The VA R&D Center of Excellence for
Wheelchairs and Related Technology and the University of Pittsburgh
are conducting a research study to examine how service dogs affect individuals
who use wheelchairs in
terms of function, psychological and socioeconomic factors. We are interested in
people who use wheelchairs
and either own a service dog, are on a waiting list to receive a service dog, or
are not interested in obtaining
a service dog.
You are eligible for the research study if:
· You are 18 years of age or older
·
You use a wheelchair or scooter as
your primary means of
mobility
(for 75% of mobility)
· And are ONE of the following:
1. You have been newly partnered with a service dog within the past 2 weeks
2. You are on a waiting list to obtain a service dog
3. You are not interested in obtaining a service dog.
You will be asked to complete
questionnaires 5 times, over 18 months (At enrollment, and then 3
months,
9 months, 12 months, and 18 months after enrollment.) You will be paid $20.00
for your time each time
you complete the questionnaires (up to five times or $100.00 total).
These questionnaires will take no more
than one hour to complete and will ask basic questions about you
like your age, gender, type of disability, socioeconomic information (education,
occupation, etc.), and
healthcare use. In addition, they will ask about your level of happiness, life
satisfaction, social life, your
abilities to do everyday activities, and if you have a dog, cat, or both as
pets. All answers that you provide
will be kept strictly confidential.
Your participation in this study is strictly voluntary. If you are interested in participating, please
contact
the investigators at the phone numbers or email addresses listed below:
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Shirley
G. Fitzgerald, PhD, at 1-412-365-4840
-or-
Diane
Collins, Ph.D., OTR/L, at 1-412-365-4844
or email Diane at: dmcst84@pitt.edu