Intern Abilities Profile - William R.

Intern Abilities Profile

Intern background / history:

William is a senior who has Tourette's syndrome. He exhibits frequent and inappropriate loud verbalizations at times. He is receiving medication for his condition. His outbursts and tics can affect the entire work site atmosphere. Those who know him well tolerate his outbursts and tend to cover for him. He can be manipulative and use his disability to avoid work.

Task/Assignment:

Legal assistant/researcher. Look up court cases on the Internet, review and synthesize, write short reports, copy appropriate related material.

Equipment: (Job equipment, protective clothing, chemicals)

Computer, word processing software, Internet connection.

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

Team assignments may be distracting to William. Check his progress frequently.

Physical Challenges

  1. Other: Constant verbal outbursts

Accommodations Needed

  • Don't react to negative outbursts or single him out. Explain Tourette's syndrome to co-workers as appropriate and if William provides written permission to do so.
  • Minimize stressful work conditions.

Options and Resources

  • Talk with William about work site options he might prefer.
  • Ask for permission to describe his disability to co-workers.

Sensory Challenges

Not applicable.

Accommodations Needed

Not applicable.

Options and Resources

Not applicable.

Cognitive Challenges

  1. Other: Easily distracted; difficulty paying attention.

Accommodations Needed

  • Allow him work in a quiet location.
  • Minimize distractions and changes in work schedule/assignments.
  • Create a written list of assignments and schedules. Review the list frequently for completion and level of quality.
  • Hold William's attention when describing job tasks. You may need to repeat instructions directly to him. This is especially true with safety procedures.

Options and Resources

  • Talk to William about strategies that will help him stay focused on tasks.

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 them 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