This Is Me!
I have Muscular Dystrophy
My Name is Rachel and I am 8 Years Old!
My Strengths: I love musicals, drawing, reading, and swimming. I love going to summer camp every year. I love playing with my friends and having lots of friends over on the weekends for play dates.
I have strong social skills and leadership skills. I love to plan events and be part of school clubs. I am a member of the Healthy Schools Club and was part of a group which presented healthy ideas through drama and music to the primary classes. I like public speaking and have shared about Muscular Dystrophy in my school.
My Individual Education Plan includes some alternative programming based on my health and physical needs. There are clear objectives to maximize independent mobility and to provide the necessary supports to continue using gross and fine motor skills. I follow the recommendations of my Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapists. I have more specific information about my health needs in my Individual Health Care Plan.
I have strong social skills and leadership skills. I love to plan events and be part of school clubs. I am a member of the Healthy Schools Club and was part of a group which presented healthy ideas through drama and music to the primary classes. I like public speaking and have shared about Muscular Dystrophy in my school.
My Individual Education Plan includes some alternative programming based on my health and physical needs. There are clear objectives to maximize independent mobility and to provide the necessary supports to continue using gross and fine motor skills. I follow the recommendations of my Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapists. I have more specific information about my health needs in my Individual Health Care Plan.
Mobility and Accessibility Needs
I use a powered wheelchair. I like the wheelchair because I can keep up with my friends more easily. Having the classroom set up with wide aisles helps me maneuver easily while learning. Sometimes my teacher rearranges furniture and shelving to make materials more accessible to me. I also spend short times in a standing frame to stretch my muscles and joints. I also wear knee-ankle-foot orthoses which keep my ankle and foot in the appropriate position.
Learning Environment Needs
A height adjustable desk provides support for my elbows and forearms and maximizes upper limb function. This enables me to work independently reading and drawing. I also have enough space and can readily use other assistive technology devices. Transitions provide different challenges for me. Please allow me extra time to move from class to class and allow me to go through the hallways when they are less congested. Please provide accessible washrooms close to my classroom.
Assistive Technology: Augmentative Processing and Alternative Control Needs
I can type but my muscles get tired quickly. When I'm typing, I use a form of augmentative processing called, Word Prediction software. It predicts the words I'm typing, so less keystrokes are required. I also use an Alternative Control called, Voice Recognition Technology. This speech to text technology allows me to use my voice instead of typing. I can dictate text to my computer and also give commands to open up certain application programs or to save my work. This allows me to be an independent learner, access the curriculum and show my learning.
The Most Important Thing About Me Is . . . .
I have many strengths along with my needs. I want to be treated like the rest of my friends. I love to learn, work hard and play hard. I want to be recognized for my abilities not my disability.
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Website: www.muscle.ca
Location: 2345 Yonge St, Suite 900-901
Phone: 1-866-687-2538
Resources:
1. Teachers' Gateway to Special Education
http://www.teachspeced.ca/home
2. SNOW, Education, Access & You
http://www.snow.idrc.ocad.ca/content/inclusive-technology
3. Muscular Dystrophy Canada
http://www.muscle.ca/about-muscular-dystrophy
http://www.teachspeced.ca/home
2. SNOW, Education, Access & You
http://www.snow.idrc.ocad.ca/content/inclusive-technology
3. Muscular Dystrophy Canada
http://www.muscle.ca/about-muscular-dystrophy