ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION

The Accessibility and Inclusion Committee works to ensure that Scouting is open and accessible to all youth, especially those with physical, developmental, cognitive, emotional, or behavioral challenges. We support units with resources, guidance, and training to create inclusive environments where every Scout can participate fully and be recognized for their unique strengths. Together, we strive to build a more welcoming and empowering Scouting community.

Below you will find a compilation of resources to better support our Scouts.

How Do I Register my New Scout as Having a Disability for Special Needs?

There is no special registration process for Scouts with a disability or special need or procedure to collect such information. Instead, the parents need to talk to unit leaders about their son's or daughter's particular challenges. Units should make 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 share this information with the entire staff, so adult leaders may find it helpful to talk directly to camp counselors about these restrictions.

The disability or special needs status of a Scout isn't otherwise relevant outside the Unit unless the youth requires (and qualifies for) Advancement accommodations, modifications, or additional time to fulfill requirements.

Advancement Flexibility Allowed

Scouts who have disabilities 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 (10.2.1.0), Scouts BSA (10.2.2.0), and Venturers and Sea Scouts (10.2.3.0) with special needs.

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 disabilities that preclude his or her full 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 disabilities achieve as much as any limitations will allow, and to facilitate applications for alternative requirements, merit badges and registration beyond the age of eligibility, as appropriate.

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 disabilities, 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 10.2.2.3, "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 require­ ments 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 alter­ native merit badges early on so the  Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badge  No. 512-730, can be completed and submitted on time. It should also be noted the alternative merit badge chosen must pro­ vide a similar challenging experience as the required badge.

Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility

Youth members with severe physical disabilities and youth and adults with developmental or cognitive challenges may be able to Request Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility, No.512-935, in Scouting America. 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 10.2.2.4 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 local council for approval. This team should have a good understanding of the Scout's abilities and disabili­ties, 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 to ensure they have ample time to complete the requirements. The advancement program is challenging, but many members with disabilities 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.

Resources

  • Guide to Working With Scouts with Special Needs and Disabilities

  • Disabilities Awareness - Serving Scouts with Disabili­ties

  • Scouting for Youth with Disabilities Manual

  • Guide to Advancement, Section 10, Advancement for Members with Special Needs

  • Individual Scout Advancement Plan

  • Scouting with Special Needs and Disabilities Information Sheet

  • Request for Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility

  • Application for Alternate Eagle Rank Merit Badges