HOPE UNLEASHED
Occupational Therapy - Disability Assist Dogs - Animal Assisted Interventions
Belinda Simpson
Occupational Therapist and
Assistance Dog Addie
A tragic accident threw my life journey in a new direction. A special golden retriever and the human-animal bond not only saved me, but led to a passion that I would never have known if it hadn’t been for tragedy.
Over the years, I have witnessed the immense value of including animals in the therapeutic process and how this can enhance intervention outcomes. I am particularly passionate about helping people recognise the practical benefits of the human-animal bond, and how best to utilize this to maximise potential.
My passion is to provide animal-assisted intervention (AAI) guidance, support, and training to other New Zealand professionals looking to add or further develop AAIs into their practice.
A bit about me
Growing up on a farm in Rangitikei, working dogs have always been a big part of my life. I always knew that dogs were capable of incredible feats, but I never imagined that one day they would have a profound influence on my life.
I am a registered Occupational Therapist, who has been working in the field of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), and assistance dogs for the past 27 years, first in the United States of America (USA), then Australia, and New Zealand. After completing my Bachelor of Health Science Degree in Occupational Therapy through Auckland University of Technology in 1993, I started my career as a new graduate in the neuro rehabilitation service at Western Bay Health. If someone had asked me where I saw myself in 30 years' time, I never would have predicted that I would be living with a disability, while being supported by a dog, and utilising my occupational therapy knowledge and skills in a completely different direction from where I had thought I was heading.
A Bump in the Road
In 2012, I was hit by a high-speed car in a tragic accident where I was thrown (quite literally) down a different path in my life journey. Although the accident was horrific, I am grateful that it directed me further into the world of assistance dogs and AAIs..
With assistance dog Tana at my side, I knew we could do life together. He learned many new tasks to help me live. Some were lifesaving, such as alerting me to oncoming seizures and dangerous drops in oxygen saturation levels. At other times, his help with activities of daily living was crucial as I learned to live life from a wheelchair. For instance, opening zips on bags to bring me items I needed or wanted, helping put my washing in and out of the washing machine and dryer, picking up dropped items, and opening doors and cupboards. Tana helped me to do things that mattered to me thus giving me independence and the confidence to take on new challenges. When Tana passed away, Addie took up the challenge and she is my current assistance dog, doing all the incredible tasks that Tana once did to help me. This allows me to live life to the fullest. Their accomplishments need to be seen to be believed - click on this video link to see Addie in action: https://qrco.de/bdrPun
Thanks to assistance dogs Tana, Finn and now Addie, I am, as a registered occupational therapist, back and wholly devoted to the field of assistance dogs and AAIs.
“Sometimes life takes you in a new direction you never saw yourself going, but it turns out to be the best road you have ever taken.” Abhishek Tiwari
Awards
I have been humbled to receive awards over the years in recognition of my work within the community. I have been featured on TVNZ’s Good Morning Show, Attitude TV, in the New Zealand Herald, Australian Women’s Weekly, New Idea and Next Magazines, television documentaries and more. I have published two books as well as have featured in several published books. My occupational therapy foundation and skills base have been an integral part of this journey.
2012 - Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medallion
2018 - St John 12 year service medal
2018 - Local Hero Medal (Tāmaki Makaurau region) in the New Zealander of the Year awards
2019 - Kiwibank Room Naming
Kiwibank Room Naming
After being awarded the Local Hero Medal the year before, Kiwibank, who sponsor the New Zealand of the year awards, gave me the additional honour of naming a room after my assistance dog and me in 2019. This was in recognition of my service to the community and to NZ. The words on the plaque on 'my room' states:
Belinda Simpson is the founder of Perfect Partners Assistance Dog Trust, a registered charity that oversees the training and certification of assistance dogs. As an Occupational Therapist working in the field of Animal Assisted Interventions, Belinda has dedicated the past 23 years to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Partnered with her own Assistance Dogs, Belinda has managed her own personal disabilities to volunteer her time and expertise to bring together people and dogs throughout New Zealand. Belinda’s innovation and passion, and belief in the healing nature of the human-animal bond, has inspired her to bring this hope and life-changing support to many. Her determination and commitment to her community and to New Zealand is inspirational.
International accreditation
ANIMAL ASSISTED INTERVENTION INTERNATIONAL (AAII)
To stay up-to-date with current theories and research, international standards, ethical considerations, and professional levels for standards of practice, I gained accreditation with Animal Assisted Intervention International (AAII). This provides valuable learning opportunities, increases my credibility in the field, and enhances accountability to the industry and clients. I am a full member of AAII for Hope Unleashed.
Animal Assisted Intervention International (AAII) is a not for profit organization that caters to Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI’s) within professional healthcare and social service settings. They provide international research, best practice guidelines and standards of practice. www.aai-int.org
DO MORE WITH YOUR DOG
Do you want to do more with your dog? Don’t know where to start? Teaching tricks and tasks strengthens the bond between you and your dog by building trust and mutual respect as you learn skills, focus and communication. Whether it be a sit, roll over, or fetch a drink from the fridge… a trick is just another word for a cued behaviour. Invite your dog into all aspects of your life and make training a lifestyle.
As a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) I can assess you and your dog for international recognition through 'Do More With Your Dog!'. My dogs, Addie and Finn, both achieved "Champion" certification and we really enjoy the goal focused learning. The certificates, ribbons, rosettes and medals are an added bonus!
Dog Do More With Your Dog!® (DMWYD) is the official sanctioning and organising body for the sport of Dog Tricks. Ask us for more information if you are interested in working towards achieving your trick dog titles. www.domorewithyourdog.com
Contact us
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Would you like to know more?
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Are you a health professional interested in incorporating AAS’s into your practice?
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Would you like guidance, support or training in Animal Assisted Services?
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Are you a facility who would like a visit?
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Would you like us to bring assistance dog Eddie to your school or community group? He loves to show off her talents and interact with adoring fans!
Contact us to get involved in this new, innovative and exciting life-changing work! I'd love to help.
Text or WhatsApp: +6421374449