The basic premise of Scouting for youth with disabilities and special needs is that they want most to participate like other youth—and Scouting gives them that opportunity. Thus, much of the program for Scouts with disabilities and special needs is directed at (1) helping unit leaders develop an awareness of disabled people among youth without disabilities and (2) encouraging the inclusion of Scouts with disabilities and special needs in Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, Venturing crews, and Sea Scout ships.
The following resources provide additional information about Scouts with disabilities.
Links are provided to materials that are available online.
General Resources
Bookshare in Scouting flier
Accessible Scout materials all in one place!
Guide to Advancement 2013, No. 33088 (See Section 10.0.0.0)
Guide to Working With Scouts With Special Needs and DisABILITIES, No. 510-071
Scouting With Special Needs and Disabilities information sheet
Scouting for Youth With Disabilities Manual, No. 34059
Torch of Gold Award, No. 512-945
Woods Services Award, No. 512-258
Special Needs Scouting Service Award
Advancement
Individual Scout Advancement Plan, No. 512-936
Request for Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility, No. 512-935
Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges, No. 512-730
Educational Presentations
College of Commissioner Science curriculum
- Bachelor’s courses, Serving Scouts With Special Needs, BCS 118
- Master’s courses, Advanced Special Needs Scouting, MCS 322
Continuing education courses, Special Needs Scouting
Disabilities Awareness Challenge, PowerPoint presentation
Including Scouts With Disabilities, PowerPoint presentation
Incluyendo Scouts con Discapacidades
Esta presentación en PowerPoint con notas del instructor ofrece a nuevos y potenciales lideres de Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, y Venturing con los conocimientos básicos y las habilidades necesarias para incluir y servir Scouts con discapacidades. Los participantes aprenderán sobre el proceso del adelanto, y los procedimientos y políticas nacionales relacionadas de los Boy Scouts of America. El intento es ser una presentación dirigida por un instructor para voluntarios de cualquier nivel de experiencia y tarda de 60 a 90 minutos para completar.
Inclusion – The Key to Disabilities Awareness
This presentation provides leaders and parents with an introduction to inclusion, an important process needed to work with ALL youth, those who have special needs among them. We hope it will inspire participants to learn more about inclusion and its ability to impact ALL Scouts in a positive way. The session is intended to be instructor-led and lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes depending on the experience level of those attending.
Camping Considerations for Scouts With Disabilities
This presentation provides leaders, parents, and Scouts with key planning and logistical considerations prior to and during camping trips. The goal is to create a positive outdoor adventure for all Scouts, including those with different abilities. The session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Program and Planning Strategies for Working With Scouts With Disabilities
This presentation provides leaders, parents, and Scouts with planning and program strategies needed to create a positive experience for all Scouts, including those with disabilities. The session takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on experience level.
Essentials in Serving Scouts With Disabilities