This Is Duncan

1. This Is Duncan 7th Grade Kelly Mill Middle School

3. So, Why Do I Have an IEP? • Further Education – headed to USC on scholarship, or so my mom tells me • Employment – I’m saving to be a millionaire so I should be set here • Independent Living – this is what my IEP is all about! And you can help…

4. What is Cerebral Palsy? ”Cerebral palsy is the leading cause of childhood disability affecting function and development.This disorder affects the development of movement and posture that is believed to arise from non-progressive disturbances in the developing fetal or infant brain. In addition to the motor disorders that characterize cerebral palsy, which limit a patient's activities, individuals with cerebral palsy often display epilepsy, secondary musculoskeletal problems, and disturbances of sensation, perception, cognition, communication, and behavior." - Christine Thorogood, MD

5. I Have Cerebral Palsy (CP) • I am not autistic • I am not a savant • I am not retarded • I am not mentally slow • I am not contagious • I am exactly like every other kid in INC except that what is in my head takes a little longer to get out so you can see it and hear it and grade it. • The things that help me keep up are called accommodations.

7. YIKES! New Teachers! Who are They? What do They Want? AAAAhhhhhhRRRg! ALL Students For Me: Same stuff, I just take a little longer to get over it • Need a little time to figure you out • Need some trial and error in order to understand how you want your work completed • Are nervous about speaking up until we understand we won’t be reprimanded if wrong

8. I’m Paying Attention • I have to consciously think about sitting up, holding my head up, holding a pencil, etc. • I can get tired • I may put my head down for a few minutes, but I’m okay, I’m turning my body off so that I can hear you better • I may “stare off into space”, but I’ve just turned off my vision to listen to you better • I learn best by being there and listening to you • Yes, I do daydream. If you ever think that is what I’m doing, poke me! But usually, I hear every word. • Talk to me if you are concerned, or talk to my parents.

9. Me and Peers I can have fun with just about anybody, anytime, anywhere. I don’t need, or want, to be the center of attention. I prefer to give my attention to others. In time, people get that, and like having me around because they know I will listen. My feelings can get hurt just like anybody else’s Because my speech takes a little longer to get going, I tend to just listen to other kids, but I like that. I may not look at them because I’m listening. I know that is confusing for other people, and I’m working on trying to look at people.

10. How I Move • Imagine running a sprint, clearing hurdles, and coming to a complete stop in order to climb a cliff. • Now imagine doing that while people are talking to you, expecting answers, expecting you to look at them and pay attention • When I go from class to class, it is like a mini-tri-athalon. Please understand that I need to focus on my movement. I’ll focus on you once I stop and rest.

11. Who is Coach? • He is one of my teachers, just like any other teacher I have • He is the football coach • He is physically strong enough to help with my accommodations • He even “coaches” me to do my best – thanks Coach! • He can be a big help to you, too, so ask us if you need anything

12. Taking and Finishing Tests • I am allowed extra time for tests • Tests that are multiple choice, true false, or are mouse clicks on a computer (like MAP) are usually completed with peers • Short answer/essay takes longer • Writing also takes more room on the paper • I can finish these in 2nd period with Ms. Moore and Coach, or after school most days, contact Mom • The goal is to get the test finished, therefore I will use whatever tools will make that happen the fastest (ie. Dictation for essay). If you have an idea about completing the quiz/test, simply discuss it with me. • Email remaining short answer • Verbally provide answers after school • Give alternative (but same content) test/quiz from a website • Take test home (ideal for open book) • If you keep it simple for you, it is probably a good answer for me as well

13. I need to be ACTIVE Sitting still too long turns my legs off, and can cause pain When I walk from class to class, it is like you sprinting, so I can be tired when I get to you I do 20 – 25 hours of treatment a week outside of school to make me better, faster, stronger… I train as an athlete, and I take my training as seriously as I take school. My future depends on it.

16. How Homework is Completed and When • I’m allowed to turn homework in late due to my CP treatment of about 20 hours per week • Unless specifically asked to do otherwise, the homework will be emailed when possible • Unless told a specific format, I will choose the format that is fastest and that is most conducive for later study. I sent examples in my first email to you. • As you get to know me, you will have great ideas on how I can do the work faster. I want to hear them and give them a try! • Family monitors Parent Portal in order to: • Communicate status of work that is more than a few days late • Note when grades are posted for assignments • Ensure all assignments are in and graded prior to the end of the quarter

17. Duncan’s Toolbox

18. Duncan’s Notebook • The rolling notebook • Papers kept here for reference and study • No 3 ring binder • Papers stay with Duncan in his folder for a few days, then migrate to the rolling notebook • Your class folder can be sent to school upon request

19. How to Help Me in Class • Make sure I can see what you are doing, and hear what you are saying • Remove barriers to my involvement with you and with other students • Engage me – it is hard for me to raise my arms and I probably know the answer • I will tell you if I don’t know, so give me a moment to answer, and my voice is soft so listen carefully

20. How to Help Me in Class • Instead of helping me directly, ask a student to help • Moving the walker • Picking up off the floor • Throwing away trash • Turning in assignments • Assign me classroom duties so I add value • Allow me to lead • Give me responsibility

22. How I Get Your Attention • I will raise my hand • If that does not work, I will ask a student to get your attention • If that does not work, I will say your name • If that does not work, I will scream your name at the top of my lungs. Please do not let it get to this point.

23. Taking Notes • If I am concentrating on writing or typing, I’m probably not learning • If I try to write or type, I will not be able to keep up • Peer notes should be shared with me • See Ms. Blalock, my Occupational Therapist, if needed • Please send me your presentations or post them • I have an audio recorder I can use if you think that is necessary • As long as I am in the room and can hear and see you, your teaching will stick in my brain – you do not need to worry!

25. Challenge Me! • I have accommodations that we use to help me get the work done as fast as possible while still maintaining the same academic standards as everyone else in INC. • You can ask me to do more, just talk to me about it first. I will try my best. I like to be challenged, and I like to succeed! • If it does not work, or it starts to take too long, let’s work together to make sure it does not affect my grades or compromise other classes or treatment

26. Got an Idea? Let’s Try It! Even if it doesn’t work, we learned something!

27. “The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun”Duke Kahanamoku We agree, the best are the ones having the most fun. Do not stress over Duncan. There is nothing that could happen that we can’t figure out, keep simple, and make successful.