About Us

DAD - Disability Aid Dogs

Disability Aid Dogs is an Australian National Community Service Organisation caring for the community since 1994, giving the power of freedom to many disabled people. With offices in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia, D.A.D. offers advice and support on training clients with their own dogs assisting disabled people with programs for Medical Assistance Dog, Home Therapy Assistance Dog and Visitation Therapy Assistance Dog.

We do not pre-train and sell dogs - we train with your specific disability assistance needs from your dog with the expert supervision of our Internationally qualified senior behaviourists, trainers and instructors. D.A.D. is a self-accrediting organisation and a peak body in our own right.

Our Founders

Alex Van Oeveren founded our organisation on 16.02.1994 with his wife Connie as Co-Founder. Due to failing health, Alex entrusted his dedication and hard work to another in the company in 2016, and unfortunately passed away after a battle with cancer in 2017. They both will always be recognised as the Founders of Disability Aid Dogs, and author of our Governing Documents. It is with pride Disability Aid Dogs takes the legacy of the hard work paved by Alex and Connie into the future.

inflight therapy dog Our Patron, Jenifer Parkhurst on a Jetstar Flight with her wonder dog "Kari".
This little bundle has saved Jenifer's life more than once and is an inspiration to us all. Jenifer is a highly talented dog trainer and has trained Kari in a remarkable way.

Meet the team

Garven Wright

Director
Director of Training
QLD State & Regional Manager
Senior Masters International Diploma Dog Trainer & Behaviourist Queensland Regional Manager
Garven has been involved with Disability Aid Dogs since 1998, and it is with his vast knowledge of the canine world he assists with the rural side of our Queensland clientele. Being the Director of Training, he is involved with most of our clients to help with those small issues of training with their dogs.

Vicki Pinn

Director
Secretary
Queensland Suburban Behaviourist, Trainer and Assessor
Vicki has taken on the role of securing Disability Aid Dogs future by accepting her nominated position September 2018. She brings with her vast knowledge and understanding of our disabled clientele and their dogs. As Managerial Assistant Benny with Vicki, he does a quick assessment of all he meets human and animal and lets Vicki know he is happy.

Didier Marchand

Treasurer
Certified Assessor
Having been associated with Disability Aid Dogs since 1995, Didier has taken on the Treasurer responsibility for our on-coming future. He also is a qualified licenced assessor, and assists Garven with Queenslands clientele. His ability to chat with the dogs is wonderful, and those that meet him appreciate his efforts with their assistance dogs.