Scouting is accommodating for youth with physical disabilities and youth and adults with developmental or cognitive challenges to advancement through their respective program interests.
While the youth can join any unit, there are some units that are more experienced and accommodating with youth and adults with special needs.
Youth with special needs, physical and/or developmental are eligible for alternate requirements and registration beyond the standard programs limits – age 11 or older for Cub Scouts, age 18 or older for Scouts, and 21 or older for Venturer or Sea Scouts. This is based on a review of their respective impartment(s). This allows youth to continue to work on their respective program advancement. Registration Beyond Age of Eligibility requires continual respective program advancement, and paid annual registration.
It is strongly encouraged to contact the Baden Powell Council Advancement Committee as early as possible to allow for any accommodations to be made in a timely fashion. See Contact Section below.
National Scouting provides on resources through https://ablescouts.org/toolbox
Alternate Requirements
To obtain Alternate Requirements, as many of Existing Requirements must be completed as possible. Once the Scout’s Best has been done to the Scout’s abilities and resources limits, the all programs except Cub Scouts, have a “meet requirements as written”. Examples of “Meet Requirements” are youth needs to be able demonstrate, show, and teach as needed. All approved Alternate Requirements must be completed by the program age eligibility.
Pack
With parental/guardian consultation, the Pack Leadership can determine appropriate requirement substitutions or elective requirement.
Scouts BSA Troop
Some Youth Physical Limitation with simple modifications very close to existing requirements need not be approved. An example, a youth can use a wheelchair can wheel to a place instead of hiking. Other allowances include special aids or more time. For requirement above simple modifications, the unit leader or troop committee member submits a written request for alternate requirements for Junior Ranks (Scouts, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class). It is requested the suggestions be included with the request to expedite the approval. Merit Badges Requirements are to be done as written. However, it is strongly encouraged to contact the Baden Powell Council Advancement Committee for any alternate merit badge requirement request so the correct information can be obtained to prevent any prolong issues.
Venturers and Sea Scouts
The parent/guardian must consider the program as presented by the crew or ship. These activities must fit within the youth’s capabilities. Safey Concerns onboard a vessel may present barriers that are difficult or impossible to overcome. Venturing and Ship Advancement has a rank building on each other. Requirements are completed as written. Continued program participation requires periodic review with unit leadership to determine youth advancement feasibility. Alternate Requirements can be consider based on the parent/guardian and unit leadership recommendations to Council Advancement Committee.
Registration Beyond Age of Eligibility
Registration Beyond Age of Eligibility Request must be received before their respective program standard age limits. Their respective special needs/disabilities must not be temporary and last more than 2 years.
The appropriate avenue to work through Registration Beyond Age of Eligibility is the Baden Powell Council Advancement Committee.
Contact
Please Contact your District Advancement Chairperson with any questions relating how the Scouting program can be made more accommodating to a Scout with special needs.