Assistance Animal Ambassador Program
Navigating public access with an assistance animal can be a maze of laws, which is why our Assistance Animal Ambassador Program was developed. As a supporting member, you’ll gain access to invaluable resources aimed at enhancing understanding and advocacy for better community awareness of public access rights. Best part? Membership is free!
Upon signing up, you’ll complete a short course covering correct terminology and Australian laws related to assistance animals. Once finished, you’ll receive a certificate of completion and a digital badge to proudly display your achievement. This badge can be added to your website, business cards, resumes, or any promotional material, signaling your commitment to accessibility and knowledge in this field.
In addition to the course, members are eligible to request 10 free disposable educational cards. These cards are handy tools to have on hand when encountering situations where access rights are questioned or when educating others about the laws. Each card contains a QR code that directly links to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), providing instant access to relevant legislation, along with links to other free resources.
But the benefits don’t stop there! As a member, you’ll enjoy lifelong access to our members portal, where you can download fact sheets, access other free programs, and share your knowledge with a community of like-minded individuals. Plus, for those interested in furthering their impact, completing this program serves as the first step toward becoming WAFA certified community educators.
For added convenience and visibility, members also have the option to purchase a keyring or patch. These items, when scanned, link directly to the DDA and other resources, offering a quick reference point for anyone curious about assistance animal rights.
Join us today in championing accessibility and understanding. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who rely on assistance animals for support and independence.
Public Education Campaign
WAFA is dedicated to enhancing public understanding of access rights for assistance animals across Australia. To support this mission, we are launching an accessibility campaign aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge of these crucial rights. Our campaign will provide comprehensive educational resources in a variety of formats, including audio, video, and written materials. These resources will be available in English, Easy English, AUSLAN, braille and various community languages to ensure broad accessibility.
We will share these resources through our website and social media channels to reach as many people as possible. Our goal is to empower individuals with the information they need to advocate for themselves and others, ensuring that assistance animals are given the respect and access they rightfully deserve.
Join us in spreading the word and promoting inclusivity by engaging with our content and sharing it within your networks. Together, we can build a more informed and supportive community for everyone who relies on assistance animals.
For more information and to access our educational materials, visit our website and follow us on social media. Let’s work together to make sure that access rights for assistance animals are recognised and respected across Australia.
Translations of our ‘Quick Facts’ series of resources can be found below:
Kind Is Cool Campaign
WAFA aims to promote awareness and empathy among its members and the broader community. Understanding these concepts helps stakeholders recognise their own biases and privileges, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all involved in the care and advocacy of working animals, including assistance animals. To combat instances of online abuse or harassment stemming from differing opinions within the industry, WAFA encourages the use of the hashtag #kindiscool. This initiative seeks to promote respectful dialogue and constructive interactions among stakeholders, emphasising kindness and understanding even when opinions differ. By fostering a culture of mutual respect and empathy, WAFA aims to mitigate conflicts and promote collaboration towards improving the welfare and treatment of working animals across Australia.
Use the #kindiscool hashtag to remind others to maintain respect and civility when discussing differing opinions on topics related to working animals.
Remember, diversity strengthens us all.
Community Educator Program
The WAFA Community Educator Program is a fantastic opportunity for individuals passionate about advocating for assistance animal rights and accessibility. By completing this program, you’ll not only gain valuable knowledge but also earn a certification that enables you to educate others in your community.
This program is structured around four units from the Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training, an ASQA-endorsed nationally recognised qualification. By completing these units, you’ll be one-quarter of the way towards obtaining your Certificate IV, which is mandatory for any WAFA trainer certification.
Upon completion, you’ll receive a WAFA certificate of achievement, a Human Paws certificate of achievement, a statement of attainment from the registered training organisation (RTO) showcasing your mastery of the four units, your community educator digital badge, and a listing on our directory as a certified community educator. This listing allows organisations to easily reach out to you to book your educational services.
As a WAFA community educator, you have the freedom to set your own fees and advertise your services anywhere in Australia. You’ll be equipped with comprehensive course content related to assistance animal law, terminology, common misconceptions, and other relevant information to effectively educate others.
Maintaining your credential is simple; you’ll need to submit three units of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to WAFA annually and present the course at least twice a year either online or in person. The best part? You get paid by the individuals booking your services, and WAFA provides ongoing support whenever needed.
This program not only enhances your resume but also provides a fulfilling opportunity to share your knowledge and passion for assisting animal public access rights. Join us in making a positive impact on accessibility for assistance animals across Australia.
Exceptions may apply.
Assistance Animal Aware Business Program
Join our Assistance Animal Aware Business Program to promote inclusiveness and diversity in your establishment. By attending one of our community educator courses, completing a brief online questionnaire, and aligning your policies and procedures with Australian law to ensure assistance animals are welcome, your business can proudly display our logo for marketing purposes. Too often, assistance animals and their handlers encounter public access issues. By participating in our program, you demonstrate your commitment to supporting accessibility for all. We can work together to create welcoming environments for everyone.
Certification Program
The WAFA Professional Credential Program is proud to announce upcoming certifications tailored for various professions within the working animal industry. Our program is designed to provide specialised training and certification for professionals who work with assistance animals, ensuring high standards and competency across the field.
Opening soon is the credential for occupational therapists who prescribe or work with assistance animals, as well as certification for working animal trainers. These courses are meticulously developed and taught by industry professionals, offered through a collaboration between WAFA and our partnered RTO.
Over the next 18 months, we are excited to roll out additional credentials catering to allied health professionals, visitation and facility animal handlers, and many others. Each credential will offer a comprehensive framework based on the ASQA-endorsed nationally accredited Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training qualification.
Maintaining your credential is simple; you’ll need to submit the relevant number of units of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) annually.
Stay tuned for further details, including a breakdown of what each credential entails and the specific requirements needed to achieve certification. With WAFA, professionals in the working animal industry can enhance their expertise and credibility, ensuring optimal care and support for working animals and their human counterparts.
COMING SOON
Increased Public Access Campaign
Assistance animals play a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities, but confusion over public access rights continues to lead to unnecessary discrimination and denial of service. The challenge arises from the proliferation of various organisations, each with its own branding, including different vests, jackets, and branding. This diversity, while well-intentioned, has led to a fragmented system that can confuse the public and, unfortunately, hinder the rights of those who depend on these invaluable companions.
To address this issue, we are excited to introduce a new initiative aimed at reducing complexities and fostering greater acceptance of assistance animals in public spaces. We’re bringing together organizations, trainers, and handlers under a unified approach to ensure that the rights of assistance animal teams are respected and recognised consistently across the country.
The WAFA Public Access Logo is designed to provide a single, recognisable symbol that identifies assistance animals and their handlers. This logo is not intended to replace the individual branding of organizations but to complement it by creating a cohesive standard for public recognition and education.
To qualify for the WAFA Public Access Logo, participants must meet WAFA’s professional standards and successfully complete the WAFA Holistic Public Access Test. This ensures that only exemplary teams are represented under this unified symbol. Each logo will include a unique ID number visible on the emblem. This feature allows for easy identification of individual teams while maintaining a standardized approach to public access and ensuring privacy and confidentiality. The success of this initiative relies on widespread adoption. As more organisations, trainers, and handlers join the movement, the WAFA Public Access Logo will become a familiar and trusted symbol across the country.
The overarching goal of the Holistic PAT is to enhance assistance animal standards, public safety, and animal welfare. By setting a high bar for public access, we aim to foster greater trust and acceptance of assistance animals in various public environments. Recognising the diverse range of Public Access Tests (PATs) currently available worldwide, including those from respected organizations like GHAD, ADI, and IGDF, we have developed the WAFA Holistic Public Access Test. This comprehensive assessment aims to unify and elevate the standards for public access, benefiting the entire community.
The Holistic PAT combines the strengths of over 100 global PATs, integrating the most effective practices and methodologies from GHAD, ADI, IGDF, and other leading organizations. This ensures a well-rounded assessment that covers all critical aspects of public access for assistance animals. Only WAFA-accredited assessors, who have completed rigorous training and certification, can administer the Holistic PAT. Assessors must complete the WAFA Trainer Credential and upskill to the WAFA Assessor Credential.
Ensuring that all assistance animals meet a high standard of public access helps to safeguard both the animals and the public, promoting safe and respectful interactions. The test’s focus on comprehensive standards supports the well-being of assistance animals, ensuring they are well-prepared for their roles and environments. By standardising the evaluation process, the Holistic PAT provides a reliable benchmark for assessing the readiness and capability of assistance animals, reducing variability and potential biases in assessments.
A single, recognisable logo helps the public easily identify assistance animals, reducing confusion and the likelihood of discrimination. Over time, as the logo becomes more familiar, public spaces will be more welcoming and accommodating to assistance animal teams. A unified approach will create a cohesive message about the importance and rights of assistance animals, enhancing overall awareness and education. We invite all stakeholders—organisations, trainers, and handlers—to join us in this important initiative. Together, we can streamline access rights and promote a more inclusive society for individuals who rely on assistance animals.
COMING SOON
Publications
At WAFA, we believe in the power of sharing experiences and knowledge within our community. That’s why we host a vibrant blog on our website, inviting guests from various backgrounds, including assistance animal handlers and working animal trainers, to share their insights and expertise with others. Members receive priority, ensuring that their valuable perspectives are showcased prominently.
But our commitment to fostering collaboration doesn’t stop there. We’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of our professional journal, providing a platform for in-depth discussions and research within the working animal industry. Additionally, our community journal will offer a space for individuals of all skill sets to contribute, whether it’s through articles, photos, or informational pieces.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, there’s a place for you to share your voice and contribute to our publications. And to keep our community engaged and informed, we also distribute a monthly eNewsletter, delivering the latest updates, articles, and insights directly to our subscribers’ inboxes.
At WAFA, we believe that by fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, we can drive positive change and advancements in the field of working animals. Join us in our mission to empower individuals and elevate the conversation surrounding assistance animals and working animal training.
COMING SOON
Endorsed CPD
As part of our commitment to maintaining high standards within the industry, certified members of WAFA are required to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities annually. We understand the importance of staying current with evolving practices and advancements in the field, which is why we offer endorsed CPD opportunities.
Industry bodies and professionals have the opportunity to submit their courses or programs to WAFA for endorsement. Upon approval, members receive a certificate and digital endorsement badge, recognising their commitment to ongoing professional development. Additionally, endorsed CPD providers will be listed on our website, providing visibility and recognition within the WAFA community.
By participating in endorsed CPD activities, members can ensure they’re continuously enhancing their skills and knowledge, ultimately contributing to the betterment of the working animal industry. At WAFA, we’re dedicated to supporting our members’ professional growth and ensuring they remain at the forefront of their field.
COMING SOON