Blind People and their Dogs: An Empirical Study on Changes in Everyday Life, in Self-Experience, and in Communication

The Benefits of Guide Dog Ownership

“…Another study 38 found that, in addition to its primary function of alerting owners to sounds, the hearing dogs provide companionship and changed (and often improved) interactions within the family and the hearing community. The authors conclude: "assistance dogs appear to ameliorate the social awkwardness of the non-disabled individuals" (Hart et al 38 41 ). This research indicates that service dogs could act to normalise social contacts for disabled children.…”

“…A guide dog also offers more advantages than long canes in unfamiliar surroundings or on unknown routes. 41 On the other hand, long canes do not require the care and domestic space of a guide dog. 44 Other evidence suggests that guide dog owners are often treated differently-with greater regard-than white cane users, and that more guide dog owners than long cane users feel their quality of life has greatly improved since receipt of their respective mobility aids.…”

“…In some cases, the dog is perceived to have a transformative role: "it changed my life completely." 43 A study of German guide dog owners 41 indicates that a guide dog offers increased independence in comparison to a sighted guide, and provides support that can mitigate stress factors associated with being visually impaired. Similarly, Miner's qualitative study 44 of eight US guide dog owners found that owners benefit from increased confidence and independence.…”

Opinions by People with Vision Impairment about Wanting or Not Wanting Guide Dogs

“…Guide dog users have reported the benefi ts of guide dogs not only in terms of mobility, but also psychosocially (Lloyd, La Grow, Stafford, & Budge, 2008;Steffens & Bergler, 1998). Similarly, a retrospective study showed that quality of life (QOL) was higher when using a guide dog compared to using a cane (Ishigami & Tokuda, 2005a).…”

Effet d'une thérapie de type cognitivo-comportemental assistée par l'animal sur les interactions sociales de personnes ayant une déficience intellectuelle légère ou moyenne /

“…Une autre recherche (Cawley, Cawley & Retter, 1994) (Allen & Blascovchi, 1996;Steffens & Bergler, 1998; pour une recension de plusieurs études, voir : Innés, 1999). En effet, ces études semblent rapporter de manière consistante l'augmentation des interactions sociales liée à la présence du chien.…”