Physical Disabilities or Chronic Health Impairments

Definition

A student is considered to have a physical disability or chronic health impairment based on the need for special educational services due to one or more of the following:

nervous system impairment that impacts movement or mobility;
musculoskeletal condition; and/or
chronic health impairment that seriously impacts students’ education and achievement.

A medical diagnosis, by itself, does not determine the need for special educational services by students with physical disabilities or chronic health impairments.

Symptoms and Assessment

Assessments should integrate current, relevant information related to the student's intellectual, social/emotional, sensory, physical and communicative abilities as well as his or her ability to perform activities of daily living at school. Individual Education Plans should take into account specific health care and personal care needs, and outline specific strategies to address those needs. An extended school-based team would typically include medical professionals and consultation with parents in order to develop and implement an effective IEP.

Strategies

Medical diagnosis, by itself, does not determine the special educational services required by a student with physical disabilities or chronic health impairments. It is the extent and impact of the physical/medical condition on the student’s functioning, and the consequent need for services which enable him or her to access an educational program and participate in a meaningful way, that are the determinants.

For some students, increasing dependence is expected due to degenerative conditions or terminal illnesses. It is important that these students be encouraged to maintain normal routines as long as possible. At the same time, it is essential that the educational system affirm the rights of students and families to participate meaningfully in the individualization of the student's educational program. Health care plans will need regular updating and will need to include emergency procedures to meet individual needs and circumstances.

Students with physical disabilities or chronic health impairments should have opportunities to participate in school activities to the greatest extent possible. Adaptations to facilities or equipment to allow access to school areas and programs should be made where physical barriers exist. Refer to Appendix H.1 Accessible School Facilities Planning for more information.

My Education, My Profession

by Marian Minar