WHAT IS ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY?

Animal-Assisted Therapy is also known as Pet Therapy. It is the utilization of specially trained animals as a form of therapy in the clinical environment (i.e.. hospitals, convalescent centers, rehabilitation facilities, Alzheimer and adult day care). It is not a practice of performing therapy on pets or animals, as is often thought by those not familiar with this type of modality.

The formal definition of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is:

"AAT is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. AAT is directed and/or delivered by a health/human service professional with specialized expertise, and within the scope of practice of his/her profession.

AAT is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning [cognitive functioning refers to thinking and intellectual skills]. AAT is provided in a variety of settings and may be group or individual in nature. This process is documented and evaluated."

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY? - IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE

Physical
Improve fine motor skills.
Improve wheelchair skills.
Improve standing balance.

Mental Health
Increase verbal interactions between group members.
Increase attention skills (i.e., paying attention, staying on task).
Develop leisure/recreation skills.
Increase self-esteem.
Reduce anxiety.
Reduce loneliness.

Educational
Increase vocabulary.
Aid in long- or short-term memory.
Improve knowledge of concepts such as size, color, etc.

Motivational
Improve willingness to be involved in a group activity.
Improve interactions with others.
Improve interactions with staff.
Increase exercise.

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HAKU BALDWIN CENTER

The Haku Baldwin Center (formerly Maui Animal Aloha Center) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation, founded in 1991 by Harriet (Haku) Baldwin. The first handicapped therapeutic riding sessions were conducted on the grounds of The Maui Horse Center in Makawao by Haku Baldwin in 1973. Nearly 20 years later, the Haku Baldwin Center was organized to give therapeutic horseback riding for the disabled a permanent place on Maui. In recent years, the therapeutic program expanded to include Animal Education for Maui's youth and Animal-Assisted (Pet) Therapy in the hospitals, pediatric units, rehabilitation/convalescent facilities and Alzheimer daycare centers.

THERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING
This program is open to people of all ages and types of disabilities. A horse lends itself to multi-sensory therapy. Touch, feel, smell, and movement are important elements in learning. Horseback riding is recognized throughout the world as one of the most beneficial forms of recreational therapy that handicapped persons can receive. Horseback riding develops self-awareness, builds self-confidence, improves posture, coordination, and increases joint mobility.
In the treatment of neurological disorders, the horse's movement gives valuable input that is impossible to duplicate. The repetitive input provides the brain with neuro-sensory information necessary for motor re-education. This organized sensory input during the riding session provides improved body awareness and spacial orientation. The riding setting and the interaction with the horse has tremendous psychological benefits.

ANIMAL-ASSISTED (PET) THERAPY
The Animal-Assisted Therapy (Pet Therapy) program utilizes specially trained therapy animals to improve the quality of life for our seniors living in the convalescent facilities, and promote improvement in physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning [cognitive functioning refers to thinking and intellectual skills]. The benefits extend to all ages (children to the elderly), including patients/residents recovering from comas, rehabilitating from surgery, trauma, illness, brain injuries, physical and mental disabilities, aging and hospice.

VOLUNTEERING
We rely heavily upon volunteers to assist us. It takes three volunteers for each rider in addition to the instructor to conduct one therapeutic horseback riding session.
In the clinical facilities, we have as many as 70 patients in a single group session. Volunteers are needed to help in all aspects of the Animal-Assisted Therapy program.
Please call the Center if you would like to Volunteer your time in either program.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the Center is a great way to give your support. We appreciate cash contributions from individuals and businesses as well as encourage gifts in-kind and the donation of services. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. If you are interested in becoming a member, the following membership selections are available:

Individual Family Donor

$25 $50 $100

Sponsor Benefactor Angel

$250 $500 $1000+

CONTACT INFORMATION:

HAKU BALDWIN CENTER
444 Makawao Ave.
Makawao, HI 96768

Phone: (808) 572-5753

PEOPLE AT THE CENTER:
Harriet D. Baldwin - Founder
Robin Jensen - Manager, Horse Center
Marianne Sharp - Director, Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Dr. Shannon Dominguez, DCH - Director, Pet Therapy / Animal Education