We warmly welcome our new Special Needs and Disabilities Committee Chair, Ann Bruner Welch!
Ann has been Committee Chair for Redwood Empire Council's Disability Awareness Resource Committee (REDARC) for 13 years, having founded it for her Wood Badge ticket with the guidance and support of her Troop Guide, Tony Mei.
Ann has created, organized, and participated in a wide variety of Scouting events to educate and promote Special Needs and Disabilities inclusion in Scouting, including disability awareness activities and national training presentations for venues such as NorCal Commissioner’s College.
Ann has come aboard to lead us through our committee restructuring and beyond, bringing knowledge and experience and dedicated REDARC members, joining GGAC in our mission to support and promote inclusion of Scouts with disabilities throughout the Scouting program.
We thank our outgoing Special Needs and Disabilities Committee (SNDC) Chair, who’s passionate devotion and expertise for the inclusion of Scouts with disabilities has helped inspire and shape the Scouting environment within it’s original premise, that Scouting is for All, Anthony "Tony" Mei.
Woods Service & Torch of Gold awards recipient, Tony arrived at GGAC determined to continue promoting awareness of Scouts with disabilities as he has done locally, regionally and nationally from various positions, spanning several decades. In November, 2020 Tony founded the GGAC SNDC.
Tony has inspired and trained countless Scouters through venues such as Wood Badge and NorCal Commissioner's College, and through positions covering wider areas allowing him to create tools, presentations, and other materials delineating equitable approaches for Scouts with disabilities so that they can participate with dignity and succeed.
Tony will remain with us as Vice Chair for one of our new Subcommittees, Program Support, and as Committee Advisor. He will also remain an Assistant Council Commissioner and Council, Regional and National SND advisor.
Mission and Purpose
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.
Serving Scouts with Special Needs
General References:
- Guide to Advancement, Section 10 "Advancement for Members With Special Needs"
- Scouts BSA Tenderfoot - 1st Class Alternative Rank Requirements
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:
ABLESCOUTS
Ablescouts is a practical online guide for adult leaders 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.
Presentations and Learning Modules
WORKSHOPS
PRESENTATIONS
TRAINING MODULES
Special Needs Scouting Awards
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 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 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 SPECIAL NEEDS AND DISABILTIES COMMITTEE
| District |
Representative |
Subcommittee |
|---|---|---|
| Alameda Area | Ed Barnes | Training |
| Gary Baysmore | Training | |
| Cathryn Edelmen | Outreach | |
| Melissa MacDonald | Outreach | |
| Linda Owczarz | Outreach Vice Chair | |
| Wes Truex | Program Support | |
| Briones | Liz Chaffee | Outreach |
| Mary Markey | ||
| Chief Solano | Sara Johnson | Program Support |
| Diablo Sunrise | TBD | |
| Golden Gate | Tony Mei | Program Support Vice Chair |
| Herms | Mirna Bymaster | |
| Lake | TBD | |
| Meridian | TBD | |
| Mission Peak | Heather Zeng | Training |
| Miwok | Ann Bruner-Welch | Committee Chair |
| Jennifer Masterson | Program Support | |
| Muir | TBD | |
| Pacific Rivers | TBD | |
| Pomo | Kandi Andrade | |
| Silverado | Shanna Pyka | Outreach |
| Twin Valley | Linda Ransom | Training Vice Chair |
| Yokayo-Logger | Randy Huffman | |
| Lori Yanez |
GGAC SND COMMITTEE AT-LARGE REPRESENTATIVES
| Kyle Bruner-Welch |
| Charles Howard Gibbon |
| Andy Kiehl |
| Dan Logan NOAA Federal |
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