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Intern Abilities Profile

Phoebe S.

Intern background / history:
Phoebe is a junior in college. She is a bright and intelligent student who is planning to become a veterinarian. She has only one hand, with only a small residual limb below the elbow. She tries to be as independent as possible. She has a prothesis for grasping objects. In addition, she uses a grabbing device. A surgical glove on her hand helps her hold slippery objects. She has some difficulty manipulating some small objects. Phoebe works well in teams or with a peer worker, always contributing and doing her part of the group assignment.

Equipment: (Job equipment, protective clothing, chemicals)
Lab coat, surgical gloves, glassware/test tube, microscope and slides, syringes

Task/Assignment:
Participating in an internship in a veterinarian's office.

Environment: (fumes, odors, dust, temperature, noise, group-work)
Not applicable.

Physical Challenges

  1. Lifting. Carrying large objects / animals.
  2. Fine motor: pinch / grasp. Finger manipulations.
Accommodations Needed
  1. Provide a peer-worker.
  2. Provide a C-clamp for holding some lab objects.
  3. Provide a surgical glove for handling wet or slippery items.
  4. Provide beakers and other equipment with handles.
  5. Provide more time for completing duties and require a high level of quality.
  6. Consider tape-recorded charts or computer generated charts to limit handwriting requirements.
  7. Provide a scribe for some charting.
Options and Resources
Not applicable.

Sensory Challenges
Not Applicable.


Accommodations Needed
Not Applicable.

Options and Resources
Not Applicable.

Cognitive Challenges
Not Applicable.

Accommodations Needed
Not Applicable

Options and Resources
Not Applicable.

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

  1. lift / carry
  2. stamina/ endurance
  3. push/pull
  4. Knee/squat
  5. reach
  6. repetitive tasks
  7. fine motor: pinch / grasp
  8. fine motor: manipulate/ maneuver
  9. gross motor
  10. sit in chair
  11. walk / stand
  12. balance
  13. bend / twist
  14. stoop / crouch
  15. 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

  1. vision
  2. hearing
  3. touch
  4. smell
  5. taste
  6. oral communication
  7. temperature
  8. fumes
  9. external stimuli
  10. Lighting
  11. 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

  1. short term memory
  2. long term memory
  3. task complexity
  4. reading
  5. writing
  6. spelling
  7. string of numbers (math)
  8. paying attention
  9. visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner.
  10. self-esteem / advocacy issues
  11. behavior issues / acting out
  12. other

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