Strategies for Leaders when Working with Scouts with Disabilities Cari Parr Special Education Teacher/Pick Up The Pieces TN Charter Organization Representative Pack 197 Parent Volunteer Troop 197

Introduction Thank you for having me! More students are being diagnosed with disabilities than ever before and Scouting is a great way for them to learn new skills. I have almost 21 years experience teaching students with disabilities (ages preschool-16, all disabilities). I’ve also started my own website, Pick Up The Pieces TN. I have been in Scouting as a parent for almost 10 years. I have boys 14 and 10 that have been in Scouting since Tigers. My husband, Jay was their den leaders and is the Charter Org Rep for Troop 197. I have started doing Disability Awareness Presentations to help be an ”interpreter”or advocate of people with disabilities for the community.

Quick Overview: Invisible vs. Visible Disabilties Autism Spectrum Disorder Hearing Impairment Learning Disabilities Orthopedic Impairment Vision Impairment Intellectual Disabilities ADHD Behavior disorders/Mental Health Conditions Traumatic Brain Injury

Some Common Invisible Disabilities Autism Spectrum Disorder ADHD Behavior Disorders/Mental Health Conditions Learning Disabilities Intellectual Disabilities

Common Strategies that are effective with Invisible Disabilities Proximity, Proximity, Proximity Say the Scout’s name and give directions in short, distinct steps Be literal Consider their strengths Remind them of rules/boundaries and natural payoffs When possible write directions down Show examples of expectations first Buddy system Consult with Parents

Things to consider with Visible Disabilities Communication Accessibility Modifying of activities to meet their needs Buddy System Consider their strengths Consult with Parents

Questions or Specific Issues? My contact info: Cari Parr jandcparr@comcast.net (615) 427-8954 Available for Disabilities Awareness Presentations www.Pickupthepiecestn.weebly.com