Keyboarding accommodation for Duane's Syndrome

The daughter of a friend of mine is a junior in high school and was afflicted with Duane's Syndrome at birth. The manifestation of this disorder is the inability to move both eyes when gazing left or right. In this case the functionality of the thumbs is also limited. Her finger-like thumbs lack the ability to close; hence she can only grab with the strength of her other four fingers on each hand.

She has an Individual Education Plan with a 504 accommodation that includes the following:

1. Keyboarding for any writing assignments and assessments
2. Larger print on any assessments
3. Supply of printed notes if an individual lesson requires extensive note-taking
4. Seating in the middle of the classroom.

Her mother has been frustrated by the lack of support and understanding she has received from many teachers and administrative personnel over the past 10 years. The 1st grade Gym teacher was callous enough to announce to the class: "I don't tie shoelaces, but I'll tie hers because she has a disability." Numerous similar anecdotes over the years demonstrate the incompetence and ignorance of teachers, guidance counselors and special education administrators.

While the IEP calls for keyboarding when written work is expected, the accommodation of same has been sadly lacking. Teachers seem to forget or can't be bothered. It is only recently that an Assistant Principal had to intervene due to the incompetence of a Guidance Counselor who could not process the proper forms with the College Board to gain clearance for the use of keyboarding for their exams. She had to suffer through her PSAT and first AP exam while writing by hand.

Her grammar school Special Education director refused the prescribed Occupational Therapy treatment because she felt the family was wealthy enough to procure their own. The Middle School was the most supportive during her school years. They replaced her combination lock with a key operated one on her locker. They also came up with a unique approach to her desire to wear jeans to school: a buttonhook so she could use the lavatory facilities.

The struggle to get the district to comply with the IEP has not been easy for the mother, despite being a PTA President numerous times and knowing the staff on a first name basis. "They don't seem to get it," she complained. "She's not learning disabled, she has a physical disability. They just want to pigeonhole her into that 'Special Ed' group. She is in 11th grade honors English only because I fought for her. Her honors teacher doesn't understand why his fellow department members couldn't recognize her talent".

Perhaps it is because the IEP has not been followed. Her previous English teachers would use the 'I forgot' excuse and allow her to retake the exam on the following day, forcing her to miss a class lesson. Her current U.S. History teacher thought it was no big deal when she scored a C on his mid-term examination (which she hand-wrote against the order of the IAP): "A grade of 'C' is not so bad; that's average in my class." We'll never know how well she could have scored with the PC to which she was entitled.

She thrives on extra-curricular activities, but has been challenged there as well. She figured out a way to play the Clarinet despite being told she couldn't and is in the Marching Band. She received an 'Excellent' in her NYSSMA rating on her instrument. Her need to continuously wear glasses has limited some of her roles on the Varsity Cheerleading squad, yet she participates in all events and competitions. Ironically, she throws the discus on the Track team despite the inability to use an opposing thumb.

Her keyboarding skills have served her well as the Editor of the Yearbook. She has an affinity for developing photo slide shows with soundtrack accompaniment on the computer and delivered a breathtaking presentation for the Middle States Accreditation Committee last year. She recently borrowed my PC projector for a similar presentation for a friend's 'Sweet 16' party.

I guess I've gotten a bit long-winded here about this girl's story, but my main point is this: when provided with accommodation plans for your students, don't read them once and file them away. As educators, we have a duty to provide every student with the best opportunity to succeed.

Back to the assignment:

Technology	Keyboarding through use of microprocessor-based computer with suitable word-processing software. Intel-based platform is standard these days with Microsoft or Apple-based OS most common. MS Word is the defacto standard word processor. Prices range from $300 - $2,500 based on options. Also available in portable laptop configurations for additional cost.
Student	Duane’s syndrome students require this technology for delivering written work due to hand cramping when writing long hand.
Research	Duane’s Syndrome is an inoperable disability which is best addressed by using this alternative technology.
Benefits	The effected student will be able to better deliver their thoughts without facing the discomfort of hand cramping. In addition, fellow students may be inspired to use the computer more often.
Recommendations	The recommendation of this use of technology is obvious. Unfortunately, all schools are not equal. Students with disabilities should not have to fight for their accommodations. In a perfect world, all disabilities are met with proper assistive technology on a consistent basis.

References:
A comprehensive site for assistive technology
The image above was borrowed from the Engel Laboratory's article on Duane's Syndrome