First International Congress of Animal Assisted Interventions: Innovations in Education and Health Care

Call for Abstracts.

The theme for the International Congress of Animal Assisted Interventions in Gölcük 2022 is : Innovations in Health Care / Animal Assisted Interventions

We invite you to submit an abstract ( 200 words) for consideration for a short‘ flash’ presentation.

A flash presentation is a 10 minutes presentation (no more than 6 slides) with 5 minutes Q & A.

The best ‘flash presentation’ will be awarded at the end of Congress with a price of ….  Turkish Lira. Evaluation will be by all participants.

There will be opportunities for flashpresentations in the form of 1) a research abstract or 2) a critical review, 3) a communication of practices on AAI in Turkey

Abstract themes we are particularly interested in are:

• Animal welfare in animal therapy/assistance/service
• Companion animal welfare
• Human health
• Animal histories
• Human-Animalinteractions
• Equine-human interactions
• Farm Animaltherapy
• Animallaw
• Animals in education
• Neurorehabilitation
• Training of Therapyanimals
• Anthrozoology
• Other

Abstract submissions regarding any aspect of anthrozoology (human animal bond) will be considered. We welcomescholarly presentations from the arts & humanities as well as from social, medical, and veterinary sciences.

In case of research abstracts: please also identify clearly whether your research uses quantitative or qualitative methods (if appropriate).

We welcome very much communications about practices on AAI or about developments of AAI in Turkey

First A. Author, Second B. Author, Jr., Third C. Author

 

Preparation of Abstracts- Abstract Title

Abstract—Abstract—These instructions give you guidelines for preparing abstract for congress. Use this document as a template if you are using Microsoft Word. Otherwise, use this document as an instruction set. Your abstract may be reformatted when publishing in .pdf format. Please define all abbrevations used in the abstract. Do not cite references in the abstract. You can use subtitles for introduction, method, and conclusion sections in research abstracts.Do not delete the blank line immediately above the abstract.

Keywords—About four key words or phrases in alphabetical order, separated by commas.

1. A. Author is with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO 80305 USA (phone: 303-555-5555; fax: 303-555-5555; e-mail: author@ boulder.nist.gov).
2. B. Author, Jr., was with Rice University, Houston, TX 77005 USA. He is now with the Department of Physics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA (e-mail: author@lamar. colostate.edu).
3. C. Author is with the Electrical Engineering Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309 USA, on leave from the National Research Institute for Metals, Tsukuba, Japan (e-mail: author@nrim.go.jp).

 

1. A. Author is with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO 80305 USA (phone: 303-555-5555; fax: 303-555-5555; e-mail: author@ boulder.nist.gov).
2. B. Author, Jr., was with Rice University, Houston, TX 77005 USA. He is now with the Department of Physics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA (e-mail: author@lamar. colostate.edu).
3. C. Author is with the Electrical Engineering Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309 USA, on leave from the National Research Institute for Metals, Tsukuba, Japan (e-mail: author@nrim.go.jp).

In this conference well known national and international scientists and practitioners from all over the world will share their knowledge and practices. Besides oral presentations, workshops will be given to instruct and to demonstrate best practices in Animal Assisted Interventions. National initiatives on Equine Assisted Therapy will be revealed and new directions in Animal Assisted Interventions in Health Care and Community Care will be presented.

The conference is an excellent opportunity to be updated about innovative methods for additional therapies and interventions for people with challenges (autism, syndrome of Down, psychiatric patients, elderly with dementia etc.) such as given in the Center for Education, Animal Assisted Interventions and Green Care (CAC).

 

 

 

 

Contact

Congress Chair:

Prof. Dr. Marie-Jose ENDERS-SLEGERS , Open University, the Nederlands, President of IAHAIO,

Organizing Committee:

Mr. Yavuz KÜTÜK , Director of Amsterdam Autisme Academie  & Center for Education, Animal Assisted Interventions & Green Care

Prof Dr. Birsen Şahin KÜTÜK , Hacettepe University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Sociology,

Scientific Committee

Prof. Dr. Marie-Jose ENDERS-SLEGERS , Open University, the Nederlands, President of IAHAIO,

Prof. Dr. Şükrü TORUN , Anadolu University Faculty of Health  Sciences Department of Speech and Language Therapy,

Prof Dr. Birsen Şahin KÜTÜK , Hacettepe University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Sociology,

Prof. Dr. Richard GRIFFIOEN, Animal Assisted Interventions at AERES University of Applied Sciences.

Dr. Christine OLSEN, Dr. Olsen is founder of the Norwegian Centre of Anthrozoology and chair leader of the board.

Prof. Dr. Marie-Jose ENDERS-SLEGERS,

Bio

Prof. dr. Marie-Jose Enders-Slegers is a clinical and health psychologist by training. Her special field of interest is the human-animal bond and animal-assisted interventions in health care and education. Her research topics include: the development of the human-animal bond, the meaning and effects of human-animal interactions and animal-assisted interventions for different groups of vulnerable people (e.g. elderly people, elderly people with dementia, children with physical and mental challenges, traumatized children, children with behavior problems, veterans with PTSD). She is also interested in the ‘dark side’ of the human-animal relationship: the link between domestic violence and animal abuse. Since 2013 she holds the position of Professor in Anthrozoology at the Faculty of Psychology, Open University Heerlen, the Netherlands. Since 2016 she is serving as President of IAHAIO – International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organizations.  She is involved in many international and national boards and published many articles and book chapters.

Abstract:

“Introduction in the field: research, practices in Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI); innovations in education and healthcare”

Prof. dr. M.J. Enders-Slegers, Open University, Faculty of Psychology, department Anthrozoology, the Netherlands, president IAHAIO (International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organization)

In this lecture the state of art of Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) in Health Care and Education will be discussed and theoretical backgrounds of AAI as well as the different kind of interventions will be presented. The importance of good education on the human side as well as on the animal’s side to provide AAI will be highlighted and it will be explained why protocols and best practices matter in Animal Assisted Therapy, Education, Coaching or Counseling and Activities.

Abstract:

“Animal assisted education for children with social, learning and behavioral problems”

Prof. dr. M.J. Enders-Slegers, Open University, Faculty of Psychology, department Anthrozoology, the Netherlands, president IAHAIO (International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organization)

Animal-Assisted Education (AAE), a form of Animal Assisted Interaction (AAI), is an innovative and still relatively unknown and increasingly used positive intervention in education, in which a professional in (special) education together with a trained animal work to support a student for pedagogical and social-emotional purposes. AAE helps to develop in a ‘playful way’ new behavior, ‘academic’ skills and actions of students in a positive joyful situation. In this lecture the mechanisms and theories behind Animal Assisted Education for children with physical and mental challenges will be discussed.

Kathy ALM,

CEO Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International

Bio

Kathy Alm began her service as Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH Intl.) in 2014. For the previous 15 years she served as Executive Director of Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Washington state. She grew that previously grass roots organization from a $280,000 annual operating budget to a professional $2.1 million organization. Kathy served as PATH Intl.’s board president in the 2010-2012 term, first joining the board of trustees in 2005.  She has facilitated numerous workshops and presentations on Equine Assisted Interventions, also known as Equine-assisted Services (EAS) nationally and internationally.  In addition, she has recently led an international workgroup for the International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) to develop best practice guidelines for providing EAS.  Through the gathering of international research and existing guidelines and under the auspices of IAHAIO, this group has begun the work of creating guidelines that can be used in all countries.  Kathy holds a BA from Pacific Lutheran University.  Her dedication to EAS spans over 22 years with a passion that was ignited the moment she walked through the door at her first therapeutic riding center.

Abstract:

Equine Assisted Interventions:   Understanding the Why, the What, the How and the Who

Equine Assisted Interventions (EAI), also known as Equine-assisted Services (EAS), are increasingly used throughout the world to treat a variety of physical, mental and emotional challenges.  Although the therapeutic benefits of the horse were recognized as early as the year 460 BC, the more current form of EAI developed in Europe in the 1950’s, expanded to the United States in the 60’s, and has since seen development in many countries throughout the world.  As more and more people experience the positive impact of interacting with equines and the body of research to support the interventions grows, the demand for these services increases.  In order to choose the correct intervention and ensure both quality and safety, it is critical to have an understanding of the intervention options and the appropriate education and training needed, instruction in best practices and knowledge about horses, as well the necessary recognized professional degree or licensure. 

Please join Kathy Alm, CEO of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Intl. as she presents the different Equine Assisted Interventions, how they serve different populations, why equine knowledge is so critical, the qualifications and necessary training of the professionals for each intervention, what the current state of research is as well as understanding what outcomes you can expect for the client, patient or participant.  Leave with knowledge to guide you in your journey of providing EAI.

Workshop on EAI education:

Each intervention demands its own type of knowledge, skills and training.  In this workshop, Kathy Alm will outline the education and credentials necessary for providing the various types of EAI as well as a variety of recommendations on where to acquire this education.

Prof.  Dr. Şükrü TORUN, M.D., MT-TR

Neurologistand musictherapist Professor Torun is a faculty member at Anadolu University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of  Speech and Language Therapy and the founder of the first Music Therapy Unit in Turkey approved byTurkish Ministry of Health. As well as beingone of there searcher members of the scientific working groups (Dementiaand Behavioral Neurology,  Quality of Life and Neurorehabilitation) of Turkish Neurology Society, Dr. Torun,  also serves as a member of Scientific Committee of Turkish Ministry of Health. Torun continues his research activities to develop his onw music therapyapproach (Neuro-creative Music Therapy) with an eclecticand neuro phenomenological perspective on sensori motor, cognitive and sociopsychological disorders in his music therapy unit at Anadolu University Turkish World Researchand Application Center. Inaddition, Professor Torun has been the coordinator of the hippotherapy training and application program carriedout by Eskisehir Health Directorate and Osmangazi University for 2 years.

A Neuroscientific Perspective on Animal Assisted Interventions

Prof. Dr. Şükrü Torun

Anadolu University Health Sciences Institute Music Therapy Department, Head

Anadolu University Faculty of Health Sciences Language and Speech Therapy Department, Lecturer

Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) is one of the scientific approaches that is receiving increasing attention worldwide in the fields of health, care, rehabilitation and special education. In its shortest definition, AAI refers to the inclusion of animals trained in accordance with the intended context in therapeutic and educational interventions with certain principles and methods.

 Despite its increasing use in populations of all ages with various neuropsychosocial, cognitive, and physical disorders, knowledge of the brain mechanisms associated with AAI is generally limited. This limitation is one of the major obstacles to the development and widespread adoption of AAI as an evidence-based intervention.

 From the perspective of current network neuroscience, it is important to understand the basic brain mechanisms related to sensory-motor, emotional and cognitive functions, possible neural activation patterns that occur during interventions, and especially the phenomenon of ‘neuroplasticity’ for almost every therapy discipline. Such insight may provide some clues for planning more effective and more appropriate AAIs for target populations, as well as new research ideas.

 In this talk, I aim to draw attention to some key brain processes underlying the healing power of AAI.

 

Dr. Christine OLSEN

Bio:

Dr Christine Olsen received her MSc in animal behaviour from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in 2006, and completed her doctoral studies at the same university in 2016. The focus for her studies was animal assisted interventions (AAI). In 2004, she funded the Norwegian Center of Anthrozoology, which in 2019 expanded to the International Center of Anthrozoology (ICofA). The Norwegian Center of Anthrozoology has created two ECT-courses together with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, one that gives 15 credits in AAI with dogs and one that gives 15 credits in AAI with farm animals. The centre also certifies dog-assisted visiting teams and cat assisted visiting teams.

Dr Olsen is a dog behaviorist, a certified dog instructor, and has trained dogs for various dog sports. Recently, she has worked on predicting adult behaviour in police dogs.

She was the initiator of the Personality Assessment of Dogs for AAI (PADA), a suitability screening test for dogs who potentially will work in AAI. She also screens other species including cats, horses and farm animals for their suitability to work in AAI.

In 2014-2015, she lived in Budapest and was a trainee at the Family Dog Project. Dr. Christine Olsen has been partner in a number of international projects, and holds an enormous international network with the most recommended persons in the field of AAI. 

Abstract:

Lecture plenary

Dr. Christine Olsen: “Visiting programs with dogs in

institutions, research and practice”

 There are increased demands to provide services for institutionalized people. Medication is frequently used, but most of them have major side effects. Therefore, it has been suggested that non-pharmacological interventions should be implemented at a larger scale. 

We have studied the possible effects of a 12-week intervention with animal-assisted activities (AAA) in nursing homes and at day-care centers. Primary outcomes were depression, agitation, balance and quality of life (QoL). Our conclusion is that AAA may have a positive effect on balance, QoL and symptoms of depression in elderly people with dementia. 

Animal-assisted intervention with dogs should be considered for use as a health promoting activity in the future; however, screening and certification of dogs and handler might be crucial for the activity to be effective. Activities should be tailored to their needs and interests when planning individual or group-based animal-assisted activity.

 Mandy van LAAR,

Bio

Mrs. Mandy van Laar is the owner of Dokter Snuffel and the DAI Academy in the Netherlands. 
She grew up among dogs, participated  in dog competitions, walked neighborhood dogs and worked for animal protection. In 2010 she completed the animal management training and in 2011 she completed her training as a para-veterinary,  K9 instructor and behavioral therapist for dogs.
In 2012, Mandy started working with her own dogs as a handler for people with multiple disabilities, dementia and autism. At the moment the organization consists of 15 professionals and 25 dogs.
From 2016, Mandy, in collaboration with other professionals in the DAI Academy, has provided various courses and further training regarding working with dogs in various fields, including schools, hospitals, care homes and therapy practices.

 

Prof. Dr. Richard GRIFFIOEN

Bio

Prof. Dr. Richard Griffioen was born on November 12th, 1957 in Amsterdam. He spent his childhood in Amsterdam, where he attended primary and secondary school. He then graduated the Physical Therapy Academy, the Manual Therapy Academy and obtained a master degree in Psychology. Richard is married to Angela and they have a son, Sam and a daughter, Juna.

He fulfilled various functions within primary care, health center and sports medical center.

He is an experienced health care professional, coach and trainer and in 1992 he started Medical Center IBIS (Integrated Biomedical Institute and Sports Health Care), consisting of a multidisciplinary team (e.g. sports physiotherapists, athletic coaches, hapto-therapists, acupuncturists, sports doctor, exercise physiologist and massage therapists).

In 1997 he started a foundation for Animal Assisted Interventions (SAM Foundation) and initiated research on the development of children with Down syndrome and children with autism spectrum disorder.

He is also the founder of a Care Farm Foundation Het Boerenparadijs (2011-2017) with the objective to facilitate daytime activities for children with disabilities. From 2013 till now he is a board member of AAIZOO, Animal Assisted Interventions in care, education and research.

In 2011 he accepted the challenge to start a PhD research program at the Graduate school of the Open University, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, chair of Antrozoology, under supervision of Prof. dr. Dr. Marie-Jose Enders-Slegers, which he successfully completed in 2020. Since 2021 he is a Professor in Animal Assisted Interventions at the AERES university of applied sciences, Dronten, The Netherlands

He also works in his own practice and, together with Carmen Maurer (Leerdier.nl) and the board of the SAM Foundation provides various animal-assisted intervention programs for children with special needs.

 

Carmen MAURER,

Bio:

Carmen Maurer (The Netherlands, 1967)

Carmen Maurer has a long track record of experience in healthcare. Already as a teenager, in the 1980’s, she discovered the power of animal assisted interventions when teaching horse riding to both physically and mentally disabled people. Her education involves pedagogy, specialized psychosocial work, equine-assisted and dog-assisted coaching and kynological instructor. Before she started her career in healthcare, Carmen was involved in various management functions at the Utrecht University of Applied Sciences

She has her own practice, Leerdier (www.leerdier.nl): for animal-assisted therapeutic interventions, pedagogical guidance and coaching. Her experience concerns in particular people with autistic spectrum disorders, people with dementia, people with anxiety problems and people who need support in dealing with life events. Recently she became educated as a therapist on the subject grief and loss processing. She works both with horses and dogs, depending on the client’s preference and always in a natural environment, guided by the concept of “one health”.

Besides her own practice, Carmen is involved in AAI projects with farm animals, in collaboration with the Sam Foundation, for children with Down Syndrome and/or autism (ASS). She has also a part-time position in a Specialized Mental Healthcare Clinic for adult people with ASS, where she conducts a dog-assisted therapeutic program for adult people with severe ASS.

 

A  more joyfullife through interacting with Animals. ‘Met dieren leuker leven’ is an Animal-Assisted Activity Program for children with Down Syndrome or Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

Prof. Dr. Richard Griffioen and Carmen Maurer, The Netherlands

Abstract : “Met Dieren Leuker Leven”is an Animal-Assisted Activity Program for children with Down Syndrome or Autistic Spectrum Disorders to reinforce social and motor skills. In this plenary session the set up and purpose of the program is explained, including do’s and don’ts concerning working with various animals as well as the theory which addresses the observed behavioral effects.

• Met Dieren Leuker Leven: introduction
  • Purpose
  • Target group
  • Intake and selection of children
  • Effects observed
  • Supporting Theoretical Models: synchrony, …
  • The impact of a green environment

Film – Impressions of the MDLL program in Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen

• Met Dieren Leuker Leven: practice
• Practical set up: therapist – handler – client – animal
• Examples of activity formats
• Requirements concerning deployment of animals focusing on horses, dogs, small cattle: upfront training , setting of activities
• Safety and animal well being: the 5 freedoms of animals

Film – RTL  recordings in a small- cattle Animal Farm in Amstelveen

Workshop: Met Dieren Leuker Leven

Abstract: In this real life experience of the AAI program Met Dieren Leuker Leven, Richard actsas therapist and Carmen acts as handler. A person from the audience will be invited to participate as a client. The role of the handler and the therapist will be demonstrated and discussed during the role played intervention.

Liis Teesaar

Bio

Liis Teesaar is pursuing her career in anthrozoology studies within the psychology discipline. She is an avid advocate of equine welfare in equine-assisted modalities. Her interest in human-equine interactions stemmed from the horses she met during her work as a horse trainer. She is a trained equine specialist in equine maintenance and care.  Currently, she delivers equine assisted therapy in her work as a psychologist. She is also a board member of Estonian Association of Equine Assisted Therapies and representing therapists who incorporate horses in their work in Estonia. Much of her time is spent on educating about equines’ abilities and human-animal interactions. Her main interest lies in combining research and practice to advance the understanding of human-animal interactions as they relate to psychology. In her everyday work, she tries to enhance the human-animal bond. She bases her work in the understanding of human psychology and animal ethology, behavior, cognition.

Liis Teesaar

Psychologist, MA

Equine specialist, ERK level 4

Workshop

Liis Teesaar

Workshop duration: 1- 1,5 h

Content:

• Equine assisted interventions and the IAHAIO White Paper
• Possible underlying mechanisms in human-animal interactions, special focus in horse-human encounters
• Examples: adolescents` social skills and self-esteem in equine assisted counselling

Workshop activities:

• Overview and observation examples on video
• Discussion

Paulien RUTGERS

Paulien Rutgers started riding when she was fourteen and immediately came into contact with riding for the disabled and got involved in this field. Later she was trained as a horseride instructor for the disabled. She was also trained as a teacher/coach for children with behavioral and psychological problems. Paulien followed many courses and trainings about equine assisted interventions. Her expertise and knowledge were later combined in her own practice. She is the owner of a care farm where she is working with horses since 2004. She is the author of a book: Wow, my teacher is a horse!.

Title workshop:

Wow, my teacher is a horse!

This lecture is helpful for youthworkers, social workers and teachers interested in assisting youth with low executive functioning by Experiential Learning with horses in order to achieve improvement in behavior, cognition and increasing the learning capacity, based on the definition of experiential learning: “EL with help from a horse is to create a methodological learning situation, which provides concrete and  intense experiences, which, after reflection leads to changes in cognition and behavior in many facets of life. “

This program steeps importance in foundations of methodological working (intake-goalsetting in a treatment plan-intervention-evaluation and -eventually- adjusting goals) because the intervention is:

• focused on goals and needs led assessment
• systematic: it goes by planned steps, given by goals
• by means of a process: steps are related to each other, considering the effect of each step to the other
• conscious: the social worker/teacher knows what he’s doing (planning) and why (goals)

Line  SANDSTELD

My name is Line Sandstedt and I am head of education at the Norwegian Centre of Anthrozoology. I am a lector in science and a postgraduate in special needs education and coaching. I am also a dog behaviorist and a dog trainer, and I screen dogs’ personality for AAI. I am responsible for all the education given by both the International Center of Anthrozoology and the Norwegian Center of Anthrozoology. I am a lecturer in AAI-courses given by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. I also work within animal assisted education and have for many years been in charge of an alternative school arena for children in primary schools. I give courses in dog training both nationally and internationally. I have always been fascinated of the dog-human relationship and for the last years I have had my focus on training AAI-teams. For me the outcome of the interventions really depends on the dynamic between all the participants in the interventions.

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