Abilities and Special Needs
Serving Scouts with All Abilities
Vision and Mission
Vision Statement
To create a Scouting community where every youth and adult, regardless of ability, is welcomed, included, supported, and empowered to fully participate in the adventure and opportunities of Scouting America.
Mission Statement
The Transatlantic Council Abilities and Special Needs Sub-Committee advances Scouting by providing education, resources, advocacy, and community partnerships that equip leaders, families, and units to deliver safe, accessible, and meaningful Scouting experiences for youth and adults of all abilities.
Serving Scouts with All Abilities.
Many units have at least one Scout with Special Needs, which includes autism, attention deficit disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, asthma, diabetes, hearing or visual impairment and many others.
The Transatlantic Council Abilities and Special Needs Sub-Committee is a dedicated group of volunteer experts that assists units in successfully including and serving Scouts of all abilities. Contact the Committee at: tacspecialneedsscouting@gmail.com
Resources
There are many resources available to parents and leaders of Scouts with abilities and special needs:
Guide to Working With Scouts with Special Needs and Disabilities, No. 510-071
Guide to Advancement, Section 10, Advancement for Members with Special Needs (pg. 77-82)
Advancement flexibility:
Members of Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, or Sea Scouting who have various abilities may qualify for limited flexibility in advancement. Allowances possible in each program are outlined below. It does not necessarily matter if a youth is approved to be registered beyond the age of eligibility. Experience tells us those members whose parents are involved, or at least regularly consulted, progress the farthest. The Guide to Advancement outlines advancement for Cub Scouts (10.1.1.0), Scouts BSA (10.1.2.0) and Venturers and Sea Scouts (10.1.3.0) with special needs.
Request more info for advancements by reaching out to your Unit or District Advancement Chair. Districts – Transatlantic Council
Registration beyond the age of eligibility
Youth members with severe physical abilities and youth and adults with developmental or cognitive challenges may be able to Request Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility, No. 512-935, in the BSA. This allows them to work through the advancement program at a pace appropriate to their needs. The steps to do this are relatively easy and you will find them outlined in section 10.2.0.0 of the Guide to Advancement.
A collaboration of parents, Scout leaders and qualified health professionals can complete the information that must be submitted to the council for approval. This team should have a good understanding of the Scout’s abilities and how these will affect their ability to complete requirements for advancement. The information submitted will help the council make a proper assessment, so preparers need to be sure to include as much detail as possible.
It is suggested that any Scout who qualifies should be registered this way as soon as possible so they have ample time to complete the requirements. The advancement program is challenging, but many members with various abilities have found ways to succeed. Providing them extra time to work on requirements and merit badges, when approved in advance, has proven to be helpful.
How do I register my new Scout as having a different ability or special needs?
There is no special registration process for Scouts with various abilities or special needs nor procedure to collect such information. Instead, the parents need to talk to unit leaders about their Scouts particular challenges. A good unit can and does make simple accommodations for individual members whenever possible. If the youth has mobility or health restrictions that will affect camp activities, these are generally collected on the camp physical examination form. Camps don’t necessarily share this information with the entire staff, so adult leaders may find it helpful to talk directly to camp counselors about these restrictions. The ability or special needs status of a Scout or Venturers isn’t otherwise relevant outside the unit unless the youth requires – and qualifies for – advancement accommodations or additional time to fulfill requirements. These accommodations are generally restricted to youth with “permanent and severe” abilities.
Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges
In order to earn merit badges, Scouts must successfully complete all requirements as stated; no more, no less. Though this rule applies to Scouts with various abilities, some, because of the severity of their medical condition, are permitted to earn alternative badges in lieu of those required for the Eagle Scout rank. Section 10.1.2.6, “Alternative Merit Badges for Eagle Scout Rank”, in the Guide to Advancement outlines the process. Scouts with special needs must first earn as many of the Eagle-required badges they are capable of earning before applying for any alternatives. With help from the parent or guardian and unit leader, the Scout’s careful review of the requirements prior to starting work on an Eagle-required badge will help the Scout determine if the badge is attainable. If this isn’t possible, the Scout should apply for approval to earn an alternative badge once he or she has completed all the other required ones. Planning ahead is the key. If the Scout qualifies, the parent or guardian and leader may proceed in helping the Scout apply for alternative merit badges early on so the Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges, No. 512-730, can be completed and submitted on time. It should also be noted the alternative merit badge chosen must provide a similar challenging experience as the required badge.
Individual Scout Advancement Plan
The Individual Scout Advancement Plan (ISAP), No. 512-936 is similar to an Individual Education Plan (IEP), which is used in schools to establish a student’s special education eligibility. It can also help plan an approach for the education of a student who has various abilities that preclude the Scouts participation in a typical curriculum. An ISAP is specific to each Scout and is usually prepared in a cooperative effort between parents, Scout leaders and a healthcare professional. The objective of an ISAP is to chart a course through the advancement program that helps a Scout or Venturer with various abilities achieve as much as any limitation will allow, and to facilitate applications for alternative requirements, merit badges, and registration beyond the age of eligibility, as appropriate.
Scouts with Special Needs Training Modules
Stay Tuned for Course Offerings Throughout the year.
SND 100 (BCS 113) – Essentials in Serving Scouts with Disabilities
SND 101 (BCS 118) – Serving Scouts with Special Needs
SND 110 – Inclusion, The Key to Disabilities Awareness
SND 120 (CED 714) – Special Needs Scouting, ADHD
SND 130 (CED 715)- Special Needs Scouting, Autism
SND 200 (CED 713) – Advancement for Scouts with Disabilities
SND 210 – Program & Planning Strategies for Working with Scouts with Disabilities
SND 220 – Camping Considerations for Scouts with Disabilities
SND 230 (MCS 322) – Advanced Special Needs Scouting
SND 300 – Council Special Needs & Disabilities Committee
Camp Staff Mental, Emotional, & Social Health (MESH) Training Facilitator Guide
Membership and Recruiting
Share this brochure at your recruiting events.
Check out other ideas at Membership Resources | Grow & Support Your Scouting Unit
Know Your Scout
Help navigating the various accessibility, accommodations, and understanding of what’s happening with your Scout and how to assist can be found in this quick reference.
Join the Community and Collaborate
Open this link to join TAC Abilities and Special Needs Forum WhatsApp Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EzdL6GCLys7Dc0aRo7oa7K
Cub Scouts Learn Inclusion Through Hands-On “Abilities Awareness” Camp
Over 140 Cub Scouts joined an inclusive camp in Barbarossa...
Read More