Special Needs Scouting Committee

The basic premise of Scouting for youth and adults with disabilities is that what they want most is to participate like other youth and adults – and Scouting gives them that opportunity. Thus, much of the program for Scouts with disabilities is directed at

• helping unit leaders develop an awareness of disabled people among youth without disabilities
• encouraging the inclusion of Scouts with disabilities in the regular Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, Varsity Scout team, or Explorer post or ship.

Read more about working with scouts with Special Needs and disabilities.

Upcoming Events

• Jockey Hollow District Fishoree   Saturday, May 19, 2016, 9am-2pm – Jockey Hollow District’s day of fun and fishing for special needs youth will be held at Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation.  Adults are free and youth are $3 each. Any Questions please contact Ed Schunk at 973-398-1164 or email Marc Maratea or call Marc at 973-765-9322. Register here.

 

 

Special Needs Advancement

Youth with physical disabilities and youth and adults with developmental or cognitive challenges can be members of the Boy Scouts of America. Many of these scouts may take more time to satisfy the rank requirements, but can do so with accommodations when give the proper support and encouragement. Others may need specific accommodations, including “alternative requirements” and the opportunity to register beyond the age of eligibility, as outlined in Section 10 of the Guide to Advancement. Section 10 outlines the BSA guidelines and local resources to assist with questions regarding advancement for these members.

More Information

Abilities Digest – A quarterly newsletter which addresses topics related to Scouts with special needs, new leader helps and articles that highlight Scouts with special needs in action! Send an e-mail to subscribe to:[email protected],org.

Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges, No. 512-730 If a Scout cannot complete a required Eagle merit badge due to a permanent disability or special need. http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-730.pdf

Book share in Scouting Finding publications for Scouts with impaired hearing or vision. Accessible Scout materials all in one place! http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/BKS-Scout.pdf

Disabilities Awareness “landing page”– Includes links to most items on this page, as well as the Abilities Digestarchive, the Best Practices compendium and the FAQs – http://www.scouting.org/disabilitiesawareness.aspx.

Guide to Advancement 2013, No. 33088 – Complete guide for all advancement policies and procedures. –http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf

Guide to Working with Scouts with Special Needs and DisABILITIES, No. 510-071– Helpful information and suggestions when dealing with a Scout with special needs or disabilities. – http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/510-071.pdf

Individual Scout Advancement Plan, No. 512-936 – Form that leaders and parents can use to map out a Scouts advancement plan or formally request a change in requirements due to a disability or special need. –http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-258.pdf

Information Sheet – An overview of Scouting with special needs.http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/SpecialNeedsInformationSheet.pdf

PowerPoint presentation – Advancement for Scouts with special needs – could be presented to a group.http://www.scouting.org/filestore/boyscouts/ppt/Including_Scouts_with_Disabilities.ppt

Request for Extension of Time to Earn Eagle Scout Rank, No. 512-077 – Request is for a short period of time to complete an Eagle project due to a permanent disability, special need or unforeseen serious circumstance. Reference to GTA Section 9.0.4.0, to differentiate extension from RBAE and GTA Section 10. Note the conditions in 9.0.4.0.http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-077.pdf

Request for Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility, (RBAE), No. 512-935 – Request is for an infinite amount of time to continue as a registered youth, due to a severe permanent disability or special need. See request for extension of time above. http://www.scouting.org/filestore/doc/512-935.doc

Scouting and Autism – Helpful resource web site for assisting parents and leaders with Scouts that have autism. –http://www.autismempowerment.org/home

Scouting for Youth with Disabilities Manual, No. 34059 – Helpful information and suggestions when working with a Scout with special needs or disabilities. http://www.scouting.org/filestore/commissioner/pdf/34059.pdf

Torch of Gold Award, No. 33733 – To recognize individuals who have provided outstanding service in the area of Scouts with special needs. Please note: this award is in the process of revision.http://www.scouting.org/Home/Awards_Central/TorchofGold.aspx

Woods Service Award BSA Nomination Form, No. 512-258 – Application to nominate a Scouter who has devoted countless hours to help Scouts with special needs or disabilities. Please note, this award is in the process of revision. –http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-258.pdf