Other Health Impaired (OHI)

OHI Defined

Chronic or acute health problems
Causes limited strength, vitality or alertness, including a heightened alertness to environmental stimuli
May include: heart conditions, chronic lung disease, tuberculosis, rheumatic fever, nephritis, asthma, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, epilepsy, leukemia, diabetes, cancer, or some other genetic impairment or illness
Must adversely affect the educational performance or developmental progress of the student

Possible Causes of Other Health Impairments

Genetic impairment
Disease

Tips for Instructors

Be flexible with attendance policies when dealing with chronic illnesses
Talk with the student and ask their needs (IF they self-identify to you)
Think through options for students in the event of frequent hospitalizations (i.e., extended time on assignments, incompletes, modified assignments, etc.)

Some Typical Accommodations

The severity of health impairments will determine the types of accommodations needed for each individual.

Textbooks on Tape
Attendance letter
Extended time on assignments and projects
Extended time on tests/exams
Distraction-reduced environment for test-taking
Tape recording class sessions