NEADS (Dogs For Deaf and Disabled Americans), of Princeton, MA, is a non-profit organization, organized under section 501c (3) of the IRS code. NEADS was established in1976 to train and provide rescued dogs and donated puppies to assist people who are deaf or physically disabled in leading more independent lives at work, at home and at school. These assistance dogs become an extension of their owners and bring security, freedom, independence and relief from social isolation to their human partners.
NEADS national headquarters is located in Princeton, MA, a
rural setting close to Worcester in Central Massachusetts. NEADS is the oldest continuing hearing dog programin the
country and the only program of its kind in New England, as well
as one of the country's largest.
NEADS has trained well over 1000 assistance dog teams from all states
since 1976, with 50 teams graduating from its campus in a biannual
graduation ceremony, which is at once heartwarming and inspirational.
This graduation ceremony is open to the public and completes the
six month training cycle undergone by the dogs to be ready to assist
their human partners. Among the types of dogs trained are: hearing,
service, social, specialty, service dogs for the classroom, ministry,
therapy and walker dogs.
NEADS trains all breeds and mixed breeds of dogs to help people
who are deaf or physically disabled live more independently. Most
hearing dogs are rescued from animal shelters throughout New England.
Most service dogs are donated as puppies by breeders throughout
the country. Most service dogs are Golden or Labrador retrievers,
however, many other breeds are also suitable. Any dog "with
the right stuff" can partner with a person to provide independence
and companionship by reducing physical and social barriers.
People who get dogs live in NEADS' fully accessible residence for
two weeks while learning to work together to develop a strong working
relationship. With careful supervision from the trainers, our clients
learn to handle their dogs to maximum potentional. These "students'
pay for their dog and equipment. For the balance of the cost of
the dog, NEADS raises sponsorships for each person. We encourage
graduates to participate in funding as much as possible. NEADS
relies solely on the support of individuals, foundations, corporations,
service organizations, bequests and workplace campaigns. It receives
no government funding.
Please read more detail about each of the above topics. Just
click the appropriate button on the home page.
Click here to contact NEADS
|