26. Cara, a high school student with a mild intellectual disability, works as a library aide for part of the day to help her prepare for employment after high school. Observation data collected by the librarian and paraprofessional indicate that Cara becomes upset and shuts down when shelving stacks of books and organizing library materials. Which of the following strategies can best help Cara perform these tasks successfully?
Answer: B
Breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable sequential steps will best help Cara perform her tasks successfully.
This approach allows Cara to tackle each part of the shelving and organizing process without feeling overwhelmed, thus enabling her to build confidence and competence in her role.
A) Pairing Cara with a peer buddy who can complete tasks when Cara cannot
While having a peer buddy may provide support, it does not address the root of Cara's difficulty with the tasks themselves. Relying on someone else to complete the tasks might lead Cara to feel less capable and could inhibit her independence, which is crucial for her preparation for future employment.
B) Breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable sequential steps
This strategy is effective as it simplifies the tasks for Cara, allowing her to focus on one step at a time. By doing so, she can gradually build her skills and confidence in completing the tasks without becoming overwhelmed, making it the best option for her success.
C) Having Cara read a social story about appropriate workplace etiquette
While social stories can be beneficial for understanding social norms and expectations, they do not provide direct support for the practical tasks Cara needs to perform. This option may help with her overall understanding of the workplace but does not address the specific challenges she faces in shelving and organizing library materials.
D) Having Cara watch a training video about library aide tasks and responsibilities
Training videos can serve as good introductory tools; however, they might not be sufficient for Cara to apply the information in a practical setting. Without hands-on guidance to break down the tasks, she may still struggle to implement what she has learned from the video, making this option less effective.
Conclusion
Breaking down tasks into smaller steps is a targeted strategy that aligns with Cara's needs, allowing her to gradually master the skills required for her role. The other options, while potentially helpful in different contexts, do not directly address her immediate challenges and may hinder her progress towards independence in the workplace.