Autism When working with autistic
children, extra patience is required. They need individual attention,
lots of reassurance, and encouragement. To teach the Promise,
for example, separate the girls into small groups and explain
the Promise phrase by phrase, writing out each line as it is
completed. Showing pictures to illustrate each part of the Promise
can be helpful. Make a game out of it or have another girl demonstrate
or repeat the Promise. Remember to use simple, clear instructions
and be patient.
Wheelchair
Youths in wheelchairs will require ramps for accessibility to
the meeting place. They will also require wheelchair accessible
washrooms. These youth can and should take part in all ceremonies
such as investitures, campfires, and bridging.
Hearing Impaired
Everyone in the group should be aware of the girl’s impairment
so they are able to communicate. Hearing impaired Girl Scouts
should be treated like any other member of the group. It would
be a good idea to put the girl with a leader (older girl, patrol
leader), with whom she can communicate either by sign language
or some other form. During campfires, hearing impaired members
can participate in skits, mime, action songs, walk-ons, and
walk-outs. The use of props is also useful and will help encourage
their full participation.
Learning Disabilities
There are many types of learning disabilities and all leaders
should be aware of the specific needs of girls with a learning
disability. They should be treated like any other youth with
minor adjustments to the program to meet their needs. Extra
time and patience are needed and you may have to be flexible
with definitions and requirements. Leaders should obtain resource
material on learning disabilities to help them understand the
girl’s strengths and weaknesses. |
If a youth cannot read, use the buddy system;
if they cannot write, allow them to make verbal reports or descriptions.
Visually Impaired
Girl Scouts who are partially blind may have some difficulty
with some areas of the program. Crafts can easily be suited
to their needs. More dexterous crafts, cut and paste crafts,
or crafts completed in the assembly line method are very good
ideas. Make sure that every girl has a job to do. Working in
the buddy system to complete a craft is a fantastic way to help
them participate fully. In addition, GSUSA already has several
books available in Braille. If you are interested in ordering
publications in Braille, please contact Marcella Cuadra at jbryant@sjgs.org
or 713-292-0205 for more information.
Physically Disabled
There are many types of physical disabilities and many ways
of adapting program to them. Games can be modified to meet
the special needs of girls. Basketball, for example can be
played by having one girl hold the basket while a leader or
other youth take turns pushing the wheelchair. Girl Scouts
with physical disabilities should be given the opportunity
to lead games, officiate at games, and help decide what games
should be played. Leaders may have to give a helping hand
from time to time. Quiet games, short games, and memory games
are a good idea. Girl Scouts may be partnered so they can
fully participate in activities.
Cystic Fibrosis
Girls with Cystic Fibrosis may experience some difficulty
with breathing. Quiet games can be incorporated into the program.
Standing still relay races are a fun way to incorporate activity
and include those with restricted physical abilities. Girls
could also lead or officiate at games. It is important for
leaders to communicate with the girls so they can monitor
how they are feeling. |
Non-visible disabilities
Many of the disabilities you may encounter are non-visible.
These include such things as allergies, asthma, emotional
disabilities, behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities.
It is important for you as a leader to be aware of a youth’s
disability. At a parent meeting, it would be wise to ask about
the presence of non-visible disabilities. In some families,
the disability is so normal that they may forget to communicate
to a new person who will be interacting with their girl that
there are possible special needs for accommodation.
For more
about serving girls with disabilities, refer to the
GSUSA
resource - Focus on Ability: Serving Girls with Special
Needs, available in our shops, and the training - Abilities:
Let’s Get Focused, offered this summer during
Leadership Train-In. |
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