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Puppy Pals
By: Sabrina Pribyl
ABSTRACT
Why?
"We all experience different challenges as we grow up and try to learn in school. Those obstacles can manifest anywhere from physical and learning disabilities to how we are treated and everything in between. Each trial may deeply discourage us, potentially limiting our growth in the classroom and impacting how we view education during our formative years. As a CSU student, my past personal experiences inspired me to find a way to empower those with disabilities by improving the learning environment through positive additions. Through the partnership with another CSU student with a similar vision generated our program Puppy Pals. This program takes grade school students with disabilities out of the classroom and into the CSU environment and incorporates service animals to practice reading, writing, and speaking skills. The animals provide students with disabilities a non-judgmental and empowering support system. This then helps to decrease some of the intimidation students with disabilities often feel, and gives them a positive educational experience. Hosting these learning sessions on a college campus invites these students to picture themselves there, encouraging them towards higher education. We’ve established partnerships with Canine Companions for Independence and local families to create weekly after-school sessions with students and animals. Students who’ve participated in Puppy Pals have shown better confidence in social interactions, comfort with school subjects, and involvement in the classroom. We hope to expand Puppy Pals to more students and demonstrate further the positive impact animals and college campuses combined can have in the classroom."
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FOUNDER
"As a child, I grew up with learning and physical disabilities that had the potential to set me behind in my academic career for years to come. School became miserable, and I felt embarrassed to be the person I was. The support of my family, and the help of a program similar to Puppy Pals forever changed my life for the better. What once was my biggest enemy, became my biggest motivator to succeed and help those that have challenges in school."
- David Purcella
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MY STORY
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I did not grow up with a disability, rather saw the impact of exclusionary practices and lack of resources that forced some of my peers with disables to feel like they didn't belong. Although, I also saw the positive impact of inclusionary programs that helped elevate equal participation in academics, sports, and social activities. Based on these experiences I became inspired to be an advocate for people with disabilities and education.
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HOW WE WORKED TOGETHER
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- David experienced challenges from his learning and physical disabilities.
- I experienced the challenges from exclusionary practices, which resulted in long-term involvement in inclusion programs and advocacy.
- We were able to create Puppy Pals through our different experiences going through school to create the best possible program.
WHAT
What?
MISSION STATEMENT
“Empowering one student, one book at a time, while providing a positive educational experience in hopes of pursuing higher education in the future”
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
GOALS &
OBJECTIVES
Empower in areas where further improvement is needed and/or wanted through tutoring and other means of education assistance.
Provide a positive learning experience while on a college campus.
Inspire students to pursue higher education in the future.
Supplement students concurrent educational assistance and speech therapy.
HOW
IT
WORKS
METHOD
Phase 1:
Initial Meeting
Phase 1
OVERVIEW:
- Meet the family and the child. Getting to know the students’ preferences, interests, and personality.
- Understand the parent’s goals, what subject or area to focus and or particular areas of struggle.
- Configure a weekly schedule.
WHO: Parents, the student, & mentor.
WHAT: Meet the family and the child. Getting to know the students’ preferences, interests, and personality
WHERE: Family’s house or CSU campus.
WHEN: Based on schedules coordinated through emails
Session:
Part 1 - Facilitation
Session:
Part 1
OVERVIEW:
- Parents or mentor bring student to CSU and parents pick up the student.
- Quietly observe the child and the service animal while taking note if the student is struggling with a particular area.
- Let the student practice in the quiet environment in the targeted area.
- Review areas of struggle and or achievement with the student and help to problem solve with the student.
WHO: The student, service animal, and mentor.
WHAT: Facilitate sessions with the student for 30-60 minutes
WHERE: CSU campus: the Oval, the Lagoon, or at the Pavilion in Laurel Village.
WHEN: Based on schedule made in the initial meeting in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Session:
Part 2 - Entertainment
Session:
Part 2
OVERVIEW:
- Walk around campus with the student and service animal.
- Play board games provided by Residence Life for free.
WHO: The student, service animal, and mentor.
WHAT: Entertain the student for 15-30 minutes.
WHERE: CSU campus: the Oval, the Lagoon, or at the Pavilion in Laurel Village.
WHEN: Based on schedule made in the initial meeting.
RESULTS
RESULTS
Based on qualitative and anecdotal reports from parents and teachers, students who’ve participated in Puppy Pals have shown….
- We’ve helped 14 families in total
- More confidence in social interactions with peers
- Higher involvement in the classroom
- More self-confidence helping to battle inner insecurities
- Improved grades in the classroom
- Interest in higher education
WHATS NEXT?
- Whats next for Puppy Pals?
What
Next?
1. Connect
2. Improve
3. Expand
CSU Connections
- Special Olympics College
- Human-Animal Bond in Colorado (HABIC)
- Collar Scholars
Outside Connections
- Canine Companions for Independence
- The Poudre School District
Improvement
- Our goal is to learn, diversify and grow from other organizations.
Expansion
- More students from the Poudre School District.
- CSU volunteers will allow for growth and help sustain Puppy Pals.
- Snowball effect!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
- The Puksta Foundation
- Canine Companions for Independence
- Dunn Elementary
- Special Olympics College
Who?
QUESTIONS