Case Study Transition Plan

Case Study: Savannah

Savannah is a 16 year old with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair for mobility. Currently, she needs assistance from a paraprofessional for toileting, as well as transitioning from her wheelchair to a regular chair. She sees a physical and occupational therapist for a half hour each week who recommends that she get out of her chair at least once per day to stretch out on a mat in the classroom and spend some time sitting in a regular desk chair.

Savannah’s current special education services are in the areas of improving fine motor skills, ability to utilize assistive technology, social/emotional growth, self-care and mobility and how to use public transportation independently. Savannah spends the majority of her school day in an inclusion classroom with some assistance from a paraprofessional. She also goes to a self-contained classroom for specialized instruction and therapies. Savannah is currently behind one grade level academically, but makes consistent progress. She does struggle some with writing due to her weak grasp, but is learning to use the computer more for writing assignments. She enjoys writing very much and would like to join the school yearbook committee. Savannah has become more independent in organizing and managing her school work since starting high school.

Unfortunately, Savannah has very low self-esteem due to her physical limitations. She has very few friends, but would like to socialize more. She tends to stay to herself and does not talk to other students when she is in the inclusion classroom. However, when she is in the self-contained classroom she is much more vocal and outgoing.

Savannah plans to graduate from high school by the age of 20. She would like to attend the local community college and state university to major in journalism. Her goal is to eventually live on her own and have a job. At this time, her parents do not feel she is ready to be independent.