The Animal Assisted Interventions Program at The Calais School has recently become a new member of the prestigious International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO).

“We are honored to become a member of such a lauded organization,” said Tiffany Shevchik, Animal Assisted Interventions Program Coordinator at The Calais School. “This new membership will bring recognition to our Calais Animal Assisted Interventions Program.”

At the Calais School in Whippany, a state approved highly therapeutic special education school for students in grades K through 12 Plus with multiple learning disabilities, the school’s AAI program is one of the most highly acclaimed programs at the school, popular with students as well as staff and parents. The program was recently celebrated at the school’s celebration of Pet Partners’ National Therapy Animal Day on April 30 where a special Paw Park was dedicated to give the AAI dogs a place to work with the students as well as relax and play.

The school’s AAI Program is making a difference in the lives of special needs children every day. The program’s four dogs plus one in training work with students in occupational therapy, individual and group counseling, speech, reading, and social skills building. Their efforts have led to major breakthroughs for students in the form of increased motivation, compliance, and participation during therapeutic sessions.

Calais School Speech Language Pathologist Holly Bracken explains, “It has been a unique and rewarding opportunity to see students reach new heights with the support of a furry friend by their side. Many of my students struggle in social settings due to anxiety and lack of confidence. The dogs give them the opportunity to practice newly introduced skills, such as asking questions. . . This can help to break the ice and build the confidence they need to interact more effectively with peers and staff.”

The new IAHAIO membership offers Calais AAI staff educational programs including webinars, helpful newsletters and the opportunity to discuss and share ideas with other members and participation in an educational conference. The school is also proud to be a member of this prestigious organization because it strongly agrees with IAHAIO goals of promoting the benefits and best practice of human-animal interactions and promoting animal welfare standards.

The IAHAIO is the leading global association of organizations concerned with advancing the field of human-animal interaction. This is accomplished through research, education and collaboration among its members, policy makers, clinical practitioners, other human animal interaction organizations and the public. With more than 90 global member organizations and professional associations, it offers international conferences and workshops which provide a wide range of vital information and unique networking opportunities for those in the field of human-animal interaction. The programs also foster dialogue, information exchange and planning strategies to move the field of human animal interaction forward.

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