May 8, 2006
People Inc.’s Museum of disABILITY History Provides
Boy Scouts Disability Merit Badge Program
Educational program provides awareness and sensitivity toward people with disabilities
BUFFALO, NY, May 8, 2006: People Inc.’s Museum of disABILITY History has started a joint endeavor with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) by creating a program that will meet the Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge requirements of the BSA. The program is offered to local scouts as an opportunity to earn this badge.
Among the activities the scouts will participate in are: a visit and brief tour of the Museum, a guest speaker from one of the agency’s day programs, and discussions regarding disability etiquette. The program is free of charge and staff are able to accommodate almost any schedule. Not only will the boys gain invaluable knowledge but they will also develop a more sound awareness and sensitivity toward people with disabilities upon completion of the requirements.
After completing the requirements for the merit badge, one of the scouts responded, “I never knew that people with disabilities could do things just like we do, they just do them differently.”
The program is conducted by People Inc.’s Museum of disABILITY History Research Assistant Elizabeth A. Marotta. She is a registered merit badge counselor as well as an educator.
For more information regarding the program or to schedule a meeting for a troop, call Elizabeth A. Marotta, research assistant, at (716) 817-7204.
The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History is located at 1291 North Forest Rd. in Williamsville, online at www.museumofdisability.org, and traveling exhibits are also available.
People Inc. is a not for profit health and human service agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.
Nicole Passantino
Marketing and Communications Manager
Direct Dial: (716) 817-7469
Cellular: (716) 440-5161
