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Making the Most of Scouting with Special Needs

Making the Most of Scouting with Special Needs. Accommodating Scouts with Special Needs. The usual thinking: He is [in a wheelchair, autistic, Deaf,…] he can’t [go to camp, earn that merit badge, …] When a scout with disabilities joins (or tries to join) our unit we think the worst

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Making the Most of Scouting with Special Needs

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  1. Making the Most of Scouting with Special Needs Accommodating Scouts with Special Needs

  2. The usual thinking: • He is [in a wheelchair, autistic, Deaf,…] he can’t [go to camp, earn that merit badge, …] • When a scout with disabilities joins (or tries to join) our unit we think the worst • How will I handle this? • How will he hold back the other scouts? • What am I responsible (liable) for? • We miss • What can he contribute • What can the other scouts (and I) learn • *insert she for he when thinking about female venturing scouts

  3. Alternative Thinking • When we concentrate on the Disabilities, we miss the • ABILITIES • People with disabilities overcome obstacles we see as impossible just to live their lives • When allowed, people with disabilities become a resource to everyone else

  4. How do we include everyone? ~a 5 step process • Ask: • What can you do? ~ Can you do this? • What will make it possible? ~ What would you like to do? • Try ~ as long as it is safe • Think of easy alternatives • Bring in “experts” ~ example – an archery shop owner to help a scout with limited arm strength shoot a bow and arrow • Include the REAL expert – the scout himself – no one knows his abilities, motivations, likes, … better

  5. But he can’t achieve the requirements, so what's the point? • “Since its founding in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has had fully participating members with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. James E. West, the first Chief Scout Executive, was a person with a disability” (scouting.org) • The Boy scout handbook came in Braille editions • Merit badge books have been recorded for deaf scouts • BSA is an organization of Inclusion, not Exclusion

  6. Cub Scouts ~ the rules are simple What is the Cub Scout Motto? Ask yourself, Did he do his best? If a scout cannot even attempt a requirement, the CUBMASTER and PACK COMMITTEE can come up with alternative requirements

  7. Boy Scouts • For Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class • Easy alternitives are at the discression of the unit leaders, don’t make things difficult • A “mile roll” in a wheelchair is essentially the same as a mile hike; it can be accepted as-is • Alternative requirements can be approved by the council advancement committee

  8. Have the scout complete the requirements he is able to • When an alternative is needed: • Submit a request letter to the advancement committee • Include supporting documentation: • A BSA physical form and other documentation from the doctor • The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) from the school • Although not required, it is helpful to give suggestions for alternative requirements, you, the parents, and the scout know his abilities better than the committee members

  9. Merit Badges (Eagle Required) • Submit a “Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges” • Include supporting documentation (just like requirements) • The application includes possible alternatives to serve as a guide.

  10. Venturing and Sea Scouts • Most requirements cannot be changed • Show, do, and Demonstrate requirements must be done as written • Bronze, Gold, Silver, Ranger, Quest, and TRUST awards can have alternative requirements, the same procedures apply as the Boy Scout advancement alternatives

  11. Age Limits Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing age limits can go beyond the age of 18 with a documented disability: Step 1—Do as Many Standard Requirements as Possible. Step 2—Secure a Medical Statement. Step 3—Prepare a Request for Alternative Requirements. Step 4—The Council Advancement CommitteeReviews the Request.

  12. Use common sense • What is happening in this room that we would not allow in our meetings? • We expect scouts to behave like they were in school, even the most attentive scout cannot handle this! • Take your time • Ask questions and give encouragement

  13. Do I need to start a special unit to include scouts with Disabilities • NO!!! • However, under some circumstances it is a good idea • When there is a large group of disabled peers. Examples: • Deaf Schools • Intermediate care homes for disabled youth and adults • Large communities with groups of individuals with the same challenges

  14. Success stories • The Cougars • Over 10 years in existence • Challenges • Many cannot move on their own ~ confined to wheelchairs or carts • Many cannot speak • Many need 24 hour care and cannot take care of even their most basic needs

  15. Success stories • The Cougars • Over 10 years in existence • But they CAN AND DO • Attend meetings • Work on and achieve requirements and acheivements • Earn merit badges • ATTEND CAMP • Live the scout oath and law • Love scouting

  16. Resources Scouting for Youth With Disabilities Manual Alternate Eagle Merit Badge Requirements Individual Scout Achievement Plan (ISAP) Special Needs Fact Sheet All available at Scouting.org and on-line in the resource section after the university

  17. Questions? Helpful information?

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