Academic achievement significantly below age-appropriate norms in the basic skill areas or, where norms are not available, markedly deviate from the performance of age peers. Critical deviations noted in a and b above shall not be the result of sensory, environmental, or emotional deficits which would best be addressed in other programs. The term does not include students who are deaf and blind. Orthopedic Impairment Students who have orthopedic impairments are those whose physical conditions adversely affect their educational performance and result in the need for special provisions for educational purposes. Muscular or neuromuscular disabilities which significantly limit the ability to move about, sit, or manipulate the materials required for learning and self-care.
Examples are cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord injury.
Skeletal deformities or abnormalities which affect ambulation, posture, and body use. Examples are congenital anomaly, spinal deformity, osteogenesis imperfecta, amputations, and contractures resulting from burns or fractures. Other Health Impairment Students who qualify for other health impairment are those with limited strength, vitality, or alertness from chronic or acute health problems which adversely affect their educational performance. Current documentation by a physician of the health problem is required. Evidence that the health problems have so affected strength, vitality, or alertness that they have resulted in, or can be expected to result in, protracted periods of school absences or inability to participate fully in a regular school day.