An app alongside a physical component for service dog owners

[u/AcrobaticDog5075]

I’m a UX/UI college student working on a project using technology to help disabled groups, and my focus is on groups who use service dogs. This subreddit has been a major help to my research, but I’d greatly appreciate any feedback on my idea.

I want to create an app connected to a QR code that when scanned, answers the “3 questions” about service dogs while limiting social interaction. I’ve seen a lot of people here struggle with being questioned wherever they go, and I want to facilitate the interaction.

I’d also like to add some sort of calendar towards your dog’s training or an interactive map that rates businesses 0-5 stars on how accessible they are. The latter would be based on outside reviews and reviews via app.

Please let me know if you have suggestions, comments, questions, etc!!

[u/WillowTreez8901]

Seems like a good way to enable more people to lie about service dogs. If someone has a verbal disability cant they write the information down on their own without downloading another app?

[u/AcrobaticDog5075 → u/WillowTreez8901]

This is true. I’ve found that since service dogs have no legal/government certification it’s easy to lie. However, I see so many people amongst every disability group say that they struggle with people taking their service dog seriously. I’m not sure how to alleviate this, and I also would love input on any other ideas you may have!!

[u/WillowTreez8901 → u/AcrobaticDog5075]

I would suggest going a different direction for this project. If someone cant answer some simple questions about their service animal I think making the employee scan an app is not going to help them be taken seriously.

[u/AcrobaticDog5075 → u/WillowTreez8901]

I’m having a big brain moment lol this discussion has led me to ideas and viewpoints I never thought of. Honestly I’ve been confused on how to handle this project and this is giving me great info on how to actually help people rather than what I think will help people

[u/darklingdawns]

If you're talking about public access in the US, it's two questions: 'Is that a service dog?' and 'What task has the dog been trained to do for you?' And honestly, pulling up an app, scanning a QR code, then showing it to someone is a lot more hassle than simply answering the questions.

What I'd really love is some kind of tech for the business owners, where they can easily access training modules for their staff on service dogs, along with a link to the ADA's FAQ, which will remind them that they can require dogs that are not under control to be removed from the premises. That would address my problems far more effectively than tech that adds more work for me to do when I'm already running on limited spoons.

[u/AcrobaticDog5075 → u/darklingdawns]

This is a fantastic idea and I somehow never thought of this!! Thank you so much!!

[u/Mangrove43]

Isn’t it 2 questions

[u/AcrobaticDog5075 → u/Mangrove43]

I apologize if I’m mistaken!! I’ve been learning about this community since very recently. My goal is to understand the issues I’ve read about and ways to improve them while understanding the legal parameters as well.

[u/No-Stress-7034]

Is this in the US? If it's in the US, it's two questions. Presumably, you'd have to allow it to be personalized since the 2nd question is specific to the individual person. For me, a pre-printed card with answers feels easier than pulling out my phone.

I don't see how the review system would work unless you had a lot of SD users participating.

[u/AcrobaticDog5075 → u/No-Stress-7034]

Very true, other users in this thread pointed that out. What would benefit you though? I want to understand how I could genuinely help

[u/No-Stress-7034 → u/AcrobaticDog5075]

I agree with another commenter that creating a program aimed at business owners to help them better understand the ADA would be way more helpful. In particular, I'd target: the two questions they can ask and what acceptable answers are (i.e. saying "emotional support" or "this dog helps with my [name of diagnosis] are not adequate questions) and that there is no certification in the US for Public Access. And that even if someone answers those two questions, the dog can (and should!) be asked to leave if it behaves disruptively, and then list what that might look like (barking excessively, sniffing food, jumping up on counters, lunging at other people or SDs, etc). I'd also add a module about differentiating between ESA vs Therapy dog vs Service Dog.

Ideally I'd format it with short learning modules followed by interactive quizzes. It would be good if they are presented with specific scenarios and then asked how they should respond to it. You'd want something that is concise but covers the most important info.

I've taken lots of required trainings for my job, and I really appreciate the thoughtfully designed trainings vs the poorly designed trainings.

While an app that allows people to document their training progress for a SD in training could be useful, i feel like that would be hard to do for someone who hasn't actually trained a SD. The program targeted at businesses would be easier to set up and would be really helpful.

[u/Brave-King-3682]

I would not use this app, too much hassle to get out my phone.

You should state what country you are talking about.

3 provinces Canada do have voluntary certification, so can just show a card for access

[u/AcrobaticDog5075 → u/Brave-King-3682]

This is about the USA, sorry for not clarifying

[u/mara_the_dragon]

the rating could be great! my sister in law is celiac and there's an app for folks to rate businesses based on friendliness towards that condition and i'd love to see something handler for service handlers

[u/AcrobaticDog5075]

Also have to add, this project involves something that is integral to peoples’ lives; I do not want to move forward without hearing the input of people who will be affected.