Disabilities Awareness and the Trail to Eagle
Disabilities Awareness is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 4 main requirements for Disabilities Awareness. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Define disability and discuss the different types of disabilities.
- b.Discuss the differences between a visible and invisible disability.
- 2
Visit an agency that assists people with disabilities. Discuss what you learned.
- 3
Do TWO of the following:
- a.Talk with a person who has a disability and learn about their daily life.
- b.Talk with someone who works with people who have disabilities.
- c.Learn about assistive technology devices.
- 4
With your counselor's assistance, develop and carry out a plan to make people more aware of disabilities.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Disabilities Awareness, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Disabilities Awareness is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about a month for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 9 Disabilities Awareness requirements for you.
Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Disabilities Awareness merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Disabilities Awareness is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Disabilities Awareness merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Disabilities Awareness in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Disabilities Awareness merit badge?
Disabilities Awareness is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Disabilities Awareness can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Disabilities Awareness merit badge have?
Disabilities Awareness has 4 main requirements with 5 sub-requirements, for 9 items in total.
