Intern Abilities Profile - Alan T.

Intern Abilities Profile

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.

Task/Assignment:

Social worker internship at Campus Disabled Student Services office.

Equipment: (Job equipment, protective clothing, chemicals)

Computer with word processing software.

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.
  7. Advocating issues.

Accommodations Needed

  • Have him take notes on each job assignment.
  • Write down job description / tasks.
  • Encourage use of a Daytimer or Franklin Planner.
  • Verbalize carefully & repeat instructions.
  • Provide mentoring when possible.
  • Computer with spell-check software.
  • Support self-advocacy efforts.

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 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