Climber with Disabilities

[wagionvigil]

OK folks here we go. This is for all the winers out there that this or that is too difficult. On Monday I was called by my Climbing staff at camp. They explained they had a scout wil williams syndrome. I did a little research and called them back. I told them to get him through all the ground work knots etc and see how he does climbing on Wednesday. I go in Thursday and do all the Rappelling and when time allows using several different belay devices etc. THe reason I do this is both staff members are under 21 and I do have someone I have approved to supervise the CLimbing Part that is over 21. Go there on Thursday and the Guys met me at the tower as soon as I rolled in. They explained he had done fantastice and had completed one climb but they were afraid of him belaying. I said not a big deal we will handle it later in theday when we have our 3 hour class time. The afternoon went great of course his father was there and helped him gear up etc. He finished his other two climbs and we got him through the belaying with backup etc. Rappelling went even better got his three in and came back and helped with leader rappel where he belayed his father. On Friday I pull out the Dynamic and give the scouts the experience of being half way up a 50' climb and fall and have their feet almost touch the ground. Most decided they p[refer climbing on static. Our young man had difficulty with the dynamic but soon adjusted and made two more climbs.
WHat I am saying is in most cases most of the scouts can complete most merit badges if they have support and a counselor that help make things happen. What I am also saying that when a scout ask for an alternate it should not be approved until in no uncertain terms he cannot complete the task
Oh after all was said and done I found out that J was an Eagle SCout and Climbing gave him his first palm. TAlking with dad I found out he had swimming and lifesaving merit badges because dad pushed him to the limit. I have no doubt he will get at least two more Palms maybe more.
It was a great week for the Tower! And my 19year old and my 17 year old staffers both were chosen as outstanding youth staff and outstanding adult staff for the week. I am a happy camper!

[AquilaNegra2]

What a great way you handled that Scout. Completing that badge will do a lot more for him than getting a gimme.

(edited because typo fixed and no longer humorous )

[wagionvigil]

Had a autistic kid this week. The young man had a little toy that was his comfort item,you all get the frift. ANyway he came to climbing merit badge class. We had a few issues of course with knots but got through them. The hardest problem to restify was not taking his feet off the edge of the rappel until his butt came level with them. Couple close calls on face plants but the youth staff did well. Climbing on static for him was difficult but when I switched to dynamic on Friday it became impossible. He did complete all the requirements for the MB ANd was quite happy with his accomplishment.
If you have not noticed I am doing what I am supposed to do SIt back allow my trained scout staff do the work and put mt 2 cents in when needed.

[GWG]

I had the privilage to teaching a blind boy how to climb. It was an inspiration to me and all those who saw this to see this young man do something that everyone had said he couldn't do.

It took patience on both our parts and the need for a sense of trust between us for this to be successful. The approach I took was as follows:

1. I brought him to the wall and let him feel what he would be using as holds. I gave him the time to feel the different types of holds and positioned his hands where he would have the best benefit from the holds.
2. I asked him to focus on just my voice as I would guide him up the wall with simple instructions.
3. I gave him the instructions I would be using and showed him by moving his arms and legs based on those instructions. As an example, I would say left hand up one out one half. This being move your left hand up one foot and out away from you a half foot.
4. I showed him what I wanted him to do once he decided he was ready to come down so this communication was clear as well.

He climbed several climbs that morning and we had the opportunity to climb a few times since then as well. There is a common bond between us that is only shared by us which is very special. Part of that, I believe, was forged in the trust we placed in each other that first morning.

I have found that when working with people with disabilities, it is often times those closest to them can either be their greatest enablers or worst disablers.

GWG

[cballman]

After reading your post GWG the person with the most disabilities is the enabler. Otherwise AMEN

[Quailman]

I was searching for a thread about autistic scouts and came across the one. What gratifying stories! Thanks (belatedly) for sharing them.

[deweylure]

Its great when the scouts with disabilities or should I say abilities some people do not think these scouts have . In our Troop one scout was working on knot tying and we discovered he had tied half hitches without looking on the table leg using his shoe string ,while looking at a knot tying CD the older scout called us over and it was a sight to marvel at .


Its great to hear stories like these posts it takes leaders and counselors to work with the scouts


Dewey