SCOUTING AMERICA�Golden Gate Area Council

​

​

Special Needs & Disabilities (SND)

​

Tools for the Unit Leader

INTRODUCTION

​

• Youth and adults with special needs or disabilities are welcome in Scouting America. These youth, and the adults that participate like youth, are usually members of mainstream units and participate alongside all the other youth. While there are special-purpose units that serve members with special needs or disabilities and these can be beneficial in some situations, no one is required to join one.
• Scouting is for ALL

​

What we will cover:

• A “Primer” for Working With Scouts With SND (510-071)
• Joining Conference
• Inclusion Toolbox
• Handbook for Neurodiversity & Inclusion
• Guide To Advancement, Section 10, Advancement for Members with Special Needs
• Some Web resources

​

TABLE OF CONTENTS,

​

• A: Introduction
• B: Basics of Scouting From a Special Needs Perspective
• C: Unit Leader’s Role Supporting Scouts with a Disability
• D: Parent’s Role Supporting a Scout with a Disability
• E: Navigating Advancement Requirements
• F: Methods That Apply to Many Types of Disabilities
• G: Organizations That Support Those with Disabilities
• H: Understanding Allergies and Food Issues
• J: Understanding Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Health Concerns
• K: Understanding Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity
• L: Understanding Autism
• M: Understanding Blindness and Low Vision
• N: Understanding Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• P: Understanding Intellectual Disability
• Q: Understanding Learning Disorders
• R: Understanding Physical Disabilities (Mobility/ Gross & Fine Motor)
• S: Understanding Speech and Language Disorders
• U: Special Needs and Disabilities (SND) Committees

​

​

• Subscribe 
• �

Toolbox Path for Unit Leaders

1. Read Module A, How To Use the Toolbox
2. Read Module C and Module F
3. Have a Joining Conference with the Family
4. Read the Modules between H and S that relate to that Scout’s needs, e.g., Module K for ADHD or Module L for Autism.

OPEN-MINDED FLEXIBILITY (10.1.2.1.)

ONLINE RESOURCES

• National Special Needs & Disabilities (SND) Committee website:

https://www.scouting.org/resources/disabilities-awareness/

• Email for inquiries to the National Committee: specialneedschair@scouting.org
• Facebook group: No Scout Left Behind- A Guide to Working with Scouts with SND: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1967878213431320
• GGAC SND Committee webpage: https://www.ggacbsa.org/snd

​