District and council volunteers who look over nominations for the Torch of Gold or Woods Services Award may learn of Scouters who don’t receive these awards, but deserve recognition for their service. These Scouters may qualify for the Special Needs Scouting Service Award (SNSSA), an earned recognition. It may be presented to adults, volunteer or professional, who show outstanding service and leadership to Scouts with disabilities.

To earn this award the Scouter must complete the specified requirements listed on BSA form 512-067. Their active service includes (1) working with Scouts who have disabilities/special needs, (2) promoting disabilities/special needs awareness in Scouting, and (3) advocating the recruitment, inclusion, and full participation of youth who have disabilities/special needs in the programs of the Boy Scouts of America.

After completing the application form, it should be turned into the local council for approval. Once earned and approved by the local council, the recipient qualifies to receive a knot with device, certificate, and pendant suspended from a ribbon.