Off topic....a challenge

[wb7tne at COMCAST.NET]

 The youngest ham licensed in the U.S is 6? I think that is correct. Yes, I
work with Boy Scouts to get them their Radio Badge. I occasionaly come in
contact with a child that is physically or mentally challenged. It takes a real
concerted effort on the parent's part to get a child of any physical or mental
condition to complete a licensing program. The difficulty is then in keeping
the new licensee interested in the hobby,and making sure they have equipment.I
have in the past,even challenged children and adults to get licensed by
offering equipment as an incentive,new or used,with mixed results.Try going to
the BARQ,jr. ham website and maybe you can get some insight from those folks.

73
Daryle
> You might try contacting Handi-Hams. They are set up to help the physically
> handicapped, but they may have some ideas.
>
> They are located in Minnesota, and their web address is www.handiham.org.
> Email is at handiham at courage.org, and their toll free phone number is
> 866-426-3442.
>
> GL & 73,
>
> Brian, W0DZ
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Heathkit Owners and Collectors List
> [mailto:HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV]On Behalf Of j diefenbach
> Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2003 5:30 AM
> To: HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV
> Subject: Off topic....a challenge
>
>
> I have a bit of a challenge: I work p/t at a local Radio Shack store in NH.
> A teen-age boy came in with his mom and engaged me in conversation about CB
> and  scanners.
> I immediately became aware that this boy was mentally challenged but still
> had a gift-of-gab, as do most of us amateurs.
> He is so interested in radio communications that I suggested amateur radio.
> His mother's face lit up brighter than the kid's.
>
> The local CB crowd has taken to teasing him on the air and that, coupled
> with the usual language extremes, has turned him off to radio communications
> in general.
>
> My question: Has anyone had any experience mentoring a mentally-challenged
> person into amateur radio? This kid is really likeable but, per his mom, has
> the mental capacity of a 2nd grader.
>
> I am aware there are certain (testing) considerations given to physically
> handicapped folks but here is a kid with a genuine interest in radio and, I
> might add, quite engaging in conversation, especially when it involves
> radio.
>
> Appreciate any suggestions.
>
> jd, K1TLV
>
> John Diefenbach, K1TLV
> Mason, NH
>
> "No people respond more spontaneously to fair play than Americans.
> If you treat Americans well, they will always want to treat you better."
>
>           -  Winston Churchill
>
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