Special Education Resources
Looking for something in particular? More search options Special Education Information: Disability Definitions: Definition of Orthopedically: Otherwise Health Impaired Definition of Otherwise Health Impaired ERIC Digest #459. ED314915 89
Students with Physical Disabilities and Health Impairments. Revised.
Author: Venn, John HOW ARE PHYSICAL DISABILITIES AND HEALTH IMPAIRMENTS DEFINED? Used in the special education context, physical disability or orthopedic impairment includes severe disabilities that adversely affect educational performance. There is a diverse range of disabilities in this category including such conditions as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, amputations or limb absences, and muscular dystrophy. According to Connor, Scandary, and Tulloch (1988), "the physiological and functional problems of this population are complex and diverse, and their handicaps may be temporary, intermittent, chronic, progressive, or terminal" (p. 7). The term special health impairment refers to a variety of health problems that dictate the need for special medical or educational services. Health impairments include convulsive disorders, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, asthma, rheumatic fever, cancer, AIDS, or any other chronic or acute health problem that limits strength, vitality, or alertness and adversely affects the student's educational development. Approximately 1.3% (58,328) of all students receiving special education services are orthopedically impaired, while 1.2% (52,658) are counted as other health impaired (Tenth Annual Report to Congress, 1988). | |
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