"We Contribute In Our Own Unique Ways"

So says a teenage Girl Scout with disabilities, who offers leaders some practical advice.

By Sarah N.

I am 17 years old and have been a Girl Scout all my life. As a Girl Scout who happens to have disabilities, I want to share four things I feel girls with disabilities want you to know.

1. Girls with disabilities want to make real friends.

We don't want girls to treat us like babies or as a service project. I believe typical girls need leaders who model good acceptance skills. If girls see leaders treating girls with disabilities like everyone else, they will follow the example. Most girls join Girl Scouts to have friends. Girls with disabilities are the same.

2. Girls with disabilities may need some help.

Some girls with disabilities need extra help with activities. Leaders should ask the girl or her parents what help she needs. Examples of help may include: precutting craft materials, letting the girl have a buddy to do an activity, getting more time to learn ceremony parts, being given written instructions, or simplified directions. Many of these accommodations are easy to do, and other girls in the troop might benefit from them, too. There might be times when you need outside help for ideas on how to modify troop activities for a girl with disabilities. Please ask the service unit or council for extra help when you need it.

3. Girls with disabilities like being included.

Girl Scouts was the only activity outside of school and church where I was included with non-disabled peers. It is better to belong to a troop and be able to participate in most activities than not to be included at all. I can't skate. When my troop went skating, I would cheer everyone on and be there for the pizza party. It was better to do part of the event than to stay home. I believe every girl can belong and be included in Girl Scouts.

4. Girls with disabilities don't want to be seen as a burden.

Many leaders think girls with disabilities will be more work, will hold the troop back, or can't participate like everyone else. But girls with disabilities have a lot to offer and can contribute to the troop in many ways. We can help troops slow down and realize the value of taking things at a calm pace. We can help troops learn patience. We can love everyone no matter who they are.

We can help troops learn acceptance. Girls with disabilities can contribute to the troop like any other girl and we make those contributions in our own unique style.

Adapted from LEADER, Spring 2004. © Girl Scouts of the United States of America.