Orthopedic Impairment: Supporting Students with Physical Movement Needs
- Lyssete Tagulao
- Jul 11
- 2 min read
Definition
According to IDEA, Orthopedic Impairment refers to a physical disability that seriously affects a student’s ability to move or control their body and impacts their educational performance. This includes conditions caused by birth defects (like cerebral palsy), diseases (like bone tuberculosis), or other causes (like amputations or injuries). These impairments can be permanent or temporary and may require physical support in school.
Characteristics
Students with orthopedic impairments may:
Have limited movement or muscle control
Use mobility devices like wheelchairs, walkers, or braces
Tire easily during physical activities
Have difficulty writing or using classroom tools
Need help getting around school or adjusting to physical spaces
Learn at the same rate as peers but need physical accommodations
Accommodations & Modifications
To support students with orthopedic impairments, educators can:
Provide accessible seating and workspaces
Allow use of assistive technology (voice-to-text, adapted keyboards)
Give extra time for moving between classes or finishing tasks
Offer physical support (paraprofessionals, mobility aids)
Adapt PE and classroom activities
Ensure classrooms and restrooms are wheelchair accessible
Collaborate with occupational and physical therapists
Resources
Provides detailed information on various orthopedic conditions (like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy) and guides for working with affected students in school settings.
A downloadable PDF offering tips on seating, assistive tech, and mobility considerations for school settings
A 9-minute video showing real classroom strategies and adaptive tools used to support students with orthopedic needs.
4. 📖 Book: Meeting Physical and Health Needs of Children with Disabilities: Teaching Student Participation and Management
Offers evidence-based techniques for supporting mobility, positioning, health needs, and classroom participation for students with physical disabilities.
An up-to-date online guide featuring assistive devices such as adaptive seating, switches, and mobility aids, along with expert advice for implementation.
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