The Jewish Federation Connecting with Community series hosts Tamara Beland of NEADS (National Education
for Assistance Dog Services, also known as Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans), a 40-year old non-profit
organization that has trained more than 1,600 service dogs to assist the disabled.

NEADS service dogs become an extension of their handlers and bring freedom, physical autonomy and relief
from social isolation to their NEADS service dog human partners who are deaf or have a disability. Accredited
by Assistance Dogs International, the internationally recognized governing body that establishes industry standards
and practices, NEADS offers a wide spectrum of Assistance Dog services, including:
• Deaf and Hearing Loss
• Combat Veterans
• Physical Disability
• Classroom, Therapy, and Ministry
• Children with disabilities
• Children on the autism spectrum

Presenting will be Tamara Beland, who joined NEADS as retail and community fundraising manager in 2014.

This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.