Orthopedic Impairment

Overview

Orthopedic impairment covers severe physical disabilities that affect educational performance. This includes conditions present from birth, caused by disease, or resulting from injury.

To qualify for an IEP, a student must meet IDEA's definition of a child with a disability: an eligible condition plus a need for special education, related services, or both. A label by itself is not enough.

Key points

• Access to buildings and classrooms is part of FAPE.
• Therapy can be a related service when it helps the child benefit from instruction.
• Adaptive PE may be required.
• Absences for medical care may trigger makeup services.

How IDEA defines orthopedic impairment

IDEA defines orthopedic impairment as 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).

Source: 34 CFR § 300.8(c)(8) (Child with a disability).

Eligibility in practice

The IEP should address physical access, transportation, assistive technology, occupational or physical therapy, and accommodations for written work and mobility.

The school must evaluate your child under IDEA rules before eligibility is decided. You can request that evaluation in writing. For the full process, see IEP eligibility process.

Common issues parents see

These patterns often push parents to seek an advocate or ask for a new evaluation:

• Classrooms are physically inaccessible.
• PT or OT minutes are cut without evaluation.
• Student cannot participate in activities peers attend.
• Nursing or health plans are missing from the IEP.

Frequently asked questions

Related disability categories

• Other Health Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Multiple Disabilities