to find a place to live but the recommendation from where I live now (for 6 yrs) said aggressive dog complaints. Any one have any ideas on what I can do to get my dog back home with me. I already have a letter from my Dr. that didn't help. The management said I would be evicted.
Jenn Hayes if your dog is task trained to do something to mitigate or address your Disability. You can’t legally be evicted, unless dog was dangerous, or destructive. Try contacting your center for independent living or veteran’s group if that you are one
I think you need to call American disability rights for housing rights, they can not keep you from having your dog, (unless the dogs attacks someone.) They may say they will evict you...and possibly that may happen
However, I think that's discrimination, and cause for being sued
I would love to get one of these dogs. I just don't think I could handle losing it. I still can't handle my guinea pigs deaths. 😢
Do you give service dogs for cervical myelopathy spinal stenosis and neurological functional movement and ataxia and mental condition
My bubba is in training right now!
my dog taught himself dpt + interruption tasks (for my ocd, depression, and numerous anxiety disorders), if i public access train him with a doctor and parent’s permission can he become a service dog?
Anxiety disorders are classified as a viable service dog reason, I’m getting one for myself and will be training it and it was be for adhd as well (petting an animal keeps me concentrated) I would recommend getting a doctors note for them though, it’s usually required for psychiatric sds
Rach D I commented awhile ago but I began public access training him and he’s been doing so well! He even works partially off leash for crowd control! He hasn’t gotten to do much lately because of covid but he really enjoys working. Hope everything works out with your service dog! :)
So important but she really needs to work on her presentation skills.... it's very wooden and I could see some people switch off. What she said was amazing, the content very well thought out. I hope my country legalises mental health service dogs.
I self harm and have cardiac issues that cause me to pass out i have bpd and ptsd
It’s a shame there are so many “service animal fakers” out there. They are ruining it for people who actually have disabilities. There needs to be some kind of licensing system
Agree 100%. Let's license all of you non disabled people and make YOU show papers every single place you go. You are the ones causing all the problems after all.
@@rustythegreatandpowerfulla2676 Wow, great point!
Just a question is their a service dog to help PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression?
Yes. There are psychiatric service dogs. She mentions them in THIS video.
Yes
I suffer from Dizzy spells and Fainting. So will my Medical Alert Service Dog?
My dog is leaning dpt.
My service dog knows it too :)
Hereee
Only thing I’m annoyed at is she kept saying “alert alert alert” some things you CAN train alert to but others - no. You cannot alert to a seiure. Only 10% of the dog population can.
ALL of these were *responses* not alerts
She mentions that the handler isn't aware of these behaviors, so it's alert.
Some of them were alerts, some were responses. Compromise
I trained heart rate alert and helped my friend train seizure alert. Its very possible.
Im going to talk to my psychiatrist about getting myself a service dog {:
@Mia Folwell it did I'm allowed to get one (: good luck
@First Last I think they can. At least here I think they can
And it’s not just dogs, pigs, monkeys, cats every animal and any animal does not have to be a dog can be any animal, do you watch Tails of valor? they have every kind of animal you can think of mostly dogs but it doesn’t have to be it can be anything because not everyone liked dogs but they might like rabbits or cats maybe snakes,
Depends on country regulations. For example in the US only dogs and miniature horses can be service animals but any animal can be an esa which only has housing righs
Love service dogs, have a service dog, I couldn’t sit through it her voice is so boring
I thought it was calming but true she could have been a little more enthusiastic.
Canñabis works
This is wonderful, But why are all these dogs some sort of doodles. Have you tried using rescues?
That dog that didnt lay down is so going to wash (be kicked out of a service dog program)
A Unicorn not necessarily, dogs have off days, they are going to mess up and make mistakes. It’s how you handle the mistakes.
@@allipage8753 true
Service dogs aren't robots, sometiems they won't hear a command or they don't respond. And thats ok because they are living breathing creatures just like us. I have a service dog and at least once a day he will not respond to a command. This is completely normal for service dogs in training, and even some fully trained service dogs. It doesn't mean they will wash, it just means they didn't respond to a single command.
This chick sounds drunk. But aside from her terrible ability to present facts in an interesting way, her words are true and accurate.
A service dog for nail biting? Stop. 🛑
Not just for nail biting but for preventing a panic attack that might follow up after that.(like she said!)
I'm planning to get a service dog and I'd like to teach to teach it to Interrupt my nail-biting. Sometimes I do it if my hands are not otherwise occupied but mostly when I'm distressed. It's a form of self-mutilation. I've chewed my nails down to painful stubs before without even realizing it. It can be an obsessive behavior that is harmful. I feel like you did not absorb the whole point of the video.
@Lost Hero oh, I didn't know I made it sound like nail biting was a disability. I meant that it can be a serious symptom or piece of a disability and a real problem, which the OP didn't seem to understand. That's not what you'd get a service dog alone for, but a service dog can be trained to interrupt the behavior, is all I meant.
You've never bitten your nails bloody.