In a variety of ways, animals can be used as helping hands for people with disabilities. Monkeys, chosen for
their intelligence and ability to perform simple tasks, can be trained to help severely disabled individuals. A
capuchin's small hands and nimble fingers resemble human hands. They learn in much the same way as human
children do -- by observing, imitating, and exploring. They have been trained to open doors, hold pencils, operate
photocopying machines, and even carefully spoon feed a quadriplegic.
We welcome any ideas for improvement to this PIN page and any additional information. Suggestion for
additional bibliographies, information, data, a related organization are welcome.
To make suggestions, please contact:
Larry Jacobsen
Primate Center Library
Wisconsin Primate Research Center
Madison, WI 53715-1299
Email: jacobsen@primate.wisc.edu
Tel: (608)263-3512
Fax: (608)263-4031
URL: http://www.primate.wisc.edu/pin/disabled.html
Last updated: November 6, 2000.
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