Components of IDEA Definitions Orthopedic Impairment (OI) Dysfunction of bones, joints, limbs, and associated muscles Dysfunction of central nervous system affecting movement Adversely affecting educational performance Other Health Impairment (OHI) Limited strength, vitality, or alertness due to chronic or acute health problems Many children with OI and OHI receive services under other categories Some do not require specialized educational services Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 12-1

Orthopedic Impairments Cerebral Palsy Permanent disorder of voluntary movement and posture Little relation between impairment and intellectual development Classified according to muscle tone and motor movement Spina Bifida Congenital defect in the vertebra that enclose the spinal cord Can result in paralysis below affected vertebra Hydrocephalic condition common; treated with a shunt Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 12-2

Orthopedic Impairments Muscular Dystrophy Progressive weakening and degeneration of the muscles Little relation between impairment and intellectual development Spinal Cord Injuries Caused by fracture, stretching, or compression of spinal cord Car accidents, sports injuries, and violence most common causes Result in paralysis below affected vertebra Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 12-3

Other Health Impairments Seizure disorder (epilepsy) Caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain Three different categories based on severity Seizures can be controlled with medicine Diabetes Chronic disorder of metabolism Body unable to breakdown sugar Treated with insulin, diet, and exercise Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 12-4

Other Health Impairments Asthma Chronic lung disease resulting in a narrowing of airways Leading cause of absenteeism in school Cystic Fibrosis Genetic disorder affecting pulmonary and digestive systems Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Children afforded legal protection under Section 504 Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 12-5

Characteristics Children are more different than alike Classification based on symptoms of little use in educational planning For no other group of exceptional learner is the continuum of educational services more relevant Three important factors that affect educational needs Age of onset - children with congenital or acquired impairments have different needs Visibility - the visibility of impairment may cause some to underestimate the child’s abilities and limit opportunities Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 12-6

Traumatic Brain Injury Definition an acquired injury to the brain Resulting in total or partial functional disability Adversely affects a child’s educational performance TBI is the most common acquired disability in childhood Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 12-7

Educational Approaches for Children with OI, OHI, and TBI Often involve the collaboration of an interdisciplinary team Teachers Physical, occupational, and speech therapists, Other health care specialists (e.g., heath care aids) Children with physical disabilities may also need environmental modifications Examples include, wheelchair accessible classrooms, or other assistive technology Inclusive attitude on the part of teaches and non-disabled peers Students should be encouraged to develop as much independence as possible Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 12-8

Current Issues and Future Trends Related services in the classroom Teachers will need to make accommodations for related services in the classroom New and emerging technology Myoelectric (bionic) limbs Robotics Animal assistance Canine helpers in the classroom Employment, life skills, and self-advocacy Vocational and professional opportunities must be expanded Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. 12-9