Accessible Scouting

The Verdugo Hills Council has established an advisory Committee for Accessible Scouting. This committee:

• acts as an advocate for Scouts with disabilities, their families, and their leaders;
• works closely with the Council Advancement Committee on meeting the National Council’s alternate requirements policy;
• provides guidance to packs, troops, crews, and ships in developing alternate advancement requirements for their Scouts;
• helps Scouts develop an Individualized Scouting Advancement Plan;
• works with the camp facility committees to ensure accessible camp facilities;
• serves as a resource to assist packs, troops, crews, and ships with parent-leader conferences;
• provides guidance to the use of relevant BSA resources; and
• identifies other community resources to assist with Scouting for youth with disabilities.

Vision of the Committee

To enable the best Scouting experience for Scouts and Scouters by eliminating barriers to participation.

Mission of the Committee

To eliminate barriers to participation in all Scouting programs by providing information, advice, and training to Scouts, their families, and their leaders.

Commitment from BSA’s National Council

Since its founding in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has had fully participating members with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. James E. West, the first Chief Scout Executive, was a person with a disability. Although most of the BSA’s efforts have been directed at keeping such youth members in the mainstream of Scouting, it has also recognized the special needs of those with severe disabilities.

The basic premise of Scouting for youth with disabilities and special needs is that they want most to participate like other youth, and Scouting gives them that opportunity. Much of the program for Scouts with disabilities and special needs is directed at (1) helping unit leaders develop an awareness of the capabilities of youth with disabilities and the resources within and outside of Scouting, and (2) encouraging the inclusion of Scouts with disabilities and special needs in Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, and Sea Scout ships.

The BSA’s advancement policy treats members with disabilities and special needs as much like other members as possible, but the council may make some accommodations in advancement requirements, if necessary. The BSA rules and guidelines for alternate requirements are available in Section 10, "Advancement for Members With Special Needs" in the BSA's Guide To Advancement.  The Council Committee on Accessible Scouting provides advice, guidance, and training, and the Council Advancement Committee approves any accommodation. 

National BSA has a great website with up-to-date Scouting resources for Scouts with special needs and disabilities. 

For more information about how to provide the best Scouting experience for Scouts with disabilities and special needs, their families, and their Scout leaders, or to offer resources and assistance, email the Committee for Accessible Scouting at accessiblescouting@vhcbsa.org.