Post by jessabug on Aug 10, 2013 23:53:06 GMT -5
Hi All,
I have an interesting question/conversation topic. And now that I think about it, I'm honestly surprised at what I'm finding! Not only is there absolutely zero discussion on the topic of service dogs here, but also, my research suggests that the use of service dogs for endometriosis is not really a "thing."
Firstly, the reason I'm even bringing this topic up is because in my training for one of my jobs (I work in multifamily housing now, as a leasing agent for an apartment community) I was learning about a) disabilities and b) service dogs. Some of you might think that equating service dogs with endometriosis is downright silly, and perhaps it is. But, here's my logic:
1. The ADA's definition of a disability: Under ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; OR (2) has a record of such an impairment; OR (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. A physical impairment is defined by ADA as "any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine."
Per the definition, if I understand correctly, endometriosis absolutely does qualify as a disability for some (and I would venture to say for most women on this forum).
Now, here is what confuses me. Why do there appear to be no service dogs for endometrioisis? Like, at all? When I think about the impact that endometriosis has on my own life, I am certain that I would legitimately benefit from the assistance of a service dog. Currently, I am minimally impacted by my endo, since my last surgery was almost 2 years ago. That said, 25% of the time, I am unable to perform normal tasks without significant pain or discomfort. I often find myself leaning heavily against and propping myself up on things/other people as a result of extreme back pain. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, when my endometriosis is in full swing I am unable to bend at the core without excruciating abdominal pain. For 1-2 weeks per month (and daily prior to surgery) it is debilitating enough that I need to use objects to lower my entire body to the ground in order to pick up an item on or near the ground. My sweet boyfriend is good enough to me that he often will get things for me during that time when the endo is bad, even though they are within my reach, because he knows how it is for me.
Keep in mind, this is not a sob story about my endometriosis! I would also like to note that I am currently pleased as punch with my own two paww-fect pups. I'm really just curious about the idea of service dogs for endometrioisis and trying to talk out the logic of this specific topic. SO. ANYWAY. I guess what I was thinking is, I know that I have relatively "active" endometriosis, if that's what you want to call it. And I figure that if I deal with things like that, I'm sure a lot of the rest of you (and others who aren't here) do too. And if that's the case, wouldn't it be immensely helpful for some of us to have the assistance of a bona fide, trained service dog to help with ordinary but excruciating tasks like taking shoes off, retrieving objects from the floor, etc. as well as helping with walking on extremely bad days?
I feel like, since I haven't seen or heard of ANY such thing as a service dog being used for endometriosis, perhaps it's an asinine idea. But then, on the other side of the coin, I also feel like a service dog could be a significantly useful aid to someone with endometriosis like mine or worse.
I'm hoping that you guys can weigh in and share your thoughts! What have you heard on the topic? What's your opinion? Please share!
I have an interesting question/conversation topic. And now that I think about it, I'm honestly surprised at what I'm finding! Not only is there absolutely zero discussion on the topic of service dogs here, but also, my research suggests that the use of service dogs for endometriosis is not really a "thing."
Firstly, the reason I'm even bringing this topic up is because in my training for one of my jobs (I work in multifamily housing now, as a leasing agent for an apartment community) I was learning about a) disabilities and b) service dogs. Some of you might think that equating service dogs with endometriosis is downright silly, and perhaps it is. But, here's my logic:
1. The ADA's definition of a disability: Under ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; OR (2) has a record of such an impairment; OR (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. A physical impairment is defined by ADA as "any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine."
Per the definition, if I understand correctly, endometriosis absolutely does qualify as a disability for some (and I would venture to say for most women on this forum).
Now, here is what confuses me. Why do there appear to be no service dogs for endometrioisis? Like, at all? When I think about the impact that endometriosis has on my own life, I am certain that I would legitimately benefit from the assistance of a service dog. Currently, I am minimally impacted by my endo, since my last surgery was almost 2 years ago. That said, 25% of the time, I am unable to perform normal tasks without significant pain or discomfort. I often find myself leaning heavily against and propping myself up on things/other people as a result of extreme back pain. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, when my endometriosis is in full swing I am unable to bend at the core without excruciating abdominal pain. For 1-2 weeks per month (and daily prior to surgery) it is debilitating enough that I need to use objects to lower my entire body to the ground in order to pick up an item on or near the ground. My sweet boyfriend is good enough to me that he often will get things for me during that time when the endo is bad, even though they are within my reach, because he knows how it is for me.
Keep in mind, this is not a sob story about my endometriosis! I would also like to note that I am currently pleased as punch with my own two paww-fect pups. I'm really just curious about the idea of service dogs for endometrioisis and trying to talk out the logic of this specific topic. SO. ANYWAY. I guess what I was thinking is, I know that I have relatively "active" endometriosis, if that's what you want to call it. And I figure that if I deal with things like that, I'm sure a lot of the rest of you (and others who aren't here) do too. And if that's the case, wouldn't it be immensely helpful for some of us to have the assistance of a bona fide, trained service dog to help with ordinary but excruciating tasks like taking shoes off, retrieving objects from the floor, etc. as well as helping with walking on extremely bad days?
I feel like, since I haven't seen or heard of ANY such thing as a service dog being used for endometriosis, perhaps it's an asinine idea. But then, on the other side of the coin, I also feel like a service dog could be a significantly useful aid to someone with endometriosis like mine or worse.
I'm hoping that you guys can weigh in and share your thoughts! What have you heard on the topic? What's your opinion? Please share!