Scouting helps by giving Scouts with disabilities "...an opportunity to prove to themselves and to others that they can do things - and difficult things too - for themselves." Lord Baden-Powell

The Golden Empire Council is committed to making Scouting accessible and enjoyable to all Scouts, regardless of their abilities. Since its founding in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has included fully participating members with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. The BSA's policy is to treat members with disabilities as much like other members as possible. It has been traditional, however, to make some accommodations in advancement if absolutely necessary. By adapting the environment and/or our instruction methods, most Scouts with disabilities can be successful in Scouting.

The basic premise of Scouting for youth with disabilities is full participation. Youth with disabilities can be treated and respected like every other member of their unit. They want to participate like other youth - and Scouting provides that opportunity.

An individual is considered to have a "disability" if they:

• 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.

Resources

There are many resources available to parents and leaders of Scouts with disabilities and special needs;

BSA Disabilities Awareness Webpage

Advancement Flexibility Allowed

Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, or Sea Scouts who have disabilities may qualify for limited flexibility in advancement. Allowances possible in each program are outlined below. The Guide to Advancement outlines advancement for Cub Scouts (10.2.1.0), Boy Scouts (10.2.2.0) and Venturers and Sea Scouts (10.2.3.0) with special needs.

Contacts

Every unit is different, and every Scout with special needs has a uniqueness all his or her own. If a problem arises, parents and adult leaders can usually handle it themselves; however, knowledgeable Scouters may offer additional solutions and valuable perspectives. The council Disabilities Awareness Committee is available to provide training and to be a resource to help resolve challenges. Contact the council Disabilities Awareness Committee if you need help with:

• Registering a child with special needs in Scouting
• Finding or starting a unit for Scouts with special needs
• Advancement flexibility allowed for a Scout with special needs
• Filing an Eagle Scout alternate merit badge form
• Identifying camping opportunities for Scouts with special needs
• Developing an Individual Scouting Plan for a Scout with special needs
• Conducting training for your group
• Requesting assistance with the Disabilities Awareness merit badge
• General support for families and units with Scouts with special needs