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.