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.

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.

Common Characteristics

Academic
Academic deficits
Frequently absent or tardy
Quiet in classes, but demanding in other ways
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Socially withdrawn (or socially ignored)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
Physical weaknesses- pale, withdrawn
appearance, weight loss/gain, sluggishness
Visible physical attributes- walk different,
curled hand, bent over, oxygen tank, walker
Smaller stature

Academic
Normal intelligence & intellectual ability
Misses class for PT, OT, S/L therapy
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
o Behavioral/ Social
Difficulty making friends
Isolated/withdrawn
o Physical
Limited mobility of body, hands, head, etc
Tire easily
Need more space in group settings
May suffer chronic pain

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
self-sufficient.
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