A core principle of contemporary occupational therapy is that assessment should not focus solely on what a person cannot do.

While identifying disability-related barriers is essential, effective occupational therapy also requires understanding:

• strengths;
• abilities;
• existing strategies;
• personal resources;
• environmental supports;
• previous successes.

A strengths-based approach recognises that people with disability are not defined by limitations. Every person brings knowledge, experience, skills and adaptive strategies that influence how they participate in everyday occupations.

Within assistance animal practice, this perspective is particularly important because an assistance animal should not be viewed as replacing a person’s abilities.

Rather, it should be considered as one possible support that builds upon existing strengths and enables greater participation.

Moving Beyond a Deficit-Based Model

Traditional disability assessments have often focused on identifying problems, impairments and support needs.

This information remains important.

However, an assessment that only documents difficulties may create an incomplete understanding of the person.

For example, a person may experience:

• difficulty with sensory regulation;
• challenges accessing public environments;
• fatigue affecting daily activities.

A deficit-focused assessment may describe only:

“The person cannot tolerate community environments.”

A strengths-based occupational assessment asks:

“What environments does this person already navigate successfully, what strategies support them, and where could additional support improve participation?”

This approach identifies both:

• barriers that require intervention; and
• existing capabilities that can be developed.

Strengths-Based Practice Does Not Mean Ignoring Disability

A strengths-based approach is sometimes misunderstood as focusing only on positive qualities or minimising genuine challenges.

This is not the purpose.

Strengths-based practice acknowledges disability-related barriers while recognising the whole person.

A person may experience significant disability and still have:

• strong problem-solving skills;
• effective coping strategies;
• supportive relationships;
• successful routines;
• valuable expertise about their own needs.

The occupational therapist’s role is to understand how strengths and barriers interact.

Identifying Existing Skills Before Introducing an Assistance Animal

Before considering an assistance animal, occupational therapists should identify what the person already does successfully.

Questions may include:

• What strategies are currently effective?
• What supports are already available?
• What activities can the person complete independently?
• What environments are already accessible?
• What personal strengths can be built upon?

This prevents an assistance animal from being viewed as the first or only solution.

For example:

A person experiencing anxiety in community environments may already have successful strategies including:

• preparation routines;
• sensory supports;
• gradual exposure;
• trusted support people.

An assistance animal, if appropriate, should complement these strategies rather than replace them.

Assistance Animals as Strength Amplifiers, Not Replacements

A well-matched assistance animal can act as a strength amplifier.

This means the animal supports the person to use their existing abilities more effectively.

For example:

A person who values education but experiences barriers attending university may already demonstrate:

• motivation;
• academic ability;
• problem-solving;
• commitment.

An assistance animal may support participation by reducing specific barriers, but it does not create the person’s abilities.

The person’s strengths remain central.

Avoiding Learned Dependence

A strengths-based approach also supports careful consideration of dependence.

Assistance animals should increase:

• autonomy;
• participation;
• confidence;
• choice.

They should not unintentionally reduce opportunities for skill development or personal growth.

For example:

If a person has the ability to independently complete an activity with appropriate supports, an assistance animal should not automatically replace that ability.

The occupational therapist should consider:

“Does this intervention increase meaningful participation?”

rather than:

“Can the animal do this task?”

The Person as the Expert in Their Own Life

A strengths-based approach recognises lived experience as a form of expertise.

People with disability often develop extensive knowledge about:

• their bodies;
• their environments;
• their triggers;
• their successful strategies;
• their support needs.

This knowledge is essential when designing assistance animal recommendations.

The occupational therapist contributes professional expertise regarding:

• occupational performance;
• intervention options;
• assessment;
• evidence.

The person contributes expertise regarding:

• their own life;
• priorities;
• experiences;
• goals.

Together, these perspectives support informed decision-making.

Strengths-Based Assessment and Assistance Animal Matching

Strengths-based reasoning is also important when considering animal suitability.

A successful partnership depends on matching:

• the person’s strengths;
• the animal’s abilities;
• the environment;
• occupational goals.

For example:

A highly active person may require an animal suited to an active lifestyle.

A person who values quiet routines may require an animal with different characteristics.

The question is not:

“What is the most capable assistance animal?”

The question is:

“What partnership best supports this individual?”

Recognising Existing Supports and Networks

Strengths-based assessment includes identifying the person’s support network.

This may include:

• family;
• friends;
• community;
• workplace;
• education providers;
• healthcare professionals.

Support networks may contribute to partnership success by:

• assisting with practical needs;
• supporting transitions;
• helping maintain routines.

However, occupational therapists must also consider whether support expectations are realistic and sustainable.

A strength is only useful when it can be maintained.

Strengths-Based Assessment Across the Lifespan

Strengths and abilities change over time.

A person may:

• develop new skills;
• experience changes in health;
• gain independence;
• require additional support.

Assistance animal planning should therefore recognise both current strengths and future needs.

The goal is not to create a static intervention.

The goal is to support an evolving partnership.

Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice

When completing an occupational profile, occupational therapists should consider:

What does the person already do well?

Identifying:

• abilities;
• successful strategies;
• adaptive skills.

What strengths can be built upon?

Considering:

• motivation;
• interests;
• values;
• relationships.

Where do barriers remain?

Identifying:

• occupational restrictions;
• environmental barriers;
• participation limitations.

Could an assistance animal enhance existing strengths?

Considering:

• realistic outcomes;
• partnership suitability;
• alternatives.

Key Practice Principles

1. People Are More Than Their Limitations

Assessment must recognise abilities as well as challenges.

2. Strengths and Barriers Must Be Considered Together

A complete occupational profile requires both perspectives.

3. Assistance Animals Should Enhance Participation, Not Replace Capability

The goal is increased autonomy and opportunity.

4. The Person Is the Expert in Their Own Experience

Lived experience is essential clinical information.

5. Existing Supports Should Be Recognised

Assistance animals should complement effective strategies.

6. Matching Requires Understanding the Whole Person

The right partnership depends on compatibility between person, animal, environment and occupation.

7. Strengths-Based Practice Does Not Mean Ignoring Risk or Need

Professional reasoning requires balancing capability, barriers, welfare and sustainability.

Strengths-based assessment ensures assistance animal recommendations are built upon what people can do, what matters to them and what supports their participation. By recognising existing abilities and resources, occupational therapists can avoid deficit-based thinking and develop recommendations that empower individuals while maintaining realistic expectations about the role of an assistance animal.