Taken from BSA Advancement Manual 2011
Advancement for Members With Special NeedsYouth with physical disabilities and youth and adults with developmental or cognitive challenges are welcome in the Boy Scouts of America. As outlined in this section, various accommodations exist to facilitate advancement. A special unit oriented to serving members with disabilities need not be joined, although those exist and may be beneficial in some cases. The severity of disability will indicate how members should be registered. See “Registering Qualified Members Beyond Age of Eligibility,” 10.1.0.0.
When parents or volunteers are able to provide assistance and oversight, most anyone can be a member. While leaders should be enthusiastic about helping those with special needs, they should also recognize the demands that will be placed on their patience, understanding, and skill, in working on advancement.
10.1.0.0 Registering Qualified Members
Beyond Age of Eligibility Youth and adults who are developmentally disabled, or youth with severe physical challenges, may be considered for registration beyond the age of eligibility for their program: over age 11 for a Cub Scout, 18 as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout, or 21 as a Venturer or Sea Scout (see Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America, article XI, section 3, clause 20, reproduced in the appendix, 11.5.0.0). A developmentally disabled adult of any age, for example, may be considered for youth membership and join Scouting if a qualified medical professional is able to correlate cognitive abilities to less than the upper limit of an eligibility age. Members approved to be so registered are indicated in the system with a disability code.
A disability, to qualify an individual for registration beyond the age of eligibility, must be permanent and so severe that it precludes advancement even at a rate significantly slower than considered normal. If ranks can be achieved under accommodations already provided in official literature, or with modifications as outlined below, then the disability probably does not rise
to the level required. This is often the case in considering advancement potential for youth with moderate learning disabilities and such disorders as ADD/ADHD. If ranks can be earned, but it just takes somewhat longer, the option is not warranted.
10.1.0.1 Possible Criteria for Registering Beyond Age of Eligibility
In considering registration beyond the age of eligibility, members with conditions such as those listed below may meet the severity requirement, but every case must be considered individually. If members are able to take advantage of the flexibility already built into Scouting advancement, and participate in essentially the same way as typical youth, then they may not be registered beyond the age of eligibility.
Examples of conditions that, if severe, may be criteria for registration beyond the age of eligibility include these:
1. Autism spectrum disorders
2. Blind or sight-impaired
3. Deaf or hard of hearing
4. Developmental cognitive disability
5. Developmental delay
6. Down syndrome
7. Emotional or behavioral disorder
8. Physically impaired
9. Severely multiple impaired
10. Traumatic brain injury
10.1.0.2 How to Register a Member Beyond Age of Eligibility
To register a person who will remain as a youth member beyond the age of eligibility, the following documents must be assembled and submitted to the local council.
1.
A letter from a parent or guardian describing the disability and its severity and permanence, and petitioning the council for approval of registration beyond the age of eligibility
2.
A completed youth membership application or proof of current membership
3.
A completed Annual BSA Health and Medical Record form, online at http://www.scouting.org/ scoutsource/HealthandSafety/ahmr.aspx, signed by a licensed physician
4.
A signed statement from a qualified health professional attesting to the nature of the disability, its severity, and permanent limitations connected with it. For physical disabilities, this must be a licensed physician; for developmental or cognitive issues, a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, or as appropriate, a neurologist or other medical professional in a specialty related to the disability.
5.
A letter from the unit leader advocating and supporting the registration
6.
Other supporting documentation, such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), treatment summaries, etc., which are optional, but can make a difference in the decision If well done, and available from the parents, an Individualized Education Plan can give valuable information on how to work with an individual Scout and help him achieve at the best of his abilities.
The council executive board must approve petitions directly, or delegate action to a council operating committee or other group of responsible volunteers at the council level. This may or may not be the advancement committee. Individual cases must be deliberated upon. Consideration of registration beyond the age of eligibility shall not be delegated to any district or to any single individual, either professional or volunteer. If granted, the Scout executive prepares an approval letter and sends it to the Scout’s parent or guardian and unit leader or committee chair. A copy is retained in the unit’s registration file for as long as the member remains registered. Upon entering the member, the council registrar selects the appropriate code based on the nature of the disability, and follows any other procedures as outlined in the most current edition of the Registrar Procedures Manual, No. 524-901. The national Membership Resources Team is available to assist as needed.
Young people approved for registration beyond the age of eligibility may continue working on advancement, including the Eagle Scout rank and Eagle Palms, for as long as they continue to be so registered. The local council or the National Council, upon uncovering evidence that a youth was improperly registered with a disability code, or for whatever reason no longer meets the required level of severity, may make the decision to expire the registration. Registration of an adult as a youth member with a disability code may also be expired if it is determined the registrant has progressed sufficiently to be registered as an adult.
10.2.0.0 Advancement Flexibility Allowed Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers, or Sea 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. Some units have also followed the example set by Individualized Education Plans, and have established “individual advancement plans” with the same benefits. A sample of such a plan can be found in Scouting for Youth With Disabilities, No. 34059, available online at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Leaders.aspx.
10.2.1.0 Advancement for Cub Scouts With Disabilities
Advancement is so flexible that, with guidance, most Cub Scouts with disabilities can complete requirements. The standard is, “Has he done his best?” It may take him longer to attempt requirements and demonstrate this, but his accomplishments will be rewarding to him, his parents, and his leaders.
There could be times, however, when a Cub Scout’s “best” isn’t enough even to get a start. For example, a boy in a wheelchair cannot pass requirements calling for walking or running. In these cases, Cubmasters and pack committees may jointly determine appropriate substitutions. For example, elective requirements could take the place of those found in achievements. Or in consultation with parents, other adjustments representing similar challenges could be made.
10.2.2.0 Advancement for Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts With Disabilities
Members must meet current advancement requirements as written for merit badges, all ranks, and Eagle Palms, although some allowable substitutions or alternatives are specifically set forth in official literature. The member is expected to meet the requirements—no more and no less—and he is to do exactly what is stated. If it says, “Show or demonstrate,” that is what he must do; just “telling” isn’t enough. The same holds for words and phrases such as “make,” “list,” “in the field,” “collect,” “identify,” and “label.” Requests for alternate requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks can be made using the information outlined below.
10.2.2.1 Using Alternative Requirements
A degree of modification in advancement requirements may be necessary to mainstream as many members with disabilities as possible. Thus a Scout with a permanent physical or mental disability (or a disability expected to last more than two years or beyond the 18th birthday) who is unable to complete all the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class rank may, with his parent or guardian, submit a request to the council advancement committee to complete alternative requirements. Unless a Scout has been approved to register beyond the age of eligibility, then alternative requirements must be completed by the 18th birthday. The procedures appear below. This avenue is also available to youth with longer-term disabilities (such as those related to a severe injury) who want to continue advancing during recovery.
Simple modifications very close to existing requirements need not be approved. A Scout in a wheelchair, for example, may meet the requirements for hiking by “wheeling” to a place of interest. Allowing more time and permitting special aids are also ways leaders can help Scouts with disabilities make progress. Modifications, however, must provide a very similar challenge and learning experience.
The outcomes of the Scouting experience should be fun and educational, and not just relate to completing rank requirements that might place unrealistic expectations on a member who has a disability.
10.2.2.2 How to Apply for Alternative Requirements
Before applying for alternative requirements, members must complete as many of those existing as possible. Once they have done their best to the limit of their abilities and resources, the unit leader or a troop committee member submits to the council advancement committee, a written request for alternate requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. It must show what has been completed, and suggest the alternates for those requirements the Scout cannot do.
The request must be accompanied by supporting letters from the unit leader, a parent or guardian, and the member (if possible), as well as a written statement from a qualified health professional related to the nature of the disability. This may be a physician, neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, etc., or an educational administrator as appropriate. Statements must describe the disability; cover the Scout’s capabilities, limitations, and prognosis; and outline what requirements cannot be completed. Additional information such as Individualized Education Plans provided to parents by schools, and various treatment summaries and reports, may help an advancement committee make an informed decision.
Normally, it is expected that youth with moderate learning disorders, ADD, ADHD, and so forth, can—albeit more slowly— complete standard requirements.
The advancement committee reviews the request, using the expertise of professionals involved with youth who have disabilities. To make a fair determination, the committee may want to interview the Scout, his parent(s) or guardian(s), and the unit leader. The committee’s decision is then recorded and delivered to the Scout and the unit leader.
10.2.2.3 Alternative Merit Badges for Eagle Scout Rank
Though individual requirements for merit badges may not be modified or substituted, youth with disabilities may be approved for alternative badges they can complete. This is allowable on the basis of one entire badge for another. To qualify, a Scout or qualified Venturer or Sea Scout must have a permanent physical or mental disability, or a disability expected to last more than two years, or beyond age 18. The member does not need to be registered beyond the age of eligibility with a disability code. Before applying, he must earn as many of the Eagle-required merit badges as possible. Any alternates must present the same challenge and learning level as those they replace, and must be completed by the 18th birthday. If physical activity is involved, a physician must approve it.
Upon finishing the Eagle-required merit badges that are possible, the Scout, with his parent or guardian, reviews the detailed requirements covered in the Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges. The completed application is sent to the council advancement committee. It must be accompanied by supporting letters from the unit leader, a parent or guardian, and the member (if possible), as well as a written statement from a qualified health professional related to the nature of the disability. This may be a physician, neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, etc., or an educational administrator as appropriate. Statements must describe the disability; cover the Scout’s capabilities, limitations, and prognosis; and outline why the merit badge(s) cannot be completed. Additional information such as Individualized Education Plans provided to parents by schools, and various treatment summaries and reports, may help an advancement committee make an informed decision. All alternate badges should be included on just one form.
Normally, it is expected that youth with moderate learning disorders, ADD, ADHD, and similar conditions, can—albeit more slowly—earn the required merit badges. The advancement committee reviews the application, using the expertise of professionals involved with youth who have disabilities. To make a fair determination, the committee may want to interview the Scout, his parent(s) or guardian(s), and the unit leader. The committee’s decision should be recorded and delivered to the Scout and the unit leader.
When applying for the Eagle Scout rank, a candidate with disabilities must attach the Eagle Scout Rank application to the approved Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges. The form can be found at http://www.scouting.org/forms.aspx.
10.2.2.4 Approval for Special-Needs Eagle Candidates Over Age 18
Men over age 18, properly approved by the council executive board to register beyond the age of eligibility with a disability code, may apply for the Eagle Scout rank. Since they are considered youth members for as long as they are so registered, they do not need a time extension. A letter from an advancement committee or Scout executive, indicating the member is over 18 and registered with a disability code, must accompany the Eagle Scout application. If the candidate is not so registered, but should be, then the procedures under “Registering Qualified Members Beyond Age of Eligibility,” 10.1.0.0, must be followed.
Eagle Scout candidates who have disabilities but who do not qualify for registration beyond the age of eligibility must complete all requirements before the 18th birthday. In some cases, however, they may qualify for an extension of time. See “Time Extensions,” 9.0.4.0.
10.2.3.0 Advancement for Venturers and Sea Scouts With Disabilities
With a parent or guardian, Venturer-age youth with disabilities must consider the programs presented by individual crews or ships. The activities involved must fit within the capabilities of the prospective member. Discussions with crew Advisors or ship Skippers can reveal what is possible and what is not. Generally, crews may be more able to offer flexibility for members with disabilities than ships. For example, safety concerns onboard a vessel may present barriers diffi cult or impossible to overcome.
10.2.3.1 Working Toward Boy Scout Advancement
Qualified Venturers and Sea Scouts with disabilities, who are working on Star, Life, or Eagle ranks or Eagle Palms, must meet the same requirements and follow the same procedures as outlined for Boy Scouts. See especially “Alternative Merit Badges for Eagle Scout Rank,” 10.2.2.3.
10.2.3.2 Working Toward Venturing Awards
The candidate must meet all current award requirements. There are no substitutions or alternatives permitted except those specifically stated in current requirements, or as outlined below or set forth in official literature, or where crew Advisors have been provided flexibility with certain awards. The Venturer is expected to meet requirements as stated—no more and no less. If it says, “Show or demonstrate,” for example, that is what he or she must do; just telling about it isn’t enough. The same holds true for such words or phrases as “make,” “list,” “in the field,” “collect, identify, and label,” and so on.
Requests for alternative requirements for Bronze, Gold, Silver, Ranger, Quest, and TRUST awards may be made, however, using the same qualifications and process outlined under “How to Apply for Alternative Requirements,” 10.2.2.2. As with alternative requirements for Tenderfoot through First Class ranks, we must be dealing with permanent physical or mental disabilities, or in the case of Venturers, disabilities expected to last more than two years or beyond age 21. Council advancement committee approval for alternate requirements is required in the same way, but to approve those for Venturing, the committee must involve an adult with thorough knowledge of Venturing advancement and awards. Unless a Venturer has been approved to register beyond the age of eligibility, then alternative requirements must be completed by the 21st birthday.
10.2.3.3 Working Toward Sea Scout Ranks
All current Sea Scout rank requirements must actually be met by the candidate. There are no substitutions or alternatives permitted except those specifically stated in current requirements, or as outlined below or otherwise set forth in official literature. The Sea Scout is expected to meet the requirements as stated—no more and no less. If it says, “Show or demonstrate,” for example, that is what he or she must do; just telling about it isn’t enough. The same holds true for such words or phrases as “teach,” “lead,” “take command,” and so on.
With the full cooperation of a ship committee and Skipper, it may be possible for some youth with disabilities to participate in Sea Scout advancement. The requirements are specific, not based on interchangeable merit badges, and they build from rank to rank. The prospective member, with his parent or guardian, should review the requirements to determine whether advancement is feasible with reasonable flexibility. If ship leaders agree, then the same qualifications and process apply, as outlined under “How to Apply for Alternative Requirements,” 10.2.2.2.
As with alternative requirements for Tenderfoot through First Class, we must be dealing with permanent physical or mental disabilities, or in the case of Sea Scouts, disabilities expected to last more than two years or beyond age 21. Council advancement committee approval for alternate requirements is required in the same way, but to approve those for Sea Scouts the committee must involve an adult with thorough knowledge of Sea Scout advancement and rank requirements. Unless a Sea Scout has been approved to register beyond the age of eligibility, then alternative requirements must be completed by the 21st birthday.