Orthopedic Impairment: A Category of Exceptionality as Defined by IDEA

REPORTER 1 (Alzate, Joel)

I. Introduction

a. What is orthopedic impairment?

Orthopedic impairment refers to a physical disability that affects a person's skeletal system,
muscles, or other related body systems. This impairment may be congenital or acquired and can
significantly impact an individual's ability to perform various physical tasks. Orthopedic impairments
can manifest in different forms, including skeletal deformities, amputations, and conditions such as
cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida. These impairments can cause limitations in
mobility, motor skills, coordination, and overall physical functioning.

b. What is IDEA?

IDEA stands for the Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act, a federal law in the United States
that ensures students with disabilities receive
appropriate educational services and supports.
This law was enacted to protect the rights of
children with disabilities and their families and
provides guidelines for the provision of special
education and related services. IDEA defines
various categories of exceptionality, including
orthopedic impairment, to ensure that students with these conditions receive appropriate
accommodations and interventions to meet theirunique educational needs.

c. Orthopedic Impairment as defined by IDEA

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

defines orthopedic impairment as "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 that cause
contractures)."
REPORTER2 (Genabe, Trizha)
II. Famous Personalities with Orthopedic Impairment and How They Cope Up with It

1. Frida Kahlo:

Frida Kahlo, a renowned Mexican artist,

experienced polio as a child, which left
her with a withered right leg. Despite her
physical challenges, she channeled her
emotions and experiences into her
artwork, becoming an iconic figure in the
art world. Kahlo's resilience and
determination to express herself
through her paintings continue to inspire
many.

2. Stephen Hawking:

Recognized as one of the greatest

scientific minds of our time, Stephen
Hawking had amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS), a progressive
neurodegenerative disease. Despite
being confined to a wheelchair and
losing his ability to speak, Hawking
made significant contributions to
theoretical physics and cosmology. He
utilized technology, including a speech-generating device, to communicate and share his
groundbreaking ideas.

3. Bethany Hamilton:
Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer, lost
her left arm in a shark attack when she was
just 13 years old. Undeterred by her physical
setback, she returned to surfing and became
an inspiration to many. Hamilton's
determination, resilience, and passion for her
sport led her to achieve remarkable success
in competitive surfing, demonstrating that
physical limitations can be overcome with
perseverance.
 4. Oscar Pistorius:

Oscar Pistorius, a South African sprint

runner, was born without fibulas,
resulting in both of his legs being
amputated below the knees. Pistorius
went on to compete in the Paralympic
Games and made history by becoming
the first amputee sprinter to participate
in the Olympic Games. His
achievements showcased the resilience
and determination of individuals with
orthopedic impairments.

These individuals demonstrate that despite orthopedic impairments, one can overcome challenges
and achieve remarkable success in various fields. Their stories inspire and encourage others facing
similar circumstances.
REPORTER3 (Gonzales, Michelle)

III. How Can We Help People with This Condition?

A. IDEA PROGRAMS

The IDEA provides legal protections and educational rights for individuals with orthopedic
impairments. Some of the key provisions that safeguard the rights of students with orthopedic
impairments include:

a. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE):

Under IDEA, students with orthopedic

impairments are entitled to receive a
free appropriate public education
tailored to their unique needs. This
includes access to special education
and related services necessary for their
educational edevelopment.

b. Individualized Education Program (IEP):

An IEP is a personalized educational plan

developed collaboratively by a team, including
parents, teachers, and relevant specialists. It
outlines the student's goals, accommodations,
modifications, and specialized services required to
support their learning.

c. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE):

The IDEA mandates that students with
disabilities, including those with orthopedic
impairments, be educated in the least
restrictive environment to the maximum extent
appropriate. This means that students should
be placed in general education classrooms
alongside their peers, with appropriate
supports and services, unless their needs
cannot be met effectively in that setting.
d. Related Services:

Students with orthopedic impairments may

require additional services to support their
educational progress. These may include
physical therapy, occupational therapy,
speech and language therapy, assistive
technology, and transportation assistance,
among others.

e.
Assistive technology tools and
devices can greatly enhance the
educational experience of students
with orthopedic impairments.
Wheelchairs, mobility aids,
communication devices, adaptive
computer software, and specialized
seating arrangements are some of the
examples
REPORTER 4 (Gonzales, Brigitte)

B. SUPPORTING LAWS

a. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: This law prohibits discrimination based on
disability in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. It ensures that
individuals with orthopedic impairments have equal access to education, employment, and
other services.

b. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA protects the civil rights of individuals with
disabilities, including orthopedic impairments, in various aspects of public life. It ensures
equal opportunities, accessibility, and reasonable accommodations in areas such as
employment, public services, and transportation.
c. Equality Act (United Kingdom): The Equality Act is a UK legislation that provides protection
against discrimination based on disability, among other protected characteristics. It prohibits
discrimination in areas such as employment, education, housing, goods and services, and
public transportation. The Act aims to promote equal opportunities and accessibility for
individuals with disabilities, including orthopedic impairments.
d. United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD): The
UNCRPD is an international human rights treaty that sets out the rights and protections for
individuals with disabilities, including orthopedic impairments. It emphasizes the principles
of non-discrimination, equality, and inclusion. While it may not have direct legal effect in all
countries, it serves as a framework for countries to develop and implement legislation that
protects the rights of people with disabilities.
Additional:
a. Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (Republic Act No. 7277)
b. Accessibility Law (Batas Pambansa Bilang 344)
c. Republic Act No. 10524 (An Act Expanding the Positions Reserved for Persons with
Disability): This law expands the positions reserved for persons with disabilities in
government offices, agencies, and government-owned or controlled corporations. It
aims to promote employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including
those with orthopedic impairments, by reserving specific positions for their benefit.