Disabilities Awareness
Resources
- Disabilities Awareness Class Preparation Page
- Disabilities Awareness Workbook
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Merit Badge Advancement Quick Reference
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Acknowledgement Form
Disabilities Awareness Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of March 8, 2025
as of March 8, 2025
1.
Do the following:
a.
Explain and discuss with your counselor the following disabilities
awareness terms: disability, accessibility, adaptation, accommodation,
invisible disability, person-first language.
b.
Explain why proper disability etiquette is important, and how it may
differ depending on the specific disability. Give three examples.
2.
Visit an agency that works with people with physical, mental, emotional, or
educational disabilities. Collect and read information about the agency's
activities. Learn about opportunities its members have for training,
employment, and education. Discuss what you have learned with your
counselor.
3.
Do TWO of the following:
a.
Talk with a Scout who has a disability and learn about the Scout's
experiences taking part in Scouting activities and earning different
merit badges. Discuss what you have learned with your counselor.
b.
Talk to an individual who has a disability and learn about this
person's experiences and the activities in which this person likes to
participate. Discuss what you have learned with your counselor.
c.
Learn how people with disabilities take part in a particular adaptive
sport or recreational activity. Discuss what you have learned with your
counselor.
d.
Learn about independent living aids such as service animals, canes, and
augmentative communication devices such as captioned telephones and
videophones. Discuss with your counselor how people use such aids.
e.
Plan or participate in an activity that helps others understand what a
person with a visible or invisible disability experiences. Discuss what
you have learned with your counselor.
4.
Do ONE of the following options:
Option A. Visit TWO of the following locations and
take notes about the accessibility to people with disabilities. In your
notes, give examples of five things that could be done to improve upon
the site and five things about the site that make it friendly to people
with disabilities. Discuss your observations with your counselor.
a.
Your school
b.
Your place of worship
c.
A Scouting event or campsite
d.
(d) A public exhibit or attraction (such as a theater, museum, or park)
Option B. Visit TWO of the following locations and
take notes while observing features and methods that are used to
accommodate people with invisible disabilities. While there, ask staff
members to explain any accommodation features that may not be obvious.
Note anything you think could be done to better accommodate people who
have invisible disabilities. Discuss your observations with your
counselor.
a.
Your school
b.
Your place of worship
c.
A Scouting event or campsite
d.
(d) A public exhibit or attraction (such as a theater, museum, or park)
5.
Explain what advocacy is. Do ONE of the following:
a.
Present a counselor-approved disabilities awareness program to a Cub
Scout pack or other group. During your presentation, explain and use
person-first language.
b.
Find out about disabilities awareness education programs in your school
or school system, or contact a disability advocacy agency. Volunteer
with a program or agency for eight hours.
c.
Using resources such as disability advocacy agencies, government
agencies, the internet (with your parent or guardian's permission), and
news magazines, learn about myths and misconceptions that influence the
general public's understanding of people with disabilities. List 10
myths and misconceptions about people with disabilities and learn the
facts about each myth. Share your list with your counselor, then use it
to make a presentation to a Cub Scout pack or other group.
6.
Make a commitment to your counselor describing what you will do to show a
positive attitude about and toward people with disabilities and to
encourage positive attitudes among others. Discuss how your awareness has
changed as a result of what you have learned.
7.
Name five professions that provide services to people with disabilities.
Pick one that interests you and find out the education, training, and
experience required for this profession. Discuss what you learn with your
counselor, and tell why this profession interests you.
