ABOUT US

We started in February 2003 when a blind client called and said she had just been thrown out of a business because she had her seeing eye dog with her. Since then, we have been educating business owners and restaurant owners about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) laws that protect the disabled and their service/therapy/companion animals.

Did you know-- Seeing eye dogs are just one type of service animal. Other types include: therapy and companion animals for people who have "invisible" and "visible" disabilities.

Invisible disabilities include: depression, anxiety, panic disorder,PTSD, migraine, epilepsy, scleroderma, hearing problems, cancer, cardiac conditions, etc.

Visible disabilities are obvious: blindness, persons in wheel chairs, etc.

Under federal and state laws, people with visible AND invisible disabilities are equally protected when it comes to their animals. Service/therapy/companion animals are not limited to dogs. Cats, rabbits, miniature horses (to pull wheel chairs), hamsters (for patients with severe burns), birds, even snakes have been listed as animals who serve the disabled.

In addition to providing educational programs, we also educate and advocate for disabled persons who have been discriminated against. Did you know---a disabled person has a right to sue the owner of a business who does not allow them access to their facility? Service/therapy/companion animals can legally go any place a human can go.

We welcome your suggestions, advocacy, involvement and donations!

If you donate your vehicle to the National Charity Support Foundation in Torrance, CA (877 982-2277) please ask that the proceeds from the sale be given to D.I.A.L. S.T.A.R.T.

For over a year, the founder of DS has put 100% of her own earnings from her consulting work into running the non profit. She has donated countless hours of pro bono work to the disabled. We need your help in order to grow and to reach more people.