005.18.35-G. Orthopedic Impairment.
AR ADC 005.18.35-GArkansas Administrative Code
Ark. Admin. Code 005.18.35-G
005.18.35-G. Orthopedic Impairment.
“Orthopedic impairment” means a severe orthopedic impairment that adversely affects a child's educational performance. The term includes impairments caused by congenital anomaly (e.g., clubfoot, absence of some member, etc.), impairments caused by disease (e.g., poliomyelitis, bone tuberculosis, etc.), and impairments from other causes (e.g., cerebral palsy, amputations, and fractures or burns which cause contractures).
The referral characteristics for the student with an orthopedic impairment (OI) fall more into the area of physical characteristics. These may include paralysis, unsteady gait, poor muscle control, loss of limb, etc. An orthopedic impairment may also impede speech production and the expressive language of the child. It is important to note that appropriate seating/positioning of the child is of primary consideration for effective screening, evaluation and instruction.
A comprehensive language screening measure is required. Screening instruments must be established and validated for such use and assess areas of receptive and expressive language. These instruments cannot be a single-word vocabulary measure only. Review of social, educational, and communication history and/or classroom observation of communicative abilities should also be utilized.
If the student fails the screening or if language is identified as a problem area, a diagnostic measure is required. If communicative abilities cannot be determined through standardized measures, alternative assessment measures must be utilized.
To be eligible for special education and related services as a student with an orthopedic impairment, the following must be present:
Once an orthopedic impairment has been identified, any barriers to the student's access to education must be eliminated. Many times an adverse affect on educational performance will not be present once the barriers have been eliminated.
Evaluation data should be analyzed further to determine if learning, communicative, behavioral, perceptual and/or motor problems exist which may require intervention.
Programming may need to address such things as communication skills, academic skills, perceptual and/or motor functioning, behavior and self-sufficiency. The need for augmentative/alternative communication systems and/or assistive technology must be considered when designing the student's program. [Refer to Assistive Technology, §§ 2.03, 2.04 and 5.08 of Special Education and Related Services: Procedural Requirements and Program Standards (ADE, 2000).] The student with an orthopedic impairment must be given the opportunity to participate in physical education. Such a program may include regular or special physical education, adaptive physical education, movement education and/or motor development.
Current with amendments received through May 15, 2024. Some sections may be more current, see credit for details.
Ark. Admin. Code 005.18.35-G, AR ADC 005.18.35-G
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