First Class Requirements for Disabled Scout

Scout Badge, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Palms.

Moderators: Site Admin, Moderators

First Class Requirements for Disabled Scout

Postby GabesDad » Tue May 01, 2007 11:26 am

:D Good Day ! My son has Duchene's Muscular Dystrophy. He uses a power wheelchair as his muscles continue to deteriorate. He also has some learning disabilities, but loves camping and Boy Scouts (except for the boring meetings where they just talk... :lol: )

My concern is how to approach the physical requirements of the First Class rank. Especially the swimming requirements. My son is physically unable to swim. I know we are to approach the Council and see what they suggest, however, we haven't received much help in this area. SO I approach YOU, yes YOU ....any ideas ?

Thanks Much - Gabe's Dad
GabesDad
Scout
 
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2007 4:01 pm
Location: Carlisle, Iowa

Postby wagionvigil » Tue May 01, 2007 11:29 am

The council should have a list of alternate requirements. Of course your son should do as many of the regular requirements as possible. I have seen many scouts in wheel chairs with star life and Eagle badges. SO I wish you both great scouting.
NER Area 4 COPE/Climbing Chairman
NE Area 4 Venturing Chairman
"If You Ain't a Bear, You're a Meal!"
wagionvigil
Counselor
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2004 7:01 am
Location: Westmoreland-Fayette Council BSA

Postby MDEagle » Tue May 01, 2007 12:40 pm

GabesDad,

A little off topic, but I wanted to tell you how much I admire parents like yourself who go the extra mile to provide your challenged kids with the opportunities that my able-bodied son takes for granted.

I know how hard it is for me to get the boy to all the events (driving and so forth), help him study or practice his requirements, and to encourage him when things aren't going smoothly... especially when other activities and studies are involved.

It must be doubly hard for you... not in terms of heart, but in terms of overcoming the logistics. I wish you courage and perseverence and your son success as he continues his Scouting career.

Best wishes.
MDEagle
Star
 
Posts: 86
Joined: Fri Feb 23, 2007 8:04 pm

Postby wagionvigil » Tue May 01, 2007 1:22 pm

2001 National Jamboree I was standing by the entrance of the Rappel Tower at Action Center D doing some paper work. I had a father walk up and said" I would like my son to rappel" I ASked is he a participant in the Jamboree?" He said "yes" " I said well he can get in line and wait with the boys" Response was his SM said he could not because he was in a wheel chair" At that time I looked at the father and Said" Why didn't you tell me that earlier, get him in here" We harnessed the young man and carried him to the top of the tower.Gave him to the capable hands of some of the best rappel masters anywhere and he rappelled to his wheel chair. What a thrill But it gets better. We sent dad and son to the COPE area and he did the flying squirrel. Even made the video show one night as they sent the video crews over the next day and he got to do it all over again. A scout is only limited to what they allow people to limit them to. If that makes sense?
NER Area 4 COPE/Climbing Chairman
NE Area 4 Venturing Chairman
"If You Ain't a Bear, You're a Meal!"
wagionvigil
Counselor
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2004 7:01 am
Location: Westmoreland-Fayette Council BSA

Postby RMM » Tue May 01, 2007 4:38 pm

wagionvigil wrote: At that time I looked at the father and Said" Why didn't you tell me that earlier, get him in here" We harnessed the young man and carried him to the top of the tower.Gave him to the capable hands of some of the best rappel masters anywhere and he rappelled to his wheel chair. What a thrill But it gets better. We sent dad and son to the COPE area and he did the flying squirrel. Even made the video show one night as they sent the video crews over the next day and he got to do it all over again. ?


Our hats off and we salute you! Brings tears to my eyes.
Robert M.
Woodbadge WE3-47-07
OA Brotherhood

I was reminded that there are 4 things you can not recover:
"The stone after the throw, the word after is's said, the occasion after the loss, the time after it's gone."
RMM
Star
 
Posts: 103
Joined: Fri Aug 11, 2006 8:49 pm
Location: Golden Empire Council -CA

Postby OldGreyBear » Tue May 01, 2007 5:18 pm

Gabesdad,

the following is taken from the BSA publication 33088E, Advancement Committee Guide Policies and Procedures

A Scout who has a permanent physical or mental disability and is unable to complete all of the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class rank may submit a request to the council advancement committee to complete alternate requirements. Below are the procedures for applying for alternate requirements. To keep Scouts with disabilities as much in the advancement mainstream as possible, some advancement accommodations may be required. Thus, a Scout in a wheelchair can meet the requirements for hiking by making a trip to a place of interest in his community. Giving more time and permitting the use of special aids are other ways leaders can help Scouts with disabilities in their efforts to advance. The substitute should provide a similar learning experience. Bear in mind the outcome of the Scouting experience should be one of fun and learning, and not completing requirements for rank advancements, which might place unrealistic expectations on the special-needs Scout.

Step 1-Do As Many Standard Requirements As Possible.

Before applying for alternate requirements, the Scout must complete as many of the standard requirements as his ability permits. He must do his very best to develop himself to the limit of his abilities and resources.

Step 2-Secure a Medical Statement.

A clear and concise medical statement concerning the Scout's disabilities must be submitted by a licensed health-care provider. It must state that the disability is permanent and outline what physical activities the Scout may not be capable of completing. In the case of a mental disability, an evaluation statement should be submitted by a certified educational administrator relating the ability levelof the Scout.

Step 3-Prepare a Request for Alternate Requirements.

A written request must be submitted to the council advancement committee for the Scout to work on alternate requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class. and First Class ranks. The request should include the standard requirements the Scout has completed and the suggested alternate requirements for those requirements the Scout cannot complete. This request should be detailed enough to give the advancement committee enough information to make a decision The request should be prepared by the Scout, his parents, and his Scoutmaster. A copy of the medical statement in step 2 should be included.

Step 4- The Advancement Committee Reviews the Request.

The council advancement committee should review the request, utilizing the expertise of professional persons involved in Scouts with disabilities. The advancement committee may want to interview the Scout, the parents, and the leader, to fully understand the request and to make a fair determination. The decision of the advancement committee should be recorded and delivered to the Scout and the Scoutmaster.


The best bet would be to find out who the Council Advancement Chair is and give him a call. Tell him your situation and what you want to do and how can you help him get the approval of the Advancement Committee and then see what happens
OldGreyBear
Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord.
OldGreyBear
Eagle
 
Posts: 444
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:17 am
Location: Minsi Trails Council

Alternates

Postby riverwalk » Wed May 02, 2007 12:12 pm

My District has this same question currently. The Bear has provided a great response for you. BSA has printed publications as well, that deal with Scouting and disabilities. This isn't a new issue for Scouting, just one that every member hasn't run into.
riverwalk
Bronze Palm
 
Posts: 945
Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2004 4:45 pm
Location: Circle Ten Council, North Central Texas

Postby mhjacobson » Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:31 pm

For more information check out the new Scouting for Youth with Disabilities Manual (34059)!
50 year+ scouter -- have held almost all adult leader positions in Cubs, Scouts, & Venturing, currently serving as Council Scouting for Youth with Disabilities Chair.
mhjacobson
Eagle
 
Posts: 288
Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:39 pm
Location: DesPlaines Valley Council - Illinois


Return to Scout Badge, Tenderfoot through Life, and Eagle Palms

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 11 guests