The Disabilities Awareness merit badge is designed to help Scouts learn more about disabilities in our society. The Merit Badge Workbook outlines the basics of the badge, including learning about the history of people with disabilities, recognizing and respecting the rights of people with disabilities, understanding the importance of accessibility, and learning about the different types of assistive technologies available.
In order to complete the Disabilities Awareness merit badge, Scouts must complete the following requirements:
- Explain what disability is and the impact it can have on individuals, families, and society.
- Make a list of five different types of disabilities.
- List three ways to increase inclusion of people with disabilities in activities.
- Describe how technology can be used to assist people with disabilities.
- Discuss how to become a disability rights advocate.
- Describe one example of assistive technology.
- Describe the importance of accessibility in buildings and websites.
- Describe three laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities.
In order to help Scouts with the requirements for the Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge, the Troop 55 website provides a Workbook that includes a definition of disability, a list of helpful texts and websites, and additional activities that Scouts can do to complete the badge. Additionally, the Scoutmaster Bucky website provides a comprehensive Merit Badge Workbook which includes a section on the historical origins of disability rights, along with examples and activities for understanding and advocating for disability rights. Finally, the US Scouts website provides a printable worksheet that Scouts can use to organize their thoughts and prepare to meet with their counselor.
By completing this badge, Scouts will develop a greater understanding of the importance of disability rights, and will gain insight into the lives of people with disabilities. They also gain important skills in advocacy and technology that will help them in their future endeavors.
This article was published on May 19, 2023.