Dori Hammer: 2019 Woods Services Award Recipient

She has taught special needs courses at Wood Badge, merit badge college, commissioner college, and University of Scouting. She has led education in special needs awareness for troops and leaders, Scouting committees, district roundtables, the Scout show, council camporee, fishing derby, and adventure days, among others. She was part of a team that started a website and newsletter. Among the Scouting awards she has received are the District Award of Merit, the Torch of Gold, the Silver Beaver, and the Council Commissioner of the Year.

Her background in disability advocacy goes back over twenty years. She has served on the board of directors for Jeffco First Steps, the Family Support Council, a member of Arc of Jeffco, and Jefferson County Schools Accountability team, all of which have to do with advocacy, accommodation, and work with special needs youth. In the Denver Area Council, anytime someone asks about or mentions Special Needs Scouting, Dori is immediately the first name others think of.

The Woods Services Award is granted nationally each year to the nominated BSA volunteer who best exem- plifies exceptional service and leadership in the field of Scouting with disabilities. The award is sponsored by the Woods Services and Residential Treatment Center of Langhome, PA, in honor of Luther W. Lord, a pioneer in Scouting with disabilities.