Re: Eagle Scout & the "disability"requirement ref. 18 YOA
Thomas C. Stoddard (tom.stoddard@CNFD.PGH.WEC.COM)
Thu, 7 Nov 1996 11:32:29 EST
>
> Q: Does anyone know if ADHD qualifies as a "disability" in getting the 18 YOA
> deadline extended for a scout who wants to finish his eagle requirements ?
...
> Of course we intend
> to inquire at our Council Office, but I was wondering if anyone else has ever
> encountered this before ? thanks
>
> Jeff Bloom
We have encountered this, and as we read the requirements for extension, the
one point that turned it was the certification of the disability by qualified
medical professionals. We understand such an individual needed to certify that
this disability restricted the scout from achieving according to the prescribed
program, and the several (at least three) counselors we spoke to all assured us
that ADHD was not debilitating. That is, if the scout, parents, etc. managed
it, there would be no problem, generally, in completing tasks and achieving
the Eagle Award if that were their desire. No one would sign a letter to say
for this scout such a condition would indicate the need for special extension
of requirements, so the boy was informed of that determination and the Eagle
Award was not earned.
One counselor told me, (his words, do not flame me) "ADHD is becoming the
'garbage can' of behavioral diagnoses. If a child shows some off-normal
behavior, we rush to judgement and say it must be ADHD, just like several
years ago, anyone who was having any difficulty in study were being labelled
'dyslexic'. This is a handy excuse and assuages guilt for parents and teachers
who will not spend time working with a child, or holding them to accountability
for actions. In some instances, I'm sure the ADHD is real, but I'm sure it
occurs a lot less then is claimed."
So, hey, if you can get a licensed professional to sign off for the scout, you
are one step closer to extension of Eagle Requirements than we got.
--
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