How do I go about getting a disability parking sticker and permitted to have a service dog?

I am a middle aged woman from Indiana who has a chronic physical condition that has recently gotten worse. I have bouts of pain and inflamation which restricts my movement. I have heard that I may be eligible for handicapped parking and to own a service animal. I do not really know how to start this. I am currently training a dog to do many of the tasks I need help with but how do I get a service dog certification? I tried searching online but did not find any answers.
Do I start with my doctor, or government agencies or what? I know that there are programs in place that will aid me as my condition gets worse, but I don't know how to find out about them. I know how to train my new dog to help me to do what I need her to do, and I found the guidelines for how a service animals must be trained to behave. I can train her but how do I get her to be an actual certified service animal so that I can have her with me to do it? I don't know what to do to take it to the next level?

On this page, you can select your state and download the PDF application. Take it to your doctor to sign.

http://arthritis.about.com/od/driving/a/...

Here's info on service dogs (I have no idea how you didn't find this):
http://www.servicedogsamerica.org/

you need to be certified by an m.d. .

Two different questions -
I believe you have to apply at the registry of motor vehicles in order to get an HP tag to park in handicapped - it requires a letter from a doctor. You should check with the reistry before you bug your doctor, and find out what they need exactly. Chances are, your doctor has been through this before.

As for service dogs, I would ask that of an organization that trains them - they have to have certain qualifications and certain training by a qualified organization in order to rate a service dog pass. I do know you can't just do it yourself.

For getting a handicap parking tag, you will need to call your local Division of Motor Vehicles and they will tell you what you need to bring with you, usually will include a statement from your Doctor.

For a therapy/service dog, try calling one of these agencies:
Phoenix Assistance Dogs
P.O. Box 81
Wyatt, IN 46595
Tele: (219) 633-4214 or

Midwest Assistance Dogs, Inc.
3702 W. Sample St., Suite #205
South Bend, IN 46619
Tele: (219) 287-7677 (Voice/TTY

Keep in mind, you may have to travel a ways to get there. YOU will have to go thru extensive training, as well as your dog, so you will know all the commands the dog has been taught, but it will be well worth it.

Good luck to you!

surely the agencies have this information to