exemplar activities

Unit B Activity 6 - Create crib sheet(s)

*Paul is 16 years of age and suffers with Cerebral Palsy, so therefore is in a moulded wheelchair, he also suffers with deafness and wears glasses. Paul also has a curvature of the spine, making him lean towards the left, and sometimes he is in great pain, so doesn't enjoy his driving. Through Paul's expressions, I can tell whether he's enjoying himself and achieving his goal of independent driving, or whether he's in too much pain for this to be achieved that day. Paul is waiting for a back operation, which is imminent.

(Paul has now had his back operation and after being away from school for six weeks, he now comes in on a part time basis. I tried Paul on one circuit around the school, and found that although not in pain and sitting more upright, he was very tired afterwards. I will now take sessions with Paul slowly, to build him up again).

Paul drives himself around a pre-designated track around the school (see plan). When Paul is well, he will stop and start upon request, by looking at me and following simple gesturing. This is also dependent on him wearing his glasses and hearing aids but does well, if he doesn't have them. When Paul drives, he presses down with his left forefinger onto a single switch. This he has down to a fine art, as he can make the platform judder and this brings a small smirk to his face.

Paul has received a certificate in Assembly recognising his skill and achievement in his driving, of which he, his family and myself were very pleased with.

Crib-sheet for using the mobility platform.

Equipment needed:

Single switch
Jelly mat
Main control box to be on red
Platform from I.T. area and straps

Explain to Paul, that he's going driving.
Take Paul, single switch, jelly mat with another member of staff, to the hall.
Place mobility platform on the black line going through the hall.
Make sure wheels are locked.
Ensure sensor is in line with the track.
Position Paul, whilst in his wheelchair, next to the platform.
Take off Paul's wheelchair tray.
Undo the strap that holds his mould to the wheelchair.
One person to hold top of mould, one arm either side gripping side panels.
One person to hold leg frame of mould.
Count 1,2,3, lift.
Place Paul, in his mould, onto the platform.
Secure straps to either side of the mould, threading straps between mould and platform base and secure tightly.
Also place straps behind Paul, again between mould and platform.

THIS SHOULD STOP ANY MOVEMENT FROM PAULS MOULD.

Once secured, replace wheelchair tray.
Now place jelly mat on the tray, left side, as close to Paul's body as possible.
Place switch on mat.
Thread lead between Paul and the tray.
Plug adapter into green hole on control box located on the base of the platform.
On the rear of the platform, check speed dial is turned to 6.
Check direction switch is in the "follow track" position.
Press red ON button.

Paul is now ready to commence driving around the school. Paul normally achieves two circuits around the school before we have to finish.

Point out Paul's environment as you drive around. He enjoys other classes singing, and looking towards the library.

* Name has been changed to protect confidentiality.

Paul using his left hand to operate the mobility platform, using a single switch.

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