Other Health Impairments
“Other Health Impairment” is one of the 14 categories of disability
listed in our nation’s special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA). Under IDEA, a child who has an “other health impairment”
is very likely to be eligible for special services to help the child address
his or Before we launch into more about how to access those services, let’s
look at how IDEA defines “other health impairment.” That definition, in
combination with a state’s policies, is a very important factor in whether or
not a child is found eligible for services.
IDEA states that:
Other health impairment means having limited strength, vitality, or alertness, including a heightened alertness to environmental stimuli, that results in limited alertness with respect to the educational environment, that--
(i) Is due to chronic or acute health problems such as asthma, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, epilepsy, a heart condition, hemophilia, lead poisoning, leukemia, nephritis, rheumatic fever, sickle cell anemia, and Tourette syndrome; and
(ii) Adversely affects a child’s educational performance. [§300.8(c)(9)]
What’s immediately clear from this definition is that there are quite a few disabilities and disorders that fall under the umbrella of “other health impairment.” And those disabilities are very different from one another. This makes it difficult for us to summarize “other health impairment” and connect you with more information and guidance on the subject.
We’d also like to point out that IDEA’s definition uses the phrase “such as…” That’s significant. It means that the disabilities listed are not the only ones that may be considered when a child’s eligibility for special services under IDEA is decided. A child with another health impairment (one not listed in IDEA’s definition) may be found eligible for special services and assistance. What’s central to all the disabilities falling under “Other Health Impairment” is that the child must have:
The above information was taken from http://nichcy.org/disability/specific/ohi.
It is also important to note that HIV/AIDS is also considered to be an OHI. In Trinidad and Tobago there is a continuing increase in the number of young people acquiring and living with HIV/AIDS. The following link show an article from the Trinidad Guardian which discusses statistics on young people living with this disease.
HIV/AIDS and young people
The following link provides further information on testing and treatment services in Trinidad and Tobago.
HIV/AIDS in Trinidad and Tobago
As such because of the nature of the disability one might wonder exactly what assistive technology tools would be useful in dealing with these students. The answer is ALL.
The following power points provide definitions as well as insight into what sort of assistive technology devices can be used for students with OHIs.
Other Health Impairments
The OHI Trail
IDEA states that:
Other health impairment means having limited strength, vitality, or alertness, including a heightened alertness to environmental stimuli, that results in limited alertness with respect to the educational environment, that--
(i) Is due to chronic or acute health problems such as asthma, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, epilepsy, a heart condition, hemophilia, lead poisoning, leukemia, nephritis, rheumatic fever, sickle cell anemia, and Tourette syndrome; and
(ii) Adversely affects a child’s educational performance. [§300.8(c)(9)]
What’s immediately clear from this definition is that there are quite a few disabilities and disorders that fall under the umbrella of “other health impairment.” And those disabilities are very different from one another. This makes it difficult for us to summarize “other health impairment” and connect you with more information and guidance on the subject.
We’d also like to point out that IDEA’s definition uses the phrase “such as…” That’s significant. It means that the disabilities listed are not the only ones that may be considered when a child’s eligibility for special services under IDEA is decided. A child with another health impairment (one not listed in IDEA’s definition) may be found eligible for special services and assistance. What’s central to all the disabilities falling under “Other Health Impairment” is that the child must have:
- limited strength, vitality, or alertness due to chronic health problems; and
- an educational performance that is negatively affected as a result.
The above information was taken from http://nichcy.org/disability/specific/ohi.
It is also important to note that HIV/AIDS is also considered to be an OHI. In Trinidad and Tobago there is a continuing increase in the number of young people acquiring and living with HIV/AIDS. The following link show an article from the Trinidad Guardian which discusses statistics on young people living with this disease.
HIV/AIDS and young people
The following link provides further information on testing and treatment services in Trinidad and Tobago.
HIV/AIDS in Trinidad and Tobago
As such because of the nature of the disability one might wonder exactly what assistive technology tools would be useful in dealing with these students. The answer is ALL.
The following power points provide definitions as well as insight into what sort of assistive technology devices can be used for students with OHIs.
Other Health Impairments
The OHI Trail