On October 9, 2019, W.A.G.S. 4 Kids was invited to Louis Agassiz School (Cleveland Metropolitan School District) for a series of assemblies.
Teacher Joseph Mack contacted W.A.G.S. 4 Kids wanting his students, and the entire school, to become more familiar with the work service dogs do for individuals with disabilities. He was also very interested in getting his school and students involved as Kids Who Can! and working more with W.A.G.S. 4 Kids.
W.A.G.S. 4 Kids Executive Director Sera Nelson, with demo-dog Po at her side, spoke to all grade levels about what a service dog is, who a service dog can help, and what to do when you see a service dog out in public. Some very special members of the W.A.G.S. 4 Kids family were also in attendance for the assemblies at Louis Agassiz School. Service dog Claire demonstrated tasks and commands for the students during the assembly and was happy to show what other kids could do.
Education about service dogs and the importance of being inclusive of classmates and individuals with disabilities is a large part of our Kids Who Can! Youth Empowerment Program. We are grateful to work with Louis Agassiz School and CMSD and hope to partner together more in the future for other Kids Who Can! projects, programs, and events.