About Orthopedic Impairment and IEP Accommodations

Orthopedic Impairment covers physical disabilities that affect a student's ability to move, write, or physically participate in school activities. This includes conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, amputations, and other conditions affecting bones, joints, or muscles.

Accommodations focus on physical access and alternative methods for tasks that require motor skills. Examples include wheelchair accessibility, adaptive equipment for writing and computer use, modified PE, extra time to move between classes, and adjustments to the physical layout of the classroom.

Students with orthopedic impairments often have typical cognitive abilities but face physical barriers to participation. The IEP should ensure full access to the curriculum, not a reduced one. If your child cannot write by hand, they should have access to a computer. If they cannot participate in standard PE, adapted PE should be provided.

All Orthopedic Impairment Accommodations

66 accommodations for students with Orthopedic Impairment, with plain-English explanations for parents.

Allow use of scribe to record student responses

Your child tells their answers to an aide who writes down exactly what they say, word-for-word, without correcting grammar or spelling.

Testing & Assessment

Allow oral responses instead of written answers

Your child can answer questions by talking aloud instead of writing, and an aide records their responses.

Testing & Assessment

Provide test in paper format instead of computer-based

Your child takes the test on paper instead of on a computer if the computer version is harder for them to use.

Testing & Assessment

Provide test in digital format instead of paper-based

Your child takes the test on a computer where they can use text-to-speech, change font size, or use other digital tools.

Testing & Assessment

Allow writing directly in test booklet instead of bubble sheets

Your child writes answers directly in the test booklet instead of filling in bubbles on a Scantron sheet.

Testing & Assessment

Allow student to type assignments instead of handwriting

Your child can use a computer or keyboard to complete writing assignments instead of writing by hand, making it easier to show what they know without struggling with penmanship.

Writing & Handwriting

Provide a scribe to transcribe student's dictated responses

Your child can tell a trained scribe what they want to write, and the scribe types or writes it down exactly as dictated without offering corrections or suggestions.

Writing & Handwriting

Allow use of speech-to-text or dictation software

Your child can speak into a device or computer that converts their words into written text, bypassing the need to type or handwrite.

Writing & Handwriting

Exclude handwriting and neatness from grading criteria

Teachers will grade your child on what they wrote (ideas and content), not how neat the handwriting is or how it looks on the page.

Writing & Handwriting

Provide designated note-taker or copies of class notes

Your child will receive a photocopy of another student's or teacher's notes instead of having to write down everything said in class.

Writing & Handwriting

Reduce length of writing assignments

Your child will complete shorter writing tasks that still practice the same skills but require less physical effort or stamina.

Writing & Handwriting

Allow substitutes for long written assignments (oral, poster, presentation)

Your child can show their learning through a poster, oral presentation, video, or other format instead of writing a long essay or report.

Writing & Handwriting

Omit or reduce copying assignments from board or textbook

Your child will not be required to copy material from the board or book; the teacher will provide printed copies instead.

Writing & Handwriting

Provide pencil grips or adaptive writing tools

Your child will use specially designed grips or tools that make holding a pencil easier and more comfortable for writing.

Writing & Handwriting

Provide slant board or slanted writing surface

Your child will write on a tilted surface that improves posture and makes handwriting easier and more legible.

Writing & Handwriting

Allow use of whiteboard or tablet for writing practice

Your child can practice writing on a whiteboard or digital tablet instead of paper, making corrections easier and reducing frustration.

Writing & Handwriting

Provide extra space or paper for writing responses

Your child will have extra room on tests or worksheets to spread out their writing, reducing the physical demands of staying within tight spaces.

Writing & Handwriting

Allow extended time to complete writing assignments

Your child will have extra time to complete writing tasks without rushing, reducing frustration and allowing for more thoughtful work.

Writing & Handwriting

Do not require recopying of work for neatness

Your child will not have to write out assignments again just because the handwriting isn't neat, saving time and reducing frustration.

Writing & Handwriting

Provide access to alternate keyboards or adaptive typing devices

Your child can use a special keyboard or typing device (like eye-gaze or adapted keys) that makes typing possible and easier.

Writing & Handwriting

Allow verbal responses or tape-recorded answers when needed

Your child can give answers by speaking aloud or recording them instead of writing, allowing them to demonstrate knowledge without writing.

Writing & Handwriting

Provide speech-to-text software for written assignments and assessments

Your child can speak their answers aloud and the computer converts them to typed text, so they don't have to struggle with handwriting or typing.

Assistive Technology & Communication Devices

Allow word prediction software for writing tasks

Your child types a few letters and the software suggests words to complete, reducing typing effort and improving spelling.

Assistive Technology & Communication Devices

Allow oral responses instead of written responses on assignments and tests

Your child can answer questions by speaking instead of writing, showing what they know without the burden of writing.

Assistive Technology & Communication Devices

Provide access to a scribe for dictation of responses

An adult writes down or types what your child dictates, so their ideas are captured without them having to write.

Assistive Technology & Communication Devices

Allow use of computer for completing and submitting assignments

Your child can type assignments on a computer instead of writing by hand, making their work legible and easier to produce.

Assistive Technology & Communication Devices

Allow use of adapted or ergonomic keyboard and mouse for computer access

Your child uses specially designed keyboards or pointing devices that fit their physical abilities, making typing more comfortable.

Assistive Technology & Communication Devices

Allow extended time for technology setup and troubleshooting during tests

Your child gets extra time at the start of tests to set up and test their assistive technology before the test begins.

Assistive Technology & Communication Devices

Allow use of speech-to-text on open-ended and essay responses

Your child speaks their essay or paragraph answers into a computer for tests, bypassing the need to type or write.

Assistive Technology & Communication Devices

Provide pre-written worksheets so student doesn't copy problems

Instead of copying problems from the board or textbook, your child receives worksheets with all problems already printed to save time and frustration.

Assignment Presentation & Workload

Allow alternative response formats (typed, verbal, selected-response)

Your child can type answers instead of writing by hand, answer verbally, or select from multiple-choice options rather than writing out responses.

Assignment Presentation & Workload

Reduce paper-and-pencil work; allow digital alternatives

Your child types assignments on a computer, uses speech-to-text, or uses a tablet instead of writing by hand.

Assignment Presentation & Workload

Allow oral responses or verbal work-through instead of written answers

Your child can explain their thinking aloud or answer questions verbally instead of writing everything down.

Assignment Presentation & Workload

Allow extended time to move between classes or to and from lunch

Your child gets a few extra minutes to get to the next class without rushing or using stairs/hallways when they're crowded.

Time Management & Transitions

Allow extended time in the bathroom (including timed bathroom breaks)

Your child can take bathroom breaks at set times (e.g., every 60–90 minutes) without it interrupting instruction, or gets extra time when needed.

Time Management & Transitions

Allow extended time during meals or self-feeding activities

Your child is given unhurried time during lunch or snack to eat at their own pace without pressure.

Time Management & Transitions

Allow extended time for eating and self-care activities throughout the day

Your child is given unhurried time for getting dressed, washing hands, eating, and other daily care tasks.

Time Management & Transitions

Provide ergonomic seating with proper desk/table height

Your child will have a desk and chair adjusted so their feet rest flat on the floor and elbows are at table height, reducing fatigue and improving focus.

Classroom Environment & Seating

Ensure physical classroom accessibility for mobility needs

The school will ensure your child's classroom has accessible pathways, seating, and facilities so they can move around safely and independently.

Classroom Environment & Seating

Provide a second set of textbooks and materials to keep at home

Your child will have their own copy of textbooks and materials at home, so they don't have to carry heavy books back and forth every day.

Organization & Executive Functioning

Assign preferential locker location near classrooms or main areas

Your child's locker will be placed in a convenient location close to their classrooms so they don't have to walk far between classes.

Organization & Executive Functioning

Allow extended time for medication administration or medical procedures during the school day

Your child can take time during the school day to take medication, use medical equipment, or receive treatments without losing instructional time or facing penalties.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Provide nurse or trained staff support for tube feeding, catheter care, or stoma management

A school nurse or trained aide will administer tube feedings, catheter care, or stoma care during the school day so your child receives necessary medical support.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Provide preferential seating near the teacher, door, or nurse's office

Your child sits in a location chosen to support their medical, physical, or sensory needs—such as close to the teacher, near an exit, or close to the nurse's office.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Ensure wheelchair accessibility, including accessible desks, pathways, and bathrooms

The school will ensure your child can navigate the classroom and school building safely, with accessible desks, ramps, elevators, and bathrooms.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Provide adjustable-height or adaptive furniture (standing desk, positioning chair, etc.)

Your child will have a desk, chair, or other furniture that can be adjusted to fit their physical positioning needs and help them work comfortably.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Allow frequent breaks for medical needs, bathroom use, or physical movement

Your child can take breaks as needed without penalty—to use the bathroom, see the nurse, take medication, stretch, or move around.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Provide accessible adaptive toilet seat and private changing station for toileting needs

Your child will have access to an appropriate toilet seat, sturdy handrails, and a private, clean space for diaper changes or toileting support.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Allow access to nurse's office or medical station during the day without penalty

Your child can visit the nurse's office as needed for medication, medical equipment, rest, or support without missing important instruction or losing recess.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Provide modified or accessible seating for special events, assemblies, and field trips

Your child will have appropriate seating during school assemblies, field trips, and special events that accommodates their physical or medical needs.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Allow protective gear or adaptations for outdoor activities (sun-protective hat, lighter ball, etc.)

Your child can wear a hat for sun protection, use a lighter ball for sports, or access alternative playground equipment designed for their physical abilities.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Provide 1:1 aide on school transportation for medical support or safety

A trained aide will ride the school bus with your child to provide medical assistance, monitor for safety concerns, or help with mobility needs.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Provide home or hospital instruction when student cannot attend school due to medical reasons

If your child is hospitalized or unable to attend school for medical reasons, the school will provide instruction at home or in the hospital.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Allow use of specific utensils, cups, straws, or adaptive eating equipment

Your child can use specially designed utensils, cups, or straws that help them eat and drink independently and safely.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Provide modified or lighter equipment for physical education and sports activities

Your child can use lighter, softer, or modified sports equipment during PE class and sports activities that match their physical abilities.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Ensure classroom workspace is organized for safe physical navigation and accessibility

The teacher will arrange desks, supplies, and pathways so your child can move safely and independently around the classroom.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Provide elevator key access for teachers and aides so student doesn't have to wait

Teachers and aides who work with your child will have elevator keys so your child isn't delayed getting to class or arriving on time.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Allow adapted or alternative writing utensils (pencil grips, weighted pens, etc.)

Your child can use special pencil grips, weighted pens, or other adapted writing tools to help them hold and control pencils or pens more easily.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Provide a calculator or alternative tools for math without penalty to content mastery

Your child can use a calculator or other tools to show their math understanding without having to do hand calculations if they have physical disabilities.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Modify test format or location (seated at a table, extra space, separate room, etc.)

Your child can take tests at a specially set-up table, in a separate quiet room, or with extra space to accommodate their physical needs.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Provide wheelchair-accessible testing stations and accessible desks for assessments

Your child will take tests and complete assignments at wheelchair-accessible tables and desks with appropriate spacing.

Health, Medical & Physical Accessibility

Allow verbal responses instead of written answers for math problems

Your child can explain or say their math answer aloud to the teacher instead of writing it down, if writing is difficult.

Math Support

Provide frequent movement breaks throughout the day

Your child gets scheduled breaks to move around and stretch—either by walking in the halls, doing exercises, or running an errand—to help them refocus.

Sensory & Movement Needs

Allow flexible seating options (wobble stools, standing desks, rockers)

Your child can sit on a special seat that moves (like a wobble stool) or stand at a desk instead of sitting still in a regular chair.

Sensory & Movement Needs

Allow use of standing desk or lectern to alternate between sitting and standing

Your child can stand while working at a high desk or lectern to help them stay alert and engaged.

Sensory & Movement Needs

Provide seating with back support or positioning aids for postural stability

Your child's seat has special supports to help them sit safely and comfortably with proper posture.

Sensory & Movement Needs

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