The Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge was created by the Boy Scouts in 1993 but is rarely earned. As the name implies, its purpose is to make Scouts aware of the capabilities people with disabilities bring to scouting and to the broader community. In meeting the requirements for the merit badge Scouts will experience the effects of disabilities and learn how people overcome  their disabilities through training, technology, advocacy and community support.

Easter Seals Central Texas provides exceptional services so people with disabilities and their families can fully participate in their communities. Since 1937, Easter Seals Central Texas has been helping disabled people achieve their potential to lead independent and productive lives. Easter Seals provides pediatric and adult rehabilitative services, vocational opportunities and legislative advocacy. Its interdisciplinary professional staff and specialized facility and equipment make it a valuable asset for the central Texas community. http://www.easterseals.com/.

There is no charge to attend the class. The class is intended for scouts 6th grade and older. Scouts should wear Class A uniform. Each scout should bring his own sack lunch. Beverages and snacks will be supplied. 

On April 10, 2010, Scouts in the Capitol Area Council will be offered the opportunity to earn the Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge by attending a class from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Easter Seals facility at 1611 Headway Circle (just off Rutherford Lane between Cameron Road and US 183). The class will cover:

• Disability awareness principles and first-person language
• Barriers encountered by persons with disabilities and how they are overcome in scouting, school, sports, activities of daily living and employment
• Making buildings and public spaces for people with disabilities
• Advocacy and volunteer opportunities with organizations serving people with disabilities
• Professions that provide services to people with disabilities and career opportunities
• Experiencing what it is like to live with different disabilities

Scouts successfully completing the class will have completed most of the requirements for the merit badge and will know how to complete the other requirements.

Questions: Contact Ron Luke - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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