On todays lesson we are going to talk about...
SSAs!
SSA stands for Stuffed Service Animal. Not to confuse with Stuffed Support Animal or Service Animal!
SSAs are plushies that are disability aids. SSAs belong in the Support Stuffed Animal alongside ESSAs (Emotional Support Stuffed Animals) DSSAs (Disability Support Stuffed Animals) and RSSA (Rage Support Stuffed Animals) and other microlabels like ASSAs (Anxiety/Autism Support Stuffed Animals or EDSSAs (Eating Disorder Support Stuffed Animals).
Let's break down the term:
Stuffed - Animals (obviously) means stuffed animals/plushies.
Service means/stands for "the action of helping or providing service to someone.
Many people think SSA handlers are claiming their plush is a SA (Service Animal) so here are some
Key differences:
SSAs are disabiliy aid objects while SAs are task trained live medical equipment protected by federal law.
SSAs cannot task even if as much as we want them to. They cannot perform standalone tasks without the handler's assitance.
SAs have full public acces while SSAs don't always have public acces. E.G. schools, work place or other places where focus or concentration is required.
Some "tasks" SSAs can perform:
Prevent or support during/after medical episodes
Ground/Distract handler or Tactile stimulation/deep pressure therapy like tasks
Carry other disability aids (medication, inhaler, blood pressure/heart rate/blood sugar monitor, ear muffs, fidget toys, medical information, etc)
Assist position changes/wheelchair transfer
If you have any question, feel free to send in a ask or write a comment! And remember, don't be an asshole.