Nine adults and four children and their Service Dogs will be honored at ECAD’s August 14 graduation ceremony, making it the largest graduating class in ECAD’s eighteen -year history.
The public is cordially invited to attend the festivities at Hastings-on-Hudson’s James V. Harmon Community Center. Doors open at 5:30 PM.
Those graduating represent three of ECAD’s individualized programs: Canine Magic which educates dogs for children as young as two with Autism; Open Doors which places Service Dogs with individuals with disabilities, as well as Therapy and Facility Dogs at hospitals and children’s homes; and Train the Trainer, an intensive six-week program.
The four children graduating Team Training represent a broad range of issues including Autism, Sleep Apnea, Developmental and Mood Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Seizures, and the absence of the Cerebellum. The Service Dog paired with each child will help them cope with balance, give alerts, bring calm and focus, among other skills.
The ages of the children range from six years to fourteen.
Also being recognized during the ceremony are the volunteer home handlers who have been part of each dogs education, and the student trainers who participate in the ECADemy Program at four residential treatment centers in Westchester County.
ECAD was founded in 1995 by Dale and Lu Picard. To date, 250 dogs have been placed with individuals who have disabilities, both visible and invisible, allowing them to lead lives with greater independence and mobility. Project HEAL, ECAD’s Program, which honors and empowers Veterans of the Armed Service, will have its graduation ceremony in November 2013.
The James V. Harmon Community Center is located at 44 Main Street, Hastings-On-Hudson.
The festivities include raffles and refreshments. Guests will have the opportunity to visit with ECAD clients and their Service Dog.
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