Disability Fact Sheet

OHI

OI

IDEA Definition: Limited strength, vitality, or alertness

due to chronic or acute health problems that adversely
affects academic performance
Health Concerns may include: Asthma
ADHD
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Heart Conditions
Hemophilia

Lead poisoning
Leukemia
Nephritis
Rheumatic Fever
Sickle Cell Anemia
Tourette Syndrome

Common Characteristics (there are many different conditions in

OHI, therefore many more characteristics)
o

IDEA Definition: A severe orthopedic impairment

that affects a childs educational performance
including impairments caused my congenital
anomaly, disease and other causes.

Common Characteristics
o

Academic

Orthopedic impairments involves the skeletal

system (bones, joints, limbs & associated muscles).
Neuromotor impairment involves the central
nervous system.
Neuromotor impairments may lead to orthopedic
impairment if not treated properly.

Academic

Academic deficits

Normal intelligence & intellectual ability

Frequently absent or tardy

Misses class for PT, OT, S/L therapy

Quiet in classes, but demanding in other ways

May have a personal para-pro that separates

him/her from classmates b/c of
awkwardness

May have difficulty communicating with

others

Academic deficits due to physical

limitations

May have alternative way of responding or

requesting assistance

Behavioral/ Social

Socially immature and/or hesitant with peers

Socially withdrawn (or socially ignored)

Overly dependent on parents/caretakers

(learned helplessness)

Avoid being singled out/ resist drawing

attention to themselves

Physical

Tired- chronic pain, irritability, loss of appetite,

sleepiness, abdominal pain, vomiting

Behavioral/ Social

Difficulty making friends

Isolated/withdrawn

Educational Approaches for OHI/OI

o

Understand the disability/health condition.

Maintain continuous communication &

collaboration with related service
personnel and the family.

Communicate with parents/doctors

when appropriate.
Plan all aspects of each activity in advance.

Leave specific information for

substitutes.

Use accommodations & modifications

that are inclusive of peers.
Classroom(s) must be arranged for easy access
to all learning areas so student may be selfsufficient.

Teach the student to ask for and decline

help.

Teach classmates how/when to assist.

Effective Instructional Strategies for OHI/OI

o

Communicate with parents/guardians

frequently
o
Watch for sudden changes & seizures
o
Be aware of health / physical needs
o
Teach based on individual needs
o
Be aware of instructional time missed
& cover material with students
o
Cooperative Learning Groups
o
PALS
o
CWPT
*Instructional strategies will depend on
instructional time missed and physical needs, as
well as academic deficit areas

Common Accommodations
for OHI/OI
o
o
o
o
o
o

reduced work load

partner work
provide notes
audio text
scribe
verbal assessments