Our primary objective is to focus on Ability. 

Scouting is the method, and has been referred to as a game with a plan.

That plan is designed to teach skills; spur thought; build self confidence; and encourage leadership so that youth can become, to the extent of their abilities, independent and caring human beings. The paths we tread are intended to build character, citizenship, and fitness.

Each person’s uniqueness strengthens the “group”. We shall challenge the false boundaries which exclude people because of perceived differences.

We shall recommend techniques, and provide access to resources, which can encourage the participation, advancement, and full integration of persons with disAbilities into the Scouting movement.

This is the start of an ambitious task, it is the song without end. Everyone who uses this site is encouraged to help build it.

People outside the generic "Scouting" movement are welcomed to use and apply our resources.

Over two decades ago United States Federal law mandated that children with disabilities be afforded an education in the least restrictive environment. This did two things: it required that school districts provide access to full educational opportunities rather than excluding them from education because modification of curricula or facilities was inconvenient or costly; and, that to benefit the children, and to the degree possible, students with disabilities be included in regular educational settings rather than isolated from their peers. This later concept is called mainstreaming.

U.S. Scouting has, and continues to have, units which are school or institutionally based which bring Scouting to groups of youth isolated because of their disabling conditions. But, Scouting encourages units to embrace all within mainstream units.

All youth are unique. Each bring different strengths and gifts to the unit. Each learn from one another, irrespective of their own strengths or gifts. Scouting should be a microcosm of that idealized society we strive for as part of our developmental goals.

This web site was a concept discussed by Scouters who participated in the 1998 Philmont Training Center's Working With Scouts With Disabilities Conference.  It was their desire to have a web site serve as a resource repository and link for all Scouters who have the opportunity and challenge of working with Scouts who have disAbilities. The initiative was picked up by Tony Mei and Jay Thal who labored long and hard to bring forth the first web-site. They were joined by Colin McConnell and from this small group of three the site continues to grow and serve Scouters everywhere. WWSWd is also involved in several initiatives to continue the involvement of youth with disAbilities in Scouting.

General Disclaimer:

The information and resources on the Working With Scouts With disAbilities Web Site are for educational and informational purposes only. The Working With Scouts With disAbilities Web Site is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through the Working With Scouts With disAbilities Web Site or any links from the Working With Scouts With disAbilities Web Site should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have health related questions you should consult your health care provider.

The inclusion of any resource or link in the Working With Scouts With disAbilities Web Site does not imply endorsement.

Linked sites may not provide the same level of accessibility, security, and/or confidentiality that has been identified as Working With Scouts With disAbilities standards.

We have made every attempt to identify the source of information and/or graphics that have been provided to us. If any of the information and/or graphics is copyrighted please let us know immediately so that we may correct it.

If and information and/or graphics does not have the correct credit provided, please notify us immediately so that we may make the correction.