How We Support Scouts with Special Needs
Every Scout deserves an opportunity to participate, be respected, and treated like the rest of their friends in the unit. While special needs units do exist, youth are best served in their local unit alongside their friends. To the fullest extent possible, Scouts with special needs are given the opportunity to take part in all den, patrol, pack, troop, and district activities. Some Scouts may require extra time and attention to achieve skills, and greater patience may be necessary to guide these Scouts, but the reward of success can make it all worthwhile! Clear communication with parents, an understanding of the special needs, and additional training opportunities can all be helpful to unit leadership.
ADVANCEMENT
Scouts with special needs may be eligible for accommodations or some flexibility to advance. Every effort should be made to meet the requirements as written, but an Individual Scout Advancement Plan (ISAP) is a helpful tool for parents and unit leadership to develop a plan for success with the Scout. In addition, the ISAP should be used, along with the Guide to Advancement, to plan modifications or alternative requirements to propose to the council advancement committee.
Your unit leader can help you discuss options and help submit the ISAP to the district advancement chair for consideration.
REGISTRATION BEYOND THE AGE OF ELIGIBILITY
Youth with a permanent and severe disability that preclude typical advancement are welcome to continue in the Scouting program beyond the age of 18 (for Scouts BSA) and 21 (for Venturers). To apply, fill out the Registration Beyond the Age of Eligiblity form found in related content and submit it to the district advancement chair. Eligible conditions may include:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Cognitive disabilities
- Developmental delays
- Emotional, behavioral or mental disorders
- Physical disabilities
- Multiple coexisting disorders
Training opportunities
There are multiple opportunities to help you work better with Scouts with special needs.
In addition to online resources, the Special Needs and Disabilities Committee offers courses through the University of Scouting, with additional extension courses offered throughout the year.
- Some of the classes offered at the University of Scouting in the past include:
- Working and Camping with Cub Scouts with Special Needs or Disabilities
- Special Needs and Disabilities - Tools For Success
- Advancement for Scouts with Special Needs
- Including Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth in Scouting.
- Some topics covered in extenstion courses previously run include:
Special Needs and Disabilities Volunteer Support
The Special Needs and Disabilities Committee has volunteers that are available to provide personal support, talk through complex situations, and generally offer assistance for any parents and/or unit leaders. Commissioners are available to present at district roundtables, provide information when working on the disabilities awareness merit badge, and assist with units with specific issues. For more information, reach out using the contact information below.
Polaris Day Camp
Polaris is our special needs district and puts on a Spring and Fall Day Camp each year. These fully accessible events are open to any Scout who may have participation barriers or just wants to hang out with more Scouts like themselves. For more information, you can reach out to Suzannah Stulberg-Rudesill using the contact information below.