Michael Smith: 24-25 School Year by Sam Bainbridge

Michael's background

sbainbridge9 — 2024-07-27 19:40:18 UTC

When Michael begins this school year, at the age of 10, he has minimal movement of one hand and arm. He is legally blind (low vision) and has no communication system. That is, he does not talk or use picture symbols or signs or any other means of symbolic communication, yet. We instead must interpret and honor his non-symbolic communication. For example, if Michael leans towards the teacher and tries to move his arm when they ask a question, they will move to him to see if they can help him answer.

Michael's Abilities

sbainbridge9 — 2024-07-27 19:46:54 UTC

With the limited movement of his one hand and arm, Michael is able to reach towards things, and push things away. He has consistently shown that he is capable of sweeping or pushing things off the table or tray in front of him if he doesn't like or doesn't want it. For example, if he does not want to eat, he will push the food onto the floor.

He cannot fully reach or grasp anything, but when presented with an object that he likes, he will lean towards it and extend his arm out. He particularly likes soft textures like fake fur and fleece, and enjoys exploring the sensory board the classroom has.

Likes and Dislikes

sbainbridge9 — 2024-07-27 19:54:30 UTC

Likes:

soft textures like fur and fleece
play dough
sensory bottles with reflective items
the smell of mint and citrus
eating oranges
bright colors and patters

Dislikes:

spikey or bumpy textures
scratchy textures like sequins
crunchy foods with sharp edges like chips or cheez-its
contact with cold items - ice, water

Yes No buttons

sbainbridge9 — 2024-07-27 20:01:06 UTC

To obtain the item he wants, Michael usually leans towards it or moves his arm towards it. Normally we would watch for this movement and give him the thing he wants. Now we want Michael to start using the button to indicate that he wants the thing. As he reaches towards the item, he will come into contact with the button first

we will then help him push the button and then quickly give him the item.

Normally when something is placed in front of him that he does not like or want, he will use his arm to swipe or push it away.

Gluing the button onto a small board so that it may sit vertically means that with a swiping or pushing away movement, Michael's hand will be able to run into or hit the button. Begin by placing an item in front of him that we know he doesn’t like, and wait for him to push it away, when he starts to push it away, scoot the no button in front of the item so he will run into it first. Once he hits the button, immediately take the item away.

Eye Tracking AAC from Tobii Dynavox

sbainbridge9 — 2024-07-27 20:04:54 UTC

The TD I-13 and TD I-16 are custom-built AAC devices that enable communication and independence for people with disabilities via eye control and other access methods. Because of Michael's low vision, the pictures have been adjusted to be larger, brighter, and have more contrast.

Yes No Buttons

sbainbridge9 — 2024-07-27 20:11:00 UTC

Set up for the TD I-13 in Classroom

sbainbridge9 — 2024-07-27 20:14:42 UTC