Special Needs Advancement maximizing opportunities for scouts of

Special Needs Advancement: maximizing opportunities for scouts of all abilities TREX 2021 Virtual Event Thursday, January 27, 2021 Presenter: Maureen Ellis-Davis, Bronx River Council

Special Needs Advancement Having physical, emotional, behavioral or developmental challenges does not have to prevent a Scout from advancing in the Scouting program. ASA allows for additional time in a Pack or Troop for special needs scouts in the form of Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility. Scouts can also substitute Eagle Required merit badges or even alter requirements on the trail to First Class in certain situations. Come to this course to learn the options available and how to complete the administrative process to ensure that all of your Scouts have the opportunity to advance. (program description)

Major focus on spectrum disorders 1 in 54 children, according to CDC, 2020. Autism Spectrum Disorders: PDD Asperger Syndrome What about behavioral disorders? Personality disorders? And other conditions? ! ADHD ADD

Advancement flexibility Substitutions for required rank activities e. g. , alternative merit badges, “list” vs “describe, ” “demonstrate” or “show leadership” BSA Guide to Advancement 2019: https: //filestore. scouting. org/filestore/pdf/33088. pdf

Allocations of Extended Time 4 support documents and REQUIRED FORMS Letter from each: Scout’s parent(s)/guardian Unit Representative District Advancement Committee Letter from Scout Request for Extension of Time to Earn the Eagle Rank #512 -077 Letter from Doctor District Executive GNYC Advancement Committee National Approval Request for Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility #512 -935

When is the best time to file? The earlier the better! If a Scout meets the criteria of special needs, there is no need to wait—the need will not change. Keep potential Eagles on the trail to eliminate a need for time extension—time management is something Eagles should practice.

Your turn!! ? ? ? ? ? mellisd 2@msn. com