Pre-Recorded Downloadable Webinar.

This webinar explores how Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) can move beyond diagnostic labels to offer flexible, strengths-based provision for people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It examines how labels can shape expectations and narrow opportunities, and how a deficit-led approach can limit engagement and meaningful participation.

Drawing on the SEND Code of Practice, universal design principles and practical examples from Elysian’s own sites, the session shows how accessibility can be built into AAI from the outset rather than added afterwards. It also considers sensory needs, EHCP alignment, common barriers to inclusion and the welfare of the animals involved, so that AAI becomes genuinely inclusive for a wider range of learners and service users.

Duration: 40 minutes
Format: Downloadable pre-recorded webinar with reflective prompts and practice examples
Audience: Professionals working in educational, therapeutic, care and health settings who support people with SEND and use, or are considering, Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI)

What You’ll Learn:

• Recognise how diagnostic labels can shape expectations and limit opportunities for engagement
• Describe strengths-based and universal design approaches to planning inclusive AAI sessions
• Identify ways to adapt activities, roles and environments for different mobility, sensory and communication needs
• Link AAI sessions to EHCP targets so that outcomes are purposeful, measurable and reflect the individual’s voice
• Reflect on barriers to inclusion in your own setting and how widening access could create new successes

Hosted by:

David Boxall – Training and Development Coordinator at Elysian, specialising in creating and delivering training programmes on animal-assisted interventions. David brings practical experience and insights into designing AAI sessions that respect and empower autistic participants.