31st August 2026
We’re delighted to announce that Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland has been awarded €165,000 through the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund 4.0.
The fund is provided by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and managed by Rethink Ireland. AADI is one of 19 organisations selected to deliver innovative projects supporting the participation and inclusion of people with disabilities.
Supporting More School Communities
The funding will support the next 12 months of AADI’s School Support Dog Programme, helping us to:
- Place up to eight specially trained School Support Dogs in schools.
- Prepare and support school communities throughout each placement.
- Provide training and guidance to school staff.
- Progress more dogs through training and placement preparation.
- Strengthen the programme’s capacity to reach more pupils in the years ahead.
Each placement involves careful assessment, specialist dog training, matching, staff preparation, implementation support, welfare monitoring and ongoing review.
Creating Calmer, More Inclusive Schools
AADI’s School Support Dogs provide emotional and practical support for autistic and neurodivergent children and young people.
By becoming part of the school community, these specially trained dogs can help pupils to feel calmer, safer and more connected. They can support emotional regulation, positive interactions, participation and access to learning, while complementing the work of teachers, SNAs, school leaders and other school supports.
Evidence gathered through our programme has already shown encouraging improvements in pupil wellbeing, inclusion and social connection, attendance and engagement, as well as staff confidence.
Looking Ahead
This award represents an important step in the continued growth of the School Support Dog Programme. It will allow AADI to support more school communities while maintaining the careful training, welfare and quality standards behind every placement.
We’re incredibly grateful to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and Rethink Ireland for backing this work. We would also like to thank the schools, pupils, staff, families, volunteers and colleagues who have helped us develop the programme to this point.
We’re looking forward to the next chapter.
Learn more about AADI’s School Support Dog Programme
