where are you, Major Donors?
about clients
adw general assistance dog program
The ADW General Assistance Dog Program places trained assistance dogs with clients who have completed the ADW Program application process, one specifically designed to assess and meet identified client needs. After a thorough application and interview/evaluation has been completed, accepted clients are placed on the waiting list for a dog. After numerous client/dog interviews and a client/dog match has been made, clients participate in an intensive two-week training session with their dog, during which they are trained in service dog management skills.
A COMPLETED PROGRAM APPLICATION WILL INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Completed Program Application Form
- Completed Pre-Interview Form
- Medical History Form completed by your physician or primary care specialist
- A letter of personal reference from a friend, co-worker, or someone other than a family member.
- A professional letter of reference from a therapist, social worker, teacher, or other professional with whom you have contact.
- A picture of you, your family/living environment and a short autobiography.
- Completed Financial Aid forms
- A signed copy of ADW’s Privacy Practices.
- A Functional Evaluation with ADW occupational therapist Melissa Winkle at 505-228-4650 (Albuquerque, NM).
- An interview with ADW staff designed to help us understand your need, personality, and lifestyle in order to match you with the right dog.
The final step is the waiting list. Although the ADW waiting list is shorter than most service dog organizations, it still can run anywhere from one to two years for the right dog match. Once a match is made, the client is scheduled for a two week Client Placement Training in Santa Fe and the $3500 in-state/$5,000 out-of-state payment process begins. (ADW can help with research for government funding, grants, scholarships and other potential financial support.)
PLEASE NOTE: As of September 1, 2010, ADW’s client fee will increase to $5,000 in-state/$7,500 out-of-state. ADW will honor the $3,500 fee for any prospective clients who have submitted applications before this date.