Scouts with Disabilities and Special Needs

Kathryn ChesleyUniversity of ScoutingJan 2009WWSWd

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An Historical Precedent

• Since it’s founding in 1910, the BSA has had fully participating members with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities

• Dr. James E. West, the first Chief Scout Executive, was disabled.

• The Boy Scout Handbook has had Braille editions for many years; merit badge pamphlets have been recorded on cassette tapes for blind Scouts; and closed-caption training videos have been produced.

• In 1965, registration of over-age Scouts with mental retardation became possible—a privilege now extended to many people with disabilities.

• Today, approximately 100,000 Scouts with disabilities are registered with the BSA in more than 4,000 units.

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BSA -Program Developments

• Cooperative relationships with many organizations developing literature, audiovisuals aids, and media in Braille for Scouts with disabilities.

• The Woods Services Award – National BSA presented for exceptional service and leadership in the field of Scouting for disabled people.

• The Torch of Gold Award – similar award for local councils.

• Production of special manuals on Scouting for youth with disabilities.

• Philmont Training Center, and National Camping School –special courses

• Handicap awareness trail at National Scout jamboree at Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania 1977.

• Handicamporees and jamborettes feature camping and outdoor activities for Scouts with disabilities.

• Signing for the Deaf interpreter strip

• Disabilities Awareness merit badge 1981; rev. 1993.

• Alternate requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks 1995

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Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)

An individual is considered to have a 'disability' if s/he:

–has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities

• seeing, hearing, speaking, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, learning, caring for oneself, and working,

–has a record of such an impairment, or

– is regarded as having such an impairment.

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BSA “Mainstream” Philosophy

• The BSA's policy is to treat members with disabilities as much like other members as possible. Scouts with disabilities participate in the same program as do their peers.

• It has been traditional to make some accommodations in advancement requirements if absolutely necessary.

• This policy is designed to keep Scouts with disabilities as much in the mainstream as possible.

• Practical suggestions are made to leaders as to adaptive

approaches and methods they can use.

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Adaptive Approaches

Materials Adaptation

Example: A Cub Scout has little hand strength and is trying to carve.

Solution: Substitute a bar of soap or balsa wood.

Architectural Adaptation

Example: A Scout in a wheelchair is unable to go hiking because the trail is inaccessible.

Solution: Substitute “trip” for “hike” and/or select alternative route.

Leisure Companion Adaptation

Example: A Cub Scout cannot stay on task and runs around.

Solution: An adult or older youth can become a buddy for the Cub Scout.

Cooperative Group Adaptation

Example: A Cub Scout has difficulty remembering the steps in a project.

Solution: Work in cooperative groups to ensure completion for everyone.

Behavioral Adaptation

Example: A Scout is unable to participate because of low concentration levels.

Solution: Talk with parents/guardians about a behavioral plan.

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Documenting a Disability

DisabilityDiagnosis

Medical Non-medical

BothMedical

AssessmentEducationalAssessment

(Use Class 1+2

BSA Physical)(Use IEP forms)

Doctor’sCertification

EducationalAdministrator’s

Certification

Document Scout’sStrengths & Limitations

Document Scout’sStrengths & Limitations

Disability Documented

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Does Scout have Disability?

Use Standard Membership Ages

No

Yes

Unit LeaderVerifies Disability

Unit Leader Certifies Chartered Org Approval

Unit Leader Provides Documentation to Council

Council approves waiver of normal age limits

Waiver of Age Limits

(Use “Documenting a Disability”)

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Advancement for Cub Scouts With Disabilities

• Cub Scouts - Advancement requirements should not be watered down or eliminated for boys with disabilities.

– The speed and the means of explaining them might need to be modified.

– The standard for every boy is "Has he done his best?"

• A Cub Scout who is physically disabled may be given permission by the Cubmaster and pack committee to substitute electives for a few of the achievement requirements that are beyond his abilities.

– It is best to include parents in this process of determining substitutions since they are most familiar with their son's abilities.

• Immediate recognition of advancement is even more important for boys with disabilities.

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Boy Scout Advancement

• All current requirements for an advancement award must actually be met by the candidate. – No substitutions or alternatives permitted (except those specifically

stated in official BSA literature. – Requests can be made for alternate rank requirements for

Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class.

– No council, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to, or to subtract from, any advancement requirements.

• The Scout is expected to meet the requirements as

stated - no more and no less.

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What requirements must be met?

• All rank advancement requirements must be met

• All merit badge requirements must be met

• Specific requirements documenting the Scout’s disability must be met– Must be permanent disability– Substantiated by physician’s statement OR

certified by an educational admistrator

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What can be modified?

• Alternative requirement must be “as challenging” to the Scout

• Alternative requirement developed by SM, with help from family, professionals, other Scouters

• Use ISAP to document and get approval by Council Advancement Committee

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Individualized Scouting Advancement Plan(ISAP): Contract and Addendums

• ISAP – a non-threatening, non-judgmental, individualized achievement plan

– a basic "contract" which can be used for all Scouts, and is modified by addendum.

– The idea is that every Scout sees the "contract" as personal so that no segment is singled out.

• Addendum's are required if it is determined that a Boy Scout has specific, permanent disabilities which create an impediment towards rank achievement and advancement.

– The safety of each Scout is part of this consideration.

– Requirements may be redefined to maintain the challenge but provide an alternative path towards achievement.

– This Addendum may be amended, in the future, by mutual consent.

• The approval of alternate requirements should be discussed and agreed with the Scout, parents, and Scout Leader and forwarded for council advancement committee approval BEFORE starting work.

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INDIVIDUAL SCOUT ACHIEVEMENT PLAN AND CONTRACTScout Name ________________________________ Date of Birth _________ Troop/Team/Crew/Ship ____________ District ________________________ Council _______________________________________________________

  Statement of Belief: Every boy in Scouting is a candidate for the Eagle Award. The only limitations upon

achievement of that award should be that boy's individual desire, focus, and perseverance.   Objective: To provide a safe haven for personal growth free from adversity such as hazing, disrespectful or

threatening behaviors by others, but filled with opportunities and challenges.   Methodology: To encourage, and within reasonable guidelines provide, each boy with the opportunity and

avenues to achieve his personal goals and chosen level of success. To remove unreasonable and unnecessary barriers, through creative thinking and actions, which may impede a boy in achieving his personal goals. At the same time the Scouting experience will not lessen the challenges necessary to actual personal growth. Addendum's to the Contract may be made to define requirements.

  Expectations of Performance: Each boy is expected to do his best.  

CONTRACT: I, ___________________________, Scoutmaster, promise to do my best to deliver upon the Statement of

Belief, Objective, and Methodology expressed above.  ______________________________________(signature) ____________ (date)  

I, _________________________, Boy Scout, and Eagle Award candidate, promise that on my honor I will do my best in working towards my personal goals.

   _____________________________________(signature) ____________ (date)

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INDIVIDUAL SCOUT ACHIEVEMENT PLAN AND CONTRACT - Addendums

• Disbilities of a permanent, not temporary, nature allow the development of alternative requirements.

• Supported by a physician's statement, or certification by an educational administrator.

• The Scout shall attempt to complete the regular requirements before modifications are sought.

• Alternative requirements shall be as demanding of effort by the Scout as the regular requirements.

• Modifications and alternative requirements must receive PRIOR approval by the Council's Advancement Committee.

• Alternate requirements involving physical activity shall have a physician's approval.

• The unit leader and any board of review must explain to the Scout that he is expected to do his best up to the limits of his resources.

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Standard Rank Advancement Requirements

Use Standard Rank Advancement RequirementsNo

Yes

Alternate Rank Requirements

Does ScoutHave a

Disability?

Document Scout’sDisability

Scout, Parents, SMand other Resource Individuals

Craft Proposed Alternate Requirement(s)

(Follow steps in“Documenting a Disability”)

(Do as many as possible.)

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Alternate Rank Requirements (2)

Submit Request to CouncilAdvancement Committee

Advancement CommitteeEvaluates Request

DisagreeReturn to

Scout/Troop with

explanation

Agree

Authorize Use of Alternate Requirement(s)

Notify Scout and Leaders

Scout May UseAlternate Requirement(s)

Physical Activity?

Physician’s Approval

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Alternate Rank Requirements (3)

Committee Submit Decision to Council Executive Board

Council Scout ExecutiveDocuments Executive

Board Approval

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What About Merit Badges?

• Eagle required merit badges that Scout is unable to physically or mentally complete

• Alternative merit badge(s) must be “as challenging” to the Scout

• Alternative merit badge(s) identified by SM, with help from family, professionals, other Scouters

• Use Form 58-730 to document and get approval by Council Advancement Committee

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Alternate Merit Badges for the Eagle Scout Rank • The Eagle Scout rank may be achieved by a Scout who has a physical or mental disability by

qualifying for alternate merit badges. Merit badges are awarded only when all requirements are met as stated.

• A clear and concise statement concerning the Scout's disabilities must be made by a licensed physician, or an educational administrator.

• Earn as many of the required merit badges as you can BEFORE applying for an alternate Eagle Scout rank merit badge.

• Complete as many of the requirements of the required merit badges as you can.

• Complete the Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Award Merit Badges BEFORE qualifying for alternate merit badges.

• Choose alternates such that are as demanding of effort as the required merit badges.

• When alternates chosen involve physical activity, they must be approved by the physician.

• The unit leader and the board of review must explain that to attain the Eagle Scout rank, a candidate is expected to do his best in developing himself to the limit of his resources

• The application must be approved by the council committee responsible for advancement, utilizing the expertise of professional persons involved in Scouting for people with special needs.

• The candidate's application for Eagle must be made on the Eagle Scout Rank Application, with the Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Award Merit Badges attached.

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Possible Alternatives for Required Merit Badges

Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges ( BSA # 58-730 1999 Printing)

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Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures

• BSA # 33088B © 1989, Revised 1999

• Advancement for Youth Members with Special Needs.

• Membership.

• Advancement for Cub Scouts With Disabilities.

• Boy Scout Advancement.

• Alternate Requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Ranks

• Alternate Merit Badges for the Eagle Scout Rank

• Eagle Certification.

• Woods Services Award -To recognize volunteers who have performed exceptional service and leadership in the field of Scouts with disabilities.

• Torch of Gold Certificate - Local council adult recognition for outstanding service to youth with disabilities.

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Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge

1. Visit with an agency that works with the physically, mentally, emotionally, or educationally handicapped. Collect publications about the agency's activities on behalf of its members. Learn what is being done through training, employment, and education of their members.

2. Speak to a person with a disability or read an article or book about a person with a disability and report to your counselor what you learned about that person's experiences in dealing with a disability.

3. Spend fifteen hours within a three-month period in one of the following ways:

1. Visit a Cub Scout pack or Boy Scout troop that works with Scouts with disabilities. Learn about their activities, assist the leaders, and work with the members of the group.

2. Enlist the help of your unit leader and the parents or guardians of someone with a disabling condition and invite the disabled individual to join your troop, team, or post. Help him become a participating member.

4. Locate and study literature about the accessibility or nonaccessibility of public or private places to disabled individuals. Display in a public place the material you have collected for the other requirements of the merit badge so that others can be made more aware of citizens with disabilities.

5. Make a commitment to your merit badge counselor as to what you will do in the future for people with disabling conditions. Discuss how your awareness has changed as a result of what you learned.

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Resources - BSA

Working With Scouts With disAbilities (WWSWd) web site

(http://boyscouts-marin.org/wwswd/wwsd.htm), Tony Mei, webmaster

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Websites - BSA

• A Scoutmaster's Guide to Working With Scouts With Disabilities 

– (BSA #33056 © 1995 1995 printing) 

• Scouting for Youth with Learning Disabilities 

– (BSA #33057 © 1971 1996 printing)

• Scouting for the Hearing Impaired

– (BSA #33061 © 1978 1994 printing)  

• Scouting for Youth with Physical Disabilities

– (BSA #33057 © 1971 1996 printing) 

• Understanding Cub Scouts with Disabilities

– (BSA #33839 © 1974 1994 printing) 

• Scouting for Youth with Emotional Disabilities

– (BSA # 33008 © 1994) 

• Scouting for Youth With Mental Retardation 

– (BSA #33059 © 1975 1995 printing) 

• Scouting for the Blind and Visually Impaired

– (BSA #33063 © 1974 1994 printing) 

Scouting manuals are available in Braille, large print, and tape !

BACKUP SLIDES

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Scouting is for All

Article XI, Section 3, Clause 19 of the BSA Rules and Regulations:

...under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed upon

consultation with appropriate medical authorities, registration of

boys who are either mentally retarded or severely physically

handicapped ...as Cub Scouts...over age 18 as Boy Scouts, or

Varsity Scouts, and registration of young adults...over age 21 as

{Venturers}, and the participation of each in the respective

advancement programs while registered, is authorized.

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Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)

Disability – a condition that limits or restricts a person’s ability to walk, talk, reason, etc.

Handicap – an impaired barrier that makes achievement unusually difficult.

People with disabilities are handicapped mainly by societies mistaken beliefs about their abilities.

Vision Impairments

Hearing Impairments

Speech/language disorders

Loss of limbs

Mobility and dexterity impairments

Mental impairments

Social/emotional impairments

(DRS -Gender disorders???????????)

What’s your disability?

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Recognition of Needs

• Youth with disabilities want to participate, but generally depend on others to introduce Scouting to them. Do it.

– These boys are just as eager for adventure as other boys, and they need challenges to have a satisfying experience.

– Offer them the friendship and encouragement they need. – Accept them for what they are and what they can contribute, just as you would

any other boy.

• Working with disabilities might mean adapting the ordinary program to make it as worthwhile as possible.– Find out their abilities as well as their limitations. Plan activities in which all

boys can participate.

• Be enthusiastic about helping youngsters with disabilities– Recognize the special demands that will be made on your patience,

understanding, and skill in teaching requirements.

– Recognize the opportunities and benefits for all the boys!

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Timeless Values

• Use common sense – treat them with respect and dignity

• Be understanding – people with disabilities have the same responsibilities and obligations that you have (only theirs might be harder to meet!)

• Be patient. Don’t hurry; try to match their pace.

• Be natural. Don’t worry about using words related to the disability (example; “see you later”, or “give me a hand”).

• Speak directly to the person, not to his companion.

• Don’t assume the person is sick. Most people with disabilities are healthy. Remember, you can’t “catch” a disability.

• Help make your community accessible. Are your meeting places user friendly? Campsites? - service opportunities!

• Key words – Tolerance and Inclusion; Acceptance, Mainstreaming

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Membership

• The chartered unit determines, with authority approval, whether a youth member is qualified to register beyond the normal age.

– The condition of all candidates for membership must be certified by a licensed physician, an educational administrator, or a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.

– Use the Personal Health and Medical Record Form. Any corrective measures, restrictions, limitations, or abnormalities must be noted.

• Appropriate leader’s signature on the individual’s application, or on the unit's charter renewal certify the approval for the person to register.

• The local council must approve these registrations on an individual basis.

• Current records of all youth beyond the normal registration age are to be retained in the unit file at the council service center.

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Alternate Requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Ranks

A Scout who is unable to complete any or all of the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class may complete alternative requirements if:

• Permanent, rather than temporary, physical or mental disability

• Statement certified by a licensed physician or educational administrator.

• Written request to council advancement committee requesting allowance to complete alternate requirements.

The Scout must complete as many of the regular requirements as his ability permits before applying for alternate requirements.

The alternate requirements must be of such a nature that they are as demanding of effort as the regular requirements.

When alternate requirements involve physical activity, they must be approved by the physician.

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Alternate Requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Ranks (continued)

• The unit leader and any board of review must explain that to attain Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class rank a candidate is expected to do his best in developing himself to the limit of his resources.

• The written request must be approved by the council advancement committee, utilizing the expertise of professional persons involved in Scouting for disabled youth.

The decision of the council advancement committee should be recorded and delivered to the Scout and his leader.

• The council committee responsible for advancement must then secure approval of the council executive board.

The Scout executive must attach a letter to the application indicating that the executive board has approved the application.

• The candidate's application for the award must be made on the Eagle Scout Rank Application and recorded on the Advancement Report form.

• Reasonable accommodation in the performance of requirements for advancement may be made.

These may include such things as the extension of time, adaptation of facilities, or the use of equipment or necessary devices consistent with the known physical or mental limitations of the handicapped individual.

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ADDENDUM TO INDIVIDUAL SCOUT ACHIEVEMENT PLAN - modifications

  Scout Name _______________________________ Date of Birth _________ THE STANDARD REQUIREMENT (State the ranks and the requirement number)   __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MODIFICATIONS AND ALTERNATIVE REQUIREMENT(S) (Describe in detail the modified alternative requirement)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________NARRATIVE SUMMARY (Why this Scout's circumstances make him unable to complete, in the way normally described,

the "standard" requirements)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MEDICAL STATEMENT: As a result of a thorough examination of ___________________________ on ____/____/____ I find that he has a permanent

mental or physical disAbility, which is accurately described above, and which will inhibit him from completing the requirements as generally stated. However, I find that he can safely complete the requirements as stated as modified below.

  Signed ___________________________ (Physician licensed to practice medicine) Physician's Office Address: __________________________________________ Physician's Office Telephone Number: _________________________________   Attach additional documents if applicable.

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ADDENDUM TO INDIVIDUAL SCOUT ACHIEVEMENT PLAN  Scout Name __________________________________ Date of Birth _________ SCOUT'S STATEMENT: I, ______________________________, Boy Scout, and Eagle Award candidate, promise that on my honor I will do my

best in working towards my personal goals. The following requirements are meant to strengthen me so that I can improve my abilities. I will do my best in completing them as written or as modified.

   __________________________________(signature) ____________ (date)   PARENTAL STATEMENT: In view of my son's expressed desire to advance in Scouting, his personal commitment to do his best, and the

Scout leaders' commitment to encourage him along that pathway consistent with his abilities, I agree to the requirements as written or modified. If any further modification is deemed warranted, I understand that such can be negotiated.

 __________________________________(signature) ____________ (date)   SCOUT LEADER'S STATEMENT: I agree with, and support, ______________ desire to progress in the paths of Scouting. Any program modifications

agreed to are viewed as challenging as those expected of any other Scout. My objective will be to provide opportunities for success consistent with health and safety considerations.

 __________________________________(signature) ____________ (date)   APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL COMMITTEE The Council Advancement Committee approves the above modifications for advancement because of the Scout's

permanent physical or mental disabilities.  __________________________________(signature) ____________ (date)     Notification sent to the Scout/Parents and Scout Leader on ___________(date)