Intern Abilities Profile

William R.

Intern background / history:
William is a senior who has Tourette's Syndrome. He exhibits frequent and inappropriate loud verbalizations at times. He is receiving medication for his condition. His outbursts and tics can affect the entire work site atmosphere. Those who know him well tolerate his outbursts and tend to cover for him. He can be manipulative and use his disability to avoid work.

Equipment: (Job equipment, protective clothing, chemicals)
Computer, word processing software, Internet connection.

Task/Assignment:
Legal assistant/researcher. Look up court cases on the Internet, review and synthesize, write short reports, copy appropriate related material.

Environment: (fumes, odors, dust, temperature, noise, group-work)
Team assignments may be distracting to William. Check his progress frequently.

Physical Challenges

Other: Constant verbal outbursts

Accommodations Needed

Don't react to negative outbursts or single him out. Explain Tourette's syndrome to co-workers as appropriate and if William provides written permission to do so.
Minimize stressful work conditions.

Options and Resources

Talk with William about work site options he might prefer.
Ask for permission to describe his disability to co-workers.

Sensory Challenges
Not applicable.

Accommodations Needed
Not applicable.

Options and Resources
Not applicable.

Cognitive Challenges

Other: Easily distracted; difficulty paying attention.

Accommodations Needed

Allow him work in a quiet location.
Minimize distractions and changes in work schedule/assignments.
Create a written list of assignments and schedules. Review the list frequently for completion and level of quality.
Hold William's attention when describing job tasks. You may need to repeat instructions directly to him. This is especially true with safety procedures.

Options and Resources

Talk to William about strategies that will help him stay focused on tasks.

Physical, Sensory, & Cognitive Issues and Challenges

Physical Issues
Think of the required physical aspects of the task. What will make the environment accessible, keep the student safe and allow him/her to be an active participant? What lab equipment must be manipulated?

Physical Challenges

lift / carry
stamina/ endurance
push/pull
Knee/squat
reach
repetitive tasks
fine motor: pinch / grasp
fine motor: manipulate/ maneuver
gross motor
sit in chair
walk / stand
balance
bend / twist
stoop / crouch
other

Sensory Issues
Think of room temperature, noise, fumes, dust, odors, allergies. Also consider the ability to speak and/or communicate, and the visual aspects of task or assignments.

Sensory Challenges

vision
hearing
touch
smell
taste
oral communication
temperature
fumes
external stimuli
Lighting
other

Cognitive Issues
Is the assignment done with a group, partner or individually? What memory & communication skills are needed? What is the level of complexity of the task.

Cognitive Challenges

short term memory
long term memory
task complexity
reading
writing
spelling
string of numbers (math)
paying attention
visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner.
self-esteem / advocacy issues
behavior issues / acting out
other

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