Ålands social tjänste- och assistanshundklubb

Ålands social tjänste- och assistanshundklubb (ÅSTA) is a newly established association on Åland dedicated to improving access to assistance dogs and social service dogs. It supports people with disabilities by promoting assistance dogs as a means of personal support, greater independence and participation in everyday life. The association also works to raise awareness of the role dogs can play in personal assistance and in society, strengthen members’ knowledge, and support dog-related activities across Åland.

ÅSTA shares information about different types of assistance dogs, including guide, service, signal, alert and mental health dogs. It also promotes social service dog teams, whose trained dogs work with their handlers to support other people. These teams may serve in settings such as schools, healthcare and elder care, where dogs can encourage reading, activity, communication and a sense of security.

The association aims to help Ålanders access assistance dogs and to encourage training opportunities for social service dogs. Members can benefit from relevant courses and lectures, updates on current activities, and discounts from sponsors.