Special Needs And Physical Impairments
What are "physical and orthopedic impairments"?
Physical and orthopedic impairments are blanket terms used to cover any severe physical abnormality that inhibits the student from being able to access the general curriculum successfully. Physical or orthopedic impairments can be caused by congenital abnormalities such as club foot; disease such as bone tuberculosis; or other factors such as cerebral palsy.
Are there different types of programs for students with physical impairments?
There are different types of programs for students with physical or orthopaedic impairments. The type of program available to the child will depend largely on the type of disability as well as severity of the disability and how that disability negatively impacts their education or their access to their education. Placement could span the entire spectrum from special day class to full inclusion in the general education depending on the outcome of the IEP meeting.
Are all physically-impaired students eligible for special education programs?
Students with physical or orthopaedic impairments are only eligible for special education if the initial IEP team meeting determines that they are eligible for special education programs. Not all students with disabilities are automatically found to be eligible for special education services or supports. It is through the IEP process that eligibility is determined, and then the appropriate placement or services are determined and given to the child.