19 Orthopedic Impairment

This section includes the IDEA definition of the disability from federal law, along with specific information about eligibility criteria in Virginia. In addition, there is information about the prevalence, causes, and characteristics of this disability, along with specific strategies and accommodations that can meet the needs of students with this disability.

Students with physical disabilities, whether the disability is orthopedic or neuromotor in origin, may be served under the orthopedic disability label. IDEA provides the parameters of the educational label, while parents, guardians, advocates, and professionals have valuable information to add about the individual.

IDEA Definition

§ 300.8 (c) (8)

Orthopedic impairment means a severe orthopedic impairment that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. The term includes impairments caused by a congenital anomaly, impairments caused by disease (e.g., poliomyelitis, bone tuberculosis), and impairments from other causes (e.g., cerebral palsy, amputations, and fractures or burns that cause contractures).

Virginia’s definition of Orthopedic Impairment – “Orthopedic impairment” means a severe orthopedic impairment that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. The term includes impairments caused by congenital anomaly, impairments caused by disease (e.g., poliomyelitis, bone tuberculosis, etc.), and impairments from other causes (e.g., cerebral palsy, amputations, and fractures or burns that cause contractures). (34 CFR 300.8(c)(8))

Eligibility Criteria

VDOE Supplemental Guidance for Evaluation and Eligibility Virginia-specific guidance document that includes sample eligibility checklist (Refer to Table of Contents pages 2-4 and click on page number for disability category)

Advocacy organizations

United Cerebral Palsy Fact Sheet

ABOUT orthopedic impairment

Prevalence

Visit the US Department of Education’s Open Data Platform to access IDEA Child Count Data by disability category, age, and other demographic and special education variables.

43rd Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2021 – Authoritative source for numbers of students with multiple/severe disabilities served under IDEA

Causes

Cerebral Palsy Disability Fact Sheet – Center for Parent Information and Resources provides a brief guide to etiology and support of cerebral palsy using a case study and other info

Characteristics

Orthopedic Impairments – This Granite State College page is part of their Understanding and Supporting Learners with Disabilities open source series and covers Educational Orthopedic Impairment (OI); Characteristics and Impact on Learning; Mobility; Instructional Strategies and Interventions; Assistive Technology; Related Service Providers; Cerebral Palsy; Spina Bifida

Cerebral Palsy Disability Fact Sheet – Center for Parent Information and Resources provides a brief guide to etiology and support of cerebral palsy in school using a case study and other information.

Cerebral Palsy and Emotional Issues – This page from Cerebral Palsy Guidance explains why students with CP are at risk for emotional issues.

instructional strategies

CEC’s Exceptional Teacher Resource Repository – CEC has developed a peer-reviewed peer network of strategies and modules for practicing teachers. Must be a CEC member

accommodations / modifications

How to Create Inclusive Classroom Spaces for Students With Physical Disabilities – This page from We are Teachers provides 5 principles to consider when designing a classroom for students with physical disabilities.

Instructional accommodations – This IRIS Center page discusses instructional accommodations in general, but also gives some tips for working with students with orthopedic impairments.

resources

PowerPoint [PDF]: Orthopedic Impairment