Orthopedic Impairments Fact Sheet by Jamiya Starks

What are orthopedic impairments?

jamiyastarks324 — 2025-03-27 01:50:39 UTC

Orthopedic Impairments often refer to physical disabilities or conditions that mostly affect the musculoskeletal system. This is considered a blanket term because many conditions can fall under an orthopedic impairment. Conditions such as scoliosis, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy are all examples of orthopedic impairments. The challenges of orthopedic impairments can affect learning, day-to-day functions, and even one's social life.

Common abbreviations include:

Orthopedic Impairment (OI)

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Scoliosis (SCL)

Muscular Dystrophy (MD)

Characteristics of orthopedic impairments

jamiyastarks324 — 2025-03-27 02:09:03 UTC

Characteristics of those who have orthopedic impairments can vary based on the location and the severity of their condition. Some general characteristics that most people face include

Physical:

-Limited Mobility

-Assistive Devices

-Pain and Discomfort

Cognitive:

-Adaptability

-Anxiety

Accommodations & Adaptability

jamiyastarks324 — 2025-03-27 02:21:23 UTC

-Extended time for assignments

-Specialized equipment

-Individualized Education Program (IEP)

-Frequent Breaks

-504 Plan

-Test-taking arrangments

-Modified Activites

Identification Procedures & Service Delivery

jamiyastarks324 — 2025-03-27 02:43:43 UTC

Students who have orthopedic impairments are able to be in classrooms, while some students may need additional assistance. For students who need additional assistance, IEPs or Individualized Education Programs are used to assess whether or not a student needs adapted seating, extended times for assignments, smaller classrooms, and many more adaptable procedures for students. A 504 Plan is also needed to help support students. The 504 plan ensures that students have the same educational opportunities as others. It is also very similar to an IEP because there may be seating arrangements and modifications used to better support the student.

Behavior Management & Social Strategies

jamiyastarks324 — 2025-03-27 02:58:02 UTC

Some behavioral management and social strategies for those with orthopedic impairments include

- Individual strategies to manage frustration, such as expressing their emotions verbally or practicing relaxation techniques.

- Make sure the environment is fully accessible with features like ramps, accessible restrooms, and appropriate seating, and adjust tasks to suit individual needs.

- Incorporate tools like communication devices, adaptive writing instruments, or mobility aids to foster independence and minimize frustration.

-Emphasize positive reinforcement through praise and recognition of desired behaviors.

3 Resources For Teachers

jamiyastarks324 — 2025-03-27 03:13:21 UTC

National: Project Ideal showcases ways educators can improve strategies to better support students with orthopedic impairments.

https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/classroom-resources/exceptional-children/resources-for-educators#:~:text=Accessible%20Education%20Materials%20General%20Information,-Co%2D%20Leads:&text=org.,with%20the%20Public%20School%20Unit.

State: The NC Department of Instruction explains orthopedic impairments as well as other conditions. It also goes into detail about supporting students.

https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/classroom-resources/exceptional-children/programs-services

Local: Public schools that offer services for orthopedic students, such as mobility instruction and occupational therapy.

3 Resources for Parents

jamiyastarks324 — 2025-03-27 03:24:53 UTC

National: The federation for children with special needs provides parents with resources such as insurance, family support, and parent-to-parent support groups.

https://prepparents.org/resources/for-parents/special-education-parent-guides/north-carolina-special/

State: The NC PREP Program teaches parents about special education and how to access their child's needs when it comes to public education.

https://www.lcpsnc.org/services/exceptional-children

Local: Lenoir County Public Schools provides parents with different services for their children, including therapists and behavioral support.

Sources

jamiyastarks324 — 2025-03-27 03:28:01 UTC

Orthopedic Physician Associates. (2022, December 24). Orthopedic Impairment: Definition, Characteristics, Causes & Types | OPA. OPA Ortho. https://www.opaortho.com/what-is-orthopedic-impairment/

‌

What Is an Orthopedic Impairment? (2020, June 26). Bowen Hefley Orthopedics. https://www.drbillhefley.com/what-is-an-orthopedic-impairment/

‌

Danville Community College. (n.d.). Mobility and orthopedic disabilities. Danville Community College. https://danville.edu/mobility-and-orthopedic-disabilities

‌