Student Ability Profile: John

Student Abilities Profile 

Narrative:

John, a 17-year-old junior, is a bright and intelligent student who loves science. He has aspirations of being a veterinarian. Because of a birth defect, he has only one hand; on the other arm, he has only a small residual limb below the elbow. He has a prosthesis for grasping objects. He has a grabbing device for accomplishing some tasks. He may experience difficulty manipulating small objects. He tries to be as independent as possible. John works well in groups or with a lab partner, always contributing and doing his part of the group assignment. He writes well with his hand.

Task/Assignment:

Actively participate in science classroom and lab experiences, including lab manipulation of small objects.

Equipment: (lab equipment, furniture, protective clothing, chemicals, etc.)

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

Environment: (facility, fumes, odors, dust, temperature, noise, lighting, etc.)

Classroom work is typically performed individually, and lab work is performed in pairs. The classroom tends to be quiet, and the lab is noisy.

Physical Challenges

  1. Difficulty lifting and carrying lab objects.
  2. Difficulty reaching some objects.
  3. Difficulty pinching and grasping.
  4. Difficulty manipulating fingers.

Potential Strategies / Accommodations

  • Pair with a lab partner.
  • Provide a C-clamp for holding objects.
  • Use equipment that requires only one hand to manipulate.
  • Provide a surgical glove for handling wet or slippery items with his hand.
  • Provide handles on beakers and other equipment.
  • Allow more time for setting up, taking notes, and completing tasks.

Resources

  • Work with an occupational therapist for developing strategies for maximizing independence.
  • Explore AccessSTEM site for information about accommodations and teaching strategies.

Sensory Challenges

None.

Potential Strategies / Accommodations

None.

Resources

Not applicable

Cognitive Challenges

None.

Potential Strategies / Accommodations

None.

Resources

Not applicable

Physical, Sensory, and 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 them to be an active participant? What lab equipment must be manipulated?

Physical Challenges

  1. lift / carry
  2. stamina / endurance
  3. push / pull
  4. kneel / 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