How Assistance Dogs Transform Lives for People with Disabilities
An informational event on February 5, 2026, will highlight the life-changing role of assistance dogs for people with disabilities. Organised by VITA e.V. Assistance Dogs and the Neuwied Adult Education Center, the session aims to raise public awareness. The Deutsche Diabetes-Hilfe e.V. will also participate in the collaboration.
VITA e.V. has been pairing assistance dogs with individuals for 25 years. Using the Kreidler Method, the organisation has successfully matched over 80 handler-dog teams. Nearly half of these partnerships involve children, with lifelong support provided to each team.
Assistance dogs trained by VITA offer vital help with daily tasks. They can pick up dropped items, fetch phones, remove clothing, and call for help in emergencies. For children, these dogs provide emotional support while encouraging psychological, physical, social, and cognitive development. Despite their rigorous training, VITA teams often encounter access issues in public spaces. Even with official identification tags and ID cards—confirming compliance with international standards—they must frequently justify their presence. The organisation relies solely on donations, sponsors, and supporters, as health insurance does not cover their services. VITA achieved a milestone by becoming the first European organisation certified by Assistance Dogs Europe (ADEu) for training assistance dogs specifically for children. Their work emphasises not just practical aid but also emotional benefits, such as increased confidence, responsibility, and social connection.
The upcoming event will showcase how assistance dogs transform lives. VITA’s quarter-century of experience demonstrates their impact on independence and well-being. Organisers hope greater awareness will reduce barriers and encourage public support for these essential partnerships.
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