Success Story: Mary Ann Jordan, Fresno
By Mansfield, Jennifer; AT Journal, Vol. 102, No. 1Publication Date: September 2004
Article discusses the rehabilitation experience of a woman who experienced seizures as a result of brain injuries she sustained throughout the course of an abusive relationship. The woman was referred to the Center for Independent Living in Fresno, California, where she was put into contact with organizations throughout the United States that train and provide clients with seizure response alert dogs. Seizure response alert dogs are trained to recognize clues from their owner’s body when he or she is at risk for the onset of a seizure. The client was matched with the Great Plains Assistance Dogs Training Facility in Jud, North Dakota, which works to assist individuals by providing a service dog, and provides information, education, and referrals for people interested in service dogs, therapeutic companion dogs, specialty dogs, or seizure response alert dogs. A short time after the client applied for services, she was accepted, and received training with a black lab seizure response alert dog on vocal alert, physical contact alert, activation of emergency medical departments, and vocal or physical alert of others. The author contends that the match was a success, and that her companion can correctly recognize indicators of seizure, such as change in skin scent. Having a service dog has led the client to accept her disability, and to cope with the fact that she needs assistance in order to live an independent lifestyle.
Published by:
AT Network (Web Site: http://www.atnet.org )
Link to text: http://www.atnet.org/journal/090103.htm
