Infinity Dogs CIC is excited to share some great news for Thorpe Park! This much-loved theme park, known for its thrilling rides, is the first theme park in the UK to of earned our “Assistance Dog Educated” badge. 🏅🐾

Accessibility at Heart: Thorpe Park has taken significant steps to ensure everyone, including assistance dog handlers, can enjoy their visit. They’ve joined the “Assistance Dog Educated” initiative, leading the way for theme parks across the UK - this includes being extremely willing to listen and take on board staff feedback!

Focused Training:

Targeted Staff Training: Key teams at Thorpe Park, like security, admissions, and guest services, have received specialized training to better support assistance dog handlers.

Practical Learning: The training wasn’t just theory; it included real-life interactions with assistance dog handlers, giving the staff a true feel for these important partnerships.

Open to Feedback: What stands out is Thorpe Park’s openness to feedback. They’re not just listening; they’re making changes based on what assistance dog handlers tell them.

The Difference It Makes:

Recognizing the Real Deal: Thorpe Park’s crew can now spot the genuine assistance dog teams and understand the incredible work these dogs do.

Going for Gold: The park isn’t far away from achieving their “Assistance Dog Educated - Gold Standard,” which means even more staff training and acting on handler suggestions.

A Big Thank You: We’re giving a big shout-out to Thorpe Park for their commitment to making the park a place where everyone feels welcome.

This is a big win for assistance dog handlers and for all of us.

Let’s spread the word about how being open to learning and improving can make such a big difference.

***FOR IMEDIATE RELEASE***

🌟 Madame Tussauds London: A Beacon of Inclusivity for Assistance Dog Partnerships 🌟

Infinity Dogs CIC is bursting with pride as we announce a landmark achievement in our mission towards inclusivity and support for assistance dog handlers. Madame Tussauds London, the iconic attraction known for its lifelike wax figures, has officially become the first-ever recipient of our “Assistance Dog Educated” title. 🏅🐾

A Commitment to Excellence: Madame Tussauds London has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. By embracing the “Assistance Dog Educated” scheme, they have set a new standard for attractions nationwide.

Training That Makes a Difference:

Extensive Employee Education: Several team members at Madame Tussauds has undergone thorough training, learning to recognize and support the diverse needs of assistance dog partnerships.

Interactive Learning: The training included interactive sessions with real assistance dog handlers, providing staff with firsthand insights into the lived experiences of these partnerships.

Proactive Policies: Madame Tussauds has implemented proactive policies to ensure that assistance dog handlers feel welcomed and supported throughout their visit.

The Impact of Education:

Positive Experiences: Feedback from our handlers has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the attentive and knowledgeable staff, and the ease of navigating the attraction with their assistance dogs.

Recognition of Genuine Partnerships: Staff at Madame Tussauds are now adept at identifying genuine assistance dog teams, understanding the critical tasks these dogs perform, and recognizing the signs of a well-trained partnership.

Looking Towards the Gold Standard: Madame Tussauds London isn’t stopping here. They are actively working towards achieving the “Assistance Dog Educated - Gold Standard” sign, which requires at least 50% of their staff to be educated and all feedback from our handlers to be actioned.

Join Us in Applause: We invite you to join us in applauding Madame Tussauds London for their dedication to creating an accessible and welcoming environment for all. Their achievement is not just a win for assistance dog partnerships but a step forward for our society as a whole.

Let’s celebrate this momentous occasion and spread the word about the transformative power of education and inclusivity.

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Infinity Dogs CIC Launches "Just. Don't" Campaign to Empower Neurodivergent Handlers and Advocate for Inclusive Access for Assistance Dogs in the UK

UK - 20/02/2024

Infinity Dogs CIC, with the support of the not for profit AIE4ALL and the Assistance Dog Assessment Association is proud to announce the launch of the "Just. Don't" campaign.

Recent survey findings among assistance dog handlers in the UK have highlighted significant challenges faced by these teams, including:

- 78% of partnerships being denied access to service providers due to a "no dogs" policy

- 67% being refused entry because their assistance dog was not a guide dog

- 61% being asked for documentation or registration

- 50% experiencing their dog being shouted at

- 39% being told their dog couldn't be an assistance dog based on factors like color, breed, or vest

- 25% reporting incidents of their assistance dog being kicked or hit while working

The "Just. Don't" campaign is dedicated to addressing these issues and creating a more inclusive and understanding environment for all assistance dog teams.

For more information and to join us in creating a more accessible and inclusive society for all, please contact: contact@infinitydogs.org.uk

#JustDont #AssistanceDogs #InfinityDogsCIC #AIE4ALL #ADAA

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