Student Ability Profile: Neil

Narrative:

Neil is an 18-year-old senior with Cerebral Palsy. He has good upper body strength but limited fine motor skills. Manipulating small objects can be difficult. He uses a wheelchair for long distances and crutches for shorter distances. Neil is cooperative and very assertive in making his physical needs known to his instructors and strives to make his work perfect. He dislikes it when other classmates tease him. He fatigues easily.

Task/Assignment:

Actively participate in science classroom and lab experiences, including field trips.

Equipment: (lab equipment, protective clothing, chemicals)

A wide variety of science equipment and materials are used in the science lab.

Environment: (fumes, odors, dust, temperature, noise, group-work)

Most lab activities are conducted in groups. There are many written assignments. Field trips are planned to local science-related businesses.

Physical Challenges

2. Low endurance and stamina.
5. Difficulty reaching equipment.
7. Limited finger manipulation and difficulty pinching and grasping.
11. Stands only for short time periods and with support.
12. Difficulty with balance.

Potential Strategies / Accommodations

• Provide a "grabber" device and surgical gloves to increase ability to grasp.
• Provide a work station that is wheelchair-accessible.
• Schedule field trips in wheelchair-accessible locations.
• Sit to talk with Neil eye-to-eye.
• Shorten reading time and procedure for labs to avoid fatigue.
• Provide tape-recorded texts.
• Give praise for correctly completed tasks.
• Allow extra time for testing.
• Provide adaptive technology for computer access.

Resources

• Consult special education teacher, IEP team members and/or parents for suggestions.
• Get information on lift-equipped vans available to the school.
• Explore the AccessSTEM website at http://www.washington.edu/doit/Stem/ to find suggestions for adaptive equipment.
• Get information on accessible lab furniture from local vendor; make purchases as needed.
• Purchase adaptive technology for computer access.

Sensory Challenges

None.

Potential Strategies / Accommodations

None.

Resources

Not applicable.

Cognitive Challenges

None.

Potential Strategies / Accommodations

None.

Resources

Not applicable.

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, and allergies. Also consider the ability to speak and/or communicate, and the visual aspects of the task or assignment.

Sensory Issues

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 and 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