Orthopedic Impairments

Definition
"A severe orthopedic impairment that adversely affects educational performance. The term includes impairments such as amputation, absence of a limb, cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, and bone tuberculosis."-IDEA

Types of Orthopedic Impairment:

• Bone Diseases
• Brachial Plexus/Erb's Palsy
• Cerebral Palsy
• Hydrocephalus
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Poliomyelitis
• Scoliosis
• Spina Bifida
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Spinal Muscular Atrophies*

Causes

1. Students may be born with or acquire problem with their bones, their joints and/or their muscles.
2. Orthopedic problems may result from deformities, diseases, injuries, or surgeries.
3. Problems a child might be born with include cerebral palsy, Osteogenisis Imperfecta, joint deformities or muscular dystrophy.
4. Injuries or surgeries may result in the loss of a bone and/or muscle tissue and may include the amputation of a limb.
5. Burns and broken bones can also result in damage to both bones and muscles.**

Incidence
About 1.1% of students receiving special education are identified as having orthopedic impairments.

Resources
***http://www.projectidealonline.org/orthopedicImpairments.php
http://www.disabled-world.com/disability/children/orthopedic-impairments.php
http://www.education.com/reference/article/orthopedic-impairments/
*http://elizabeth-richards.suite101.com/understanding-idea-and-orthopedic-impairment-a117844
**http://www.ci.maryville.tn.us/mhs/MCSsped/orthop.htm
http://www.spiritlakeconsulting.com/COPT/intro/orthopedic.html

Teaching Strategies

In order for the student to access the general curriculum, the student may require these accommodations:

• Special seating arrangements to develop useful posture and movements
• Instruction focused on development of gross and fine motor skills
• Securing suitable augmentative communication and other assistive devices
• Awareness of medical condition and its affect on the student (such as getting tired quickly)

Because of the multi-faceted nature of orthopedic impairments, other specialists may be involved in developing and implementing an appropriate educational program for the student. These specialists can include:

• Physical Therapists who work on gross motor skills (focusing on the legs, back, neck and torso)
• Occupational Therapists who work on fine motor skills (focusing on the arms and hands as well as daily living activities such as dressing and bathing)
• Speech-Language Pathologists who work with the student on problems with speech and language
• Adapted Physical Education Teachers, who are specially trained PE teachers who work along with the OT and PT to develop an exercise program to help students with disabilities
• Other Therapists (Massage Therapists, Music Therapists, etc.)***