u/just_a_tired_flower

Hi! Obligatory not an SD handler but I was in the process of getting one about 5 years back before deciding it wasn’t the best option for me, so I have done a lot of research. I’m sorry if this comes off as harsh or anything, I am just genuinely curious and want to understand what I may be missing!

First, I’m coming across so many social media posts of SD handlers that have their dog off leash almost 24/7 in public. There dogs seem very well trained, there’s no denying that, but I don’t fully understand why this is necessary. I know the law specifies that a leash is not required if it actively interferes with the task or the disability prevents holding it, but why would this apply when the dog is just heeling and walking besides the handler? In the last video I saw, they specified it was a psychiatric service dog but did not share any specific tasks.

Additionally, I often see them leaving their dog in an extended stay inside a crowded store and walking away. It doesn’t seem to be training, no treats or praise given after. Is there a purpose to this? It seems excessive and then these people have so many videos posted of them telling employees their dog doesn’t need to be on a leash by law, etc. Is this just content farming or wanting attention?

(Disclaimer: I know recording is an unfortunately necessary way of protecting yourself and enforcing your rights, I just thought a couple specific repeated social media creators seem to possibly do it for the online attention)

Thanks for your time and any insight! It amazes me to see the level of training so many of you have achieved on your own.

Hey! I’ve been more and more interested in getting my license and have a couple questions for those who use hand controls.

1. Did insurance fully cover the cost of the driving clinic? My doctor has referred me to my hospitals adaptive driving program but I’m a bit worried about getting my insurance to cover the cost. I have United healthcare and it’s been a constant battle getting them to pay for anything (chair repairs, PT/OT, etc.)

2. How much did it cost to get hand controls installed in your car? I know there are cheaper options, but I want something more permanent that feels safer. Additionally, did insurance contribute to this cost?

Thanks in advance!

Hi! For some context, my partner is Mexican and Spanish is his first language. His family, with the exception of his brother and mom, do not speak much English. This makes dinners a bit awkward. We plan on being together long term, so it’s important to me to be able to converse in Spanish at an intermediate level at some point.

Currently, I only really know English. I took German for a couple years in high school and found it really challenging, but I also was only doing it because a language was required at the time. In college, I became about a B1 in ASL. I found this much easier than German, but obviously, it’s completely different than learning a spoken language.

This summer is the first time I’ve had in the past couple years to dedicate time to learning Spanish and it’s my goal! I’ve been doing a deep dive on all the wonderful recommended materials on here.

So, I guess my post is less about the technical aspects and more about how to cope with feeling very intimated at the thought of trying to learn a new language! I think I’ve always told myself it would be to hard, but I’ve been lurking on here for quite some time which has been encouraging.

If you could go back and give yourself some tips or encouragement when you were learning your first language, what would you say?