Patch: Differently Abled Awareness

AGE LEVEL: Brownies - Seniors

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Differently Abled Awareness patch is a group project, adaptable for use by any Girl Scout troop from Brownie to Senior level. The activities suggested are intended to give the girls a greater awareness of people who are differently abled, an understanding of the conditions that bring about these challenges, and the experience of giving service in this area. The ultimate goal is an acceptance of the person with different abilities as a unique individual and the appreciation of the many ways in which we are all more alike than different.

PATCH REQUIREMENTS: Each troop should select at least two activities from each of the three areas: Knowledge, Sensitivity and Service.

SAMPLE ACTIVITIES:

1. Learn about the characteristics of at least four of the major disabling conditions, such as physical; mental or emotional impairments; seizure disorders; learning disabilities; visual; hearing; or speech and language impairments. Books, films, contacts with individuals and or agencies may be utilized. Share the information and discuss as a troop.
2. For each of the disabling conditions you learned about, list the adaptations you might make in your regular troop surrounding to include a girl with that condition.
3. Watch a television program with the sound turned off. Were you able to follow what was happening? Wear earplugs, but do not let people know you are wearing them. How did people react to you? Discuss your feelings and experiences with your troop.
4. Wear a blindfold throughout an entire troop meeting or activity. Discuss your feelings and experiences with the troop.
5. Take a person who is disabled on a shopping trip, to a movie or concert, or out to dinner. Anticipate what “barriers” you might encounter, and plan ahead to cope with them.
6. Tape a book or story or write some letters for a person with impaired vision.
7. Perform the Differently Abled Puppet Show for a younger troop.

FULL PATCH PROGRAM LOCATION: Go to your local regional office to get the complete patch program. Patches may be ordered from the GSWW store.