OHI stands for Other Health Impairment and is a disability category used in special education.
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Overview
The term “OHI” stands for “other health impairment.” It is a category of disability used in special education. OHI can refer to a wide range of impairments, including chronic health conditions, mental health conditions, and physical disabilities.
What is OHI?
OHI stands for Other Health Impairment. It is a disability category used in special education. Children with OHI have physical or mental health problems that affect their ability to learn. Many children with OHI also have other disabilities, such as ADHD or LD.
What are the different types of OHI?
There are four different types of OHI:
1. Auditory: This type of OHI includes difficulties with hearing. It can make it hard to hear sounds or follow conversations.
2. Visual: This type of OHI includes difficulties with vision. It can make it hard to see things clearly or far away.
3. Physical: This type of OHI includes difficulties with movement. It can make it hard to move around or use your hands and fingers.
4. unidentified: This type of OHI means that the exact cause of the problem is not known.
Eligibility
A student must have an educational disability and require specialized instruction and related services in order to access the curriculum and make progress in school, in order for the student to be eligible for special education services.
How is OHI determined?
There are three parts to the evaluation process to determine if a student has a disability and is eligible for special education services.
1. The school team looks at the student’s educational records, including any previous IEPs or 504 plans.
2. The team talks to the student’s teachers, parents, and other school staff who know the student well. They may also talk to people who work with the student outside of school.
3. The team gives the student some tests or other evaluations to find out more about the student’s specific areas of need.
The team uses all this information to answer two main questions:
1. Does the student have a disability that affects their ability to learn?
2. Does the student need special education and related services to help them learn?
If the answer to both questions is “yes,” then the student is eligible for special education services.
What are the eligibility requirements for OHI?
To be eligible for OHI services, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that adversely affects the student’s educational performance and requires special education and related services. The physical or mental impairment can be one or more of the following:
-Autism
-Deaf-blindness
-Deafness
-Hearing impairment
-Multiple disabilities
-Orthopedic impairment
-Other health impairments
-Specific learning disability
-Traumatic brain injury
-Visual impairment
Services
OHI stands for Other Health Impairment. It is a disability category used in the special education system. OHI includes conditions that affect a child’s ability to learn. These can be physical, mental, or emotional impairments.
What types of services are available for students with OHI?
There are a variety of services that can be provided to students with OHI. These services can be provided in the school setting, in the home, or in the community. Some of the services that may be available include:
-Individualized education programs (IEPs)
-Related services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy)
-Early intervention services
-Specialized instruction
-Behavioral supports
-Assistive technology
How are services determined for students with OHI?
Students with OHI may receive a range of special education and related services depending on their unique needs. These services may include, but are not limited to, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) team, which includes the student’s parents or guardians, will determine the types and frequency of services that a student will receive.
Individualized Education Program
Every student who receives special education services has an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This is a written plan that is developed by you, your child’s teachers, and other school personnel. The IEP describes the types of services and support that your child will receive.
What is an IEP?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written document that describes the special education and related services that will be provided to a student with a disability.
The IEP is developed by a team of people who know the student, including:
-Parents or guardians
-Teachers
-School psychologists
-Special education professionals
-The student (if appropriate)
How is an IEP developed for a student with OHI?
When a student is first evaluated and it is determined that they are eligible for special education services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team is convened. This team includes the student’s parents or guardians, teachers, the school principal, a special education coordinator, and other service providers as needed. The team works together to develop an IEP that meets the unique needs of the student.
The IEP team looks at a variety of factors to determine what services and supports the student will need in order to be successful in school. These factors include the student’s strengths and weaknesses, current level of functioning, and specific goals for the student. Based on this information, the team creates a plan that includes accommodations, modifications, and/or specialized instruction that will address the student’s needs.
Resources
OHI stands for Other Health Impairment. It is a disability category used in special education. Some of the common illnesses and impairments that fall under this category are ADHD, allergies, asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy.
What resources are available for families of students with OHI?
There are a variety of resources available for families of students with OHI. Local school districts and state Departments of Education typically have information and contact numbers for resources in your area. The following are national organizations that may also be able to help:
-The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC’s mission is to improve education for all children and youth, especially those with exceptionalities, through promoting high standards, advocating for effective laws and policies, and providing professional development to teachers and other educators.
-The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) provide information on disabilities and disability-related issues, including information on early intervention services. NICHCY also distributes publications in accessible formats upon request.
-The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH) is an international advocacy organization that promotes inclusive communities and personal growth for people with significant disabilities by removing physical, attitudinal, communicating, programmatic, environmental, and systemic barriers.
What resources are available for educators of students with OHI?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. IDEA provides educators with resources to ensure that all students, including those with OHI, have access to a quality education.
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Education that provides leadership and financial support to help states improve results for children with disabilities. OSEP administers IDEA and distributes funds to states to support special education and related services for students with OHI and other disabilities.
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) is a federally funded resource center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues. NICHCY can connect you with organizations and agencies in your state that provide resources and support for children with OHI.
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional association dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities. CEC provides resources and networking opportunities for educators, parents, and other professionals who work with people with OHI.
