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Intern Abilities Profile

Alan T.

Intern background / history:
Alan is a college senior who has a mild learning disability. He has extreme short-term memory loss and cannot handle complex assignments. He has difficulty processing mathematic concepts (dyscalculia). Alan has demonstrated leadership skills, responsibility, and good judgement. He can get angry when his disability affects his learning. Alan hates to acknowledge that he has a disability and does not like to receive special services or be singled out in any way.

Equipment: (Job equipment, protective clothing, chemicals)
Common accommodations, such as spell-check software, are useful to Alan.

Task/Assignment:
Social worker internship at Campus Disabled Student Services office.

Environment: (fumes, odors, dust, temperature, noise, group-work)
Choose peer-workers carefully. A supportive peer is essential, however, Alan should not be in a team that does the work for him. A supportive peer may prevent some hostility. Check progress frequently.

Physical Challenges
Not Applicable.

Accommodations Needed
Not Applicable.

Options and Resources
Not Applicable.

Sensory Challenges
Not Applicable.

Accommodations Needed
Not Applicable.

Options and Resources
Not Applicable.

Cognitive Challenges
  1. Short term memory.
  2. Long term memory.
  3. Task complexity.
  4. Reading.
  5. Writing.
  6. Spelling.
Accommodations Needed
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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