Physically Impaired

Referral Process

Screening for vision, hearing, speech and language.

For orthopedic impairment or other health impairment

• a medical exam was conducted

• an educational evaluation identifies educational and environmental adjustment needed

For traumatic brain injured

• a medical exam was conducted

• a report of observations by more than one person

• a report of screenings or evaluations in each of the areas is included:
  - cognitive and information processing strengths and deficits
  - academic functioning
  - fine and gross motor skills
  - communication skills
  - behavior and emotional status
  - adaptive skills
  - a neuropsychological evaluation may be requested

Eligibility

Students who are orthopedically impaired.  A student is eligible for a special program for the physically impaired if the student has an orthopedic impairment which significantly limits the student's ability to move about, sit or manipulate the materials required for learning; or affects ambulation, posture or body use necessary in school work.

Students who are other health impaired.  A student is eligible for a special program for the physically impaired if the student has a health impairment which results in reduced efficiency in school work because of temporary or chronic lack of strength, vitality or alertness.

Students with traumatic brain injury.  A student is eligible for a special program for the physically impaired if the student has acquired an external injury to the brain as documented by a medical report; and has significant difficulty requiring an adaptation to the school routine, school environment, or curriculum in one or more of the following areas: 

Support Services

Students receive instructional support through the special education and related services provide as determined through the individual education plan (IEP) process.  Special education teachers provide:

1. instruction in special education including curriculum an learning strategies, independent functioning, social/emotional behavior, and communication, and 
2. skill development through related services including orientation and mobility services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.

Other instructional support services includes:

1. audiology
2. counseling provided by qualified personnel
3. early identification and assessment
4. medical services to determine medically related disability resulting in the need for special education
5. parent counseling and training
6. psychological services
7. recreation
8. rehabilitation
9. school health services
10. social work
11. transportation
12. transition (school to work services)

Curriculum

A student who meets the criteria shall be served in any program or combination of programs for students with or without disabilities as determined by the student's strengths and goals recorded on the individual education plan (IEP).

• Academic instruction designed for each student's needs and abilities
• Integration into regular education whenever possible
• Emphasis on independence in personal development
• Special furniture, equipment, materials and supplies

Training

• Functional Behavioral Assessment Training
• Reading Strategies
• Social Skills Training - Project Adventure
• Classroom Engineering & Programming for the Moderate to Severe Population
• Wilson Reading System
• Disability Awareness Training
• Peer Pals Training
• More Alike than Different
• Communication: A Keystone to Collaboration
• Disability Awareness & Accommodations for Vocational Courses
• The Teacher/Paraprofessional Relationship
• Procedural Safeguards - Understanding the Rules