Service Dogs Presentation Outline (Schools: Elementary → High School)
I. Introduction
Objective: Explain what service dogs are, how they help people, and the laws protecting them.
Hook:
Show a picture or short video of a service dog in action.
Ask: “Who here has seen a dog help someone in a special way?”
II. What is a Service Dog?
Definition:
A dog trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability.
Types of Assistance:
Mobility assistance: Helping people who use wheelchairs or have balance problems.
Guide dogs: Helping people with visual impairments.
Hearing dogs: Alerting people with hearing loss.
Medical alert dogs: Detect seizures, blood sugar changes, etc.
Psychiatric service dogs: Helping people with PTSD, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
Elementary Example: Show pictures of each type and explain in simple terms.
Middle/High School Example: Include short stories of real people and their service dogs.
III. Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Service Dogs:
Trained to perform specific tasks for a disability.
Protected under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
ESAs:
Provide comfort but are not trained for tasks.
Protected differently (housing laws, but not public access).
Interactive Idea: Show two photos and ask: “Which is the service dog?”
IV. Laws & Rights
ADA Basics:
Service dogs can go anywhere their handler goes (restaurants, schools, stores).
People cannot ask about the person’s disability.
Handlers can be asked only: “Is this a service dog?” and “What task does it perform?”
Elementary: Simplified: “Service dogs are allowed to go to school or stores with their person.”
High School: Include ADA reference, penalties for discrimination, and workplace compliance.
Interactive Idea: Mini quiz: “Can a restaurant owner refuse entry to a service dog?”
V. How Service Dogs are Trained
Early Life: Puppies are socialized with people and environments.
Training Tasks: Specific to the handler’s needs (guiding, alerting, fetching, reminding).
Obedience: Must behave in public, be calm, and focused.
Interactive Idea: Show a training video or ask students to guess what a dog might be trained to do.
VI. How to Respect Service Dogs
Rules for Students:
Don’t pet or distract a working service dog.
Don’t feed the dog.
Give space when the dog is working.
Middle/High School: Add scenarios: “What would you do if a dog is at school?”
VII. Stories & Real-Life Examples
Elementary: Short, engaging stories or photos of kids or people helped by service dogs.
Middle/High School: Include video clips or case studies (e.g., PTSD service dog for a veteran, diabetic alert dog).
VIII. Interactive Component / Activities
Elementary:
Show a stuffed dog and ask kids to guess the task it could do.
Matching game: dog photo → task.
Middle School:
Scenario-based questions: “You see a service dog in the cafeteria. What should you do?”
High School:
Small group discussion: ADA compliance scenarios, workplace laws, rights, and responsibilities.
IX. Conclusion
Key Takeaways:
Service dogs are highly trained helpers.
They have rights under the law.
Always respect their work.
Optional: Invite a local service dog handler or organization for a demonstration.
X. Q&A
Prepare age-appropriate questions:
Elementary: “What kind of job would you want your dog to do?”
High School: “Why do you think laws protect service dogs?”