Intern Abilities Profile

Richard L.

Intern background / history:
Richard is a junior in college. He is deaf, has low muscle tone, and some neurological problems. He is bright and communicates through a sign language interpreter, written notes, electronic mail, and some lip reading. Richard uses dual hearing aids. He has some difficulites with reading comprehension. Richard loves math and computers.

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

Task/Assignment:
Assistant in Human Resources Office of a large corporation.

Environment: (fumes, odors, dust, temperature, noise, group-work)
Monitor team assignments closely.

Physical Challenges

Lifting.
Push / pull.
Balance.
Stoop / crouch.

Accommodations Needed

Have Richard practice lifting small objects / loads.
Share responsibilities with co-workers.
Provide assistance with tasks involving fine motor skills.

Options and Resources

Work with employer to evenly distribute job tasks.

Sensory Challenges

Hearing.

Accommodations Needed

Speak directly to Richard.
Provide written material and describe / explain procedures and written content.
Team with a peer-worker.
Provide interpreter for staff meetings and interviews.
Encourage use of e-mail as a means of communication with supervisor and co-workers.

Options and Resources

Campus DSS can assist with securing interpreter services.
Student may have an e-mail account through the university.

Cognitive Challenges

Task complexity.
Reading level.
Self-esteem advocacy issues.

Accommodations Needed

Support self-advocacy efforts.
Pair with peer. Set boundaries and do not assign less work in complexity or volume.
Check comprehension of reading materials.
Provide additional assistance with abstract concepts.
Provide computer dictionary, thesaurus & vocabulary building components.

Options and Resources

Provide scheduling software to assist with planning and scheduling interpreters.
Use vocabulary building software.

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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