Orthopedic Impairment

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Home > OSL&P > Special Education > IDEA Eligibility Categories > Orthopedic Impairment

Orthopedic Impairment: Means a motor disability that adversely affects the child's educational performance. The term includes impairments caused by an anomaly, disease or other conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, spinal bifida, muscular dystrophy or traumatic injury). OAR 581-015-2000(4)(g)

OAR 581-015-2160 Orthopedic Impairment Eligibility Criteria
(1) If a child is suspected of having an orthopedic impairment, the following evaluation must be conducted:
   (a) Medical or health assessment statement. A medical statement or a health assessment statement indicating a diagnosis of an orthopedic or neuromotor impairment or a description of the motor impairment;
   (b) Motor assessment. A standardized motor assessment, including the areas of fine motor, gross motor and self-help, when appropriate, by a specialist knowledgeable about orthopedic or neuromotor development;
   (c) Other:
    (A) Any additional assessments necessary to determine the impact of the suspected disability:
     (i) On the child's educational performance for a school-age child; or
     (ii) On the child's developmental progress for a preschool child; and
   (d) Any additional evaluations or assessments necessary to identify the child's educational needs.
(2) To be eligible as a child with an orthopedic impairment, the child must meet all of the following minimum criteria:
   (a) The child has a motor impairment that results in deficits in the quality, speed or accuracy of movement. These deficits must be documented by a score of two or more standard deviations below the mean in fine motor skills, gross motor skills, or self-help skills, or functional deficits in at least two of these three motor areas; and
   (b) The child's condition is permanent or is expected to last for more than 60 calendar days.
(3) For a child to be eligible for special education services as a child with an orthopedic impairment, the eligibility team must also determine that:
   (a) The child's disability has an adverse impact on the child's educational performance; and
   (b) The child needs special education services as a result of the disability.

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