Grievance Policy & Procedures
It is the policy of ECAD to ensure fairness, equality of treatment, and consistency across all programs, employment, and volunteer activities. ECAD values open communication and believes that most concerns can be resolved constructively through respectful dialogue.
All individuals—employees, applicants, candidates, clients, graduates, and volunteers—have the right to raise grievances or appeal decisions that they believe are unfair, inconsistent, or detrimental. ECAD provides a clear, confidential, and impartial process for doing so, ensuring that every concern is heard and addressed promptly.
Senior leadership, supervisors, and staff share responsibility for fostering an environment where concerns are welcomed and resolved early, before they escalate into formal conflicts. No person will experience retaliation or adverse treatment for raising a grievance in good faith.
Filing a Grievance
- Informal Resolution – ECAD encourages individuals to first make reasonable efforts to resolve issues directly and informally whenever possible. Many concerns can be effectively addressed through open communication before initiating a formal grievance.
- Formal Complaint – If the issue remains unresolved after informal efforts, please complete and submit this grievance form so that it can be reviewed through ECAD’s formal process.
Process & Timeline
- Complete the Grievance Form
- ECAD will review and respond within 14 working days.
- If you are dissatisfied, you may appeal in writing to the Executive Director.
- If unresolved, you may appeal to the ECAD Board of Directors. Contact details will be provided upon request.
Confidentiality & Fairness: Grievances are handled confidentially and without prejudice. ECAD prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.
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Thank You! Your generous donation has been received — and it’s already making a difference!
Because of you, people living with disabilities will experience greater mobility and independence than they ever thought possible. Your compassion helps transform lives — empowering our clients to achieve dreams that once felt out of reach.
You are the reason hope turns into action, and challenges become triumphs. From all of us (and every wagging tail) at ECAD, thank you for changing lives — four paws at a time. 🐾
Please keep an eye on your inbox, an email acknowledgment with the details of your contribution will be sent to the email address you provided. If you have any questions please feel to contact us at (860) 489-6550
2025 YEA_Social Media Ad_Success Page
Thank You! Your generous donation has been received — and it’s already making a difference!
Because of you, people living with disabilities will experience greater mobility and independence than they ever thought possible. Your compassion helps transform lives — empowering our clients to achieve dreams that once felt out of reach.
You are the reason hope turns into action, and challenges become triumphs. From all of us (and every wagging tail) at ECAD, thank you for changing lives — four paws at a time. 🐾
An email acknowledgment with the details of your contribution will be sent to the email address you provided.
Assistance Dogs USA
About Us
Assistance Dogs USA (ADUSA) is a Doing Buisness As (DBA) of ECAD, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities, a nationally recognized nonprofit committed to empowering people with disabilities to live with greater independece with the use of a specially educated Service Dog.
Across the globe, the need for highly trained assistance dogs has never been greater. According to the 2024 Assistance Dogs International (ADI) Report, there are now more than 7,600 people on waiting lists hoping for a service dog — each representing a story of untapped independence and potential still waiting to be realized.
That’s where Assistance Dogs USA (ADUSA) comes in.
As a pilot initiative of ECAD, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities, ADUSA was created to explore how we can scale impact, expand national reach, and empower more people living with disabilities to live life on their terms with a life-transforming Assistance Dog.
Through this pilot, we’re exploring new ways to reach, engage, and serve — testing outreach strategies, partnerships, and awareness efforts. This pilot is our chance to think bigger — to open new doors, forge new partnerships, and share more stories that inspire people to connect with the life-changing gift of an assistance dog.
You were hand-selected to be part of this test because your engagement helps us shape what the future of accessibility and independence can look like — one person, one dog, two lives changed forever.
Two Names, One Mission
The name may look different — ECAD or Assistance Dogs USA — but the heart behind it never changes and our purpose remains the same. We exist to enable people with disabilities to gain greater independence and mobility through the partnership of specially educated dogs.
Every connection we create — between a person and a dog — represents transformation. Together, they discover new confidence, freedom, and possibility, creating ripples of hope that extend far beyond a single match.
One Person. One Dog. Two Lives Changed Forever.
No matter which name you see, our mission stands firm — fueled by your generosity, your belief, and your commitment to helping people with disabilities thrive.
Your Impact
Each story is a testament to what’s possible when skill, compassion, and community come together. THANK YOU!
Change Lives Forever. Donate TODAY
More Stories, Photos, and Impact
Blog | Testimonials | YouTube Channel | Facebook | Public Documents
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ECAD, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and we depend on generosity of people like you to continue changing lives.
ECAD Volunteer Opportunities
There are many ways you can be a part of the miraculous process of turning tiny puppies into confident and mature Service Dogs.
