Orthopedic Impairment - What Is an

Orthopedic Impairment?
By Ann Logsdon
Learning Disabilities Expert
Definition: Orthopedic Impairment - An orthopedic impairment, as defined by the IDEA, is a
bodily impairment that is severe enough to negatively affect a childs educational performance.
This disability category includes all orthopedic impairments, regardless of cause. Examples of
potential causes of orthopedic impairment include genetic abnormality, disease, injury, birth
trauma, amputation, burns, or other causes.
People with orthopedic impairments usually need physical accommodations or assistive
technology in work and life and have legal rights to this support under the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Also Known As: Orthopedic impairments are sometimes called physical disabilities or other
health impairments.
Common Misspellings: orthopaedic impairments
Examples: Disabling physical problems such as those resulting from poliomyelitis, bone
tuberculosis, cerebral palsy, amputations, and fractures or contractures from burns would be
considered as orthopedic impairments under the IDEA.