We work with businesses and service providers to create equal opportunities so disabled people and their Assistance Dogs can live their lives less interrupted by ableism and discrimination.
At PAD, we want to work with you so you can show disabled people and their Assistance Dogs that they are welcomed, not just tolerated. We support cases1 by offering expert independent advice as consultants specialised in Assistance Dog access rights.
Assistance Dog access consulting
Our consultancy services are shaped by the requirements of our clients so you can be sure you’ll receive advice specifically tailored to you as an individual. We are committed to developing short and long-term solutions for your business that promote inclusivity and offer equal access opportunities for Assistance Dog handlers. Prevent complaints before they happen and reduce legal and repetitional risk.
Assistance Dog access audit and action plan
We generally find businesses want to do the right thing, but uncertainty, inconsistent staff knowledge, or unclear procedures can lead to misunderstandings, access issues, and complaints involving Assistance Dogs.
This service helps businesses understand their current practices, identify gaps, and take practical steps to create more equal access opportunities for disabled clients and their Assistance Dogs.
This service includes:
- Pre-audit self assessment
- Document & practice review
- Consultation session (60-90 minutes)
- Risk points identified
- Written report & action plan
Incident response and risk management
There can be a lot of uncertainty following an access refusal, for both the client and the business. This service helps support your business to respond correctly to a refusal incident or complaint, and put long term solutions in place to prevent repeat incidents.
This service includes:
- Post-complaint advice
- Response drafting
- Staff retraining
- A prevention plan
- Optional mediation support is included where appropriate
Staff training and confidence workshop
Ensuring your staff are confident and ready to welcome disabled people and their Assistance Dog is vital – they are one of the first impressions people are given of your business!
Our practical Assistance Dog access training can be delivered virtually or in person, and is made up of the following sections:
- What the law actually says
- An interactive training session
- Scenario-based learning
- Conflict de-escalation guidance
Policy writing and advice
Policies are what we do best, so let us take the lead and give you more time to spend on doing what you do best!
A dedicated Assistance Dog Policy will outline your commitment and approach to prevent and remove barriers to access for disabled people and their Assistance Dogs.
Advocacy for Assistance Dog handlers
As a disabled owned business, we pride ourselves on our experience driven approach to advocacy – if it’s got anything to do with Assistance Dogs, we’ve probably been there and done it ourselves!
So what does it involve?
As your advocate we’ll listen to your views and concerns, help you explore your options and rights without pressure, and provide information to help you make informed decisions. We will also help you contact the relevant people in your situation, or contact them on your behalf. Essentially, we’re here to make sure your voice is heard!
We help handlers facing access issues or discrimination that may have arisen as a result of their Assistance Dog in areas such as:
- Housing
- Education
- Medical settings
- Employment
Our advocacy service will always operate on a ‘Pay What You Can Afford’ basis, ensuring it is accessible to all who need it.
- Please note PAD is not a law firm and cannot help with legal representation ↩︎