Special Needs & Disabilities Committee

Working to Ensure Scouts of All Abilities Can Meaningfully Participate

Purpose and Mission Statement

     Scouting America seeks to fully include Scouts of all abilities –  diverse learning styles, neuro-divergent thinkers and many physical, intellectual, and developmental abilities.

     Golden Gate Area Council’s Special Needs Committee promotes inclusion by helping unit and district leaders create meaningful experiences for all Scouts. We provide training for adapting the environment, guidance on advancement and program variation, and direct support so that the challenges embedded in Scouting are accessible to Scouts of all abilities.

SND Questions & Support

Serving Scouts with Special Needs

Scouting of America logo

Scouting America

Nationally approved resources can be found on Scouting America's Disability Awareness service page for scouting of all abilities.

 

Advancement Considerations

Units can approach advancement with flexibility as well as provide accommodations for Scouts with different learning styles, which can benefit the whole unit.

These national guidelines have been updated to clarify how.

        Guides:

 

Advancement Modifications

When a Scout is unable to access advancement through approaches referenced above, or if more time is needed due to long-term challenges, Scouts may apply for alternative advancement planning.

The Scout, parents, Scout leaders, and qualified professionals provide information in the following application forms, which are submitted to the Council Advancement Committee for approval.

        Forms:

 

For more information contact:  SND Questions & Support

 

ABLESCOUTS.ORG

Ablescouts is a practical guide for adult leaders, Scouters and parents.

 

Abilities Digest

Quarterly publication of the National Special Needs Committee of Scouting America.

Inclusion Toolbox

Inclusion Toolbox for Special Needs and Disabilities is a series of practical information modules that keeps special needs and disability information accessible 24/7/365 to the Scouting community.

 

Special Needs Scouting Awards

Yellow-white double-knot award patch

Special Needs Scouting Service Award

This award is earned by direct action on behalf of members with special needs and by spreading the ideals of inclusiveness, diversity, and disability awareness in Scouting.

Torch of Gold medal

Torch of Gold Award

The Torch of Gold is a council award given annually to an adult Scouter for dedicated work for Scouting youth with disabilities.

The nominee should show a level of dedication and service comparable to a Scouter receiving the Silver Beaver Award, but for service specifically in the area of working with Scouts with disabilities.

woods-services-logo

Woods Service Award

Each year, a volunteer may receive the national Woods Services Award for exceptional service and leadership in the field of Special Needs Scouting.

Use the official nomination form, which must be signed by the council’s Scout Executive. Send the signed form to [email protected].

Woods Services nominations must arrive by January 31.

GGAC SND DISTRCT REPRESENTATIVES

District

SND Committee Representative

Role
Alameda Area Ed Barnes Founding Member
Gary Baysmore Founding Member
Cathryn Edelmen Member
Melissa MacDonald Member
Linda Owczarz Founding Member, Vice Chair
Wes Truex Member
Briones Liz Chaffee Member
Mary Markey Founding Member
Chief Solano Sara Johnson Member
Diablo Sunrise TBD
Golden Gate Tony Mei (chair) Founder, Chair
Herms Mirna Bymaster Founding Member
Lake TBD
Meridian TBD
Mission Peak Heather Zeng Founding Member
Miwok (New) Ann Bruner-Welch Incoming Chair, Founder REC Council Disabilities Awareness Committee
Jennifer Masterson Former REC Council
Muir TBD
Pacific Rivers TBD
Pomo (New) Kandi Andrade Former REC Council
Silverado Shanna Pyka Member
Twin Valley Linda Ransom Founding Member
Yokayo-Logger (New) Randy Huffman Former REC Council
Lori Yanez Former REC Concil

GGAC SND COMMITTEE AT-LARGE REPRESENTATIVES

 Kyle Bruner-Welch
 Charles Howard Gibbon
 Andy Kiehl
 Dan Logan NOAA Federal