Other Health Impairment

Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) §15-761(19) states: "'Other health impairments' mean limited strength, vitality, or alertness due to chronic or acute health problems which adversely affect a pupil's educational performance." Health impairment refers to a variety of health problems that dictate the need for special education services. Health impairments may include convulsive disorders, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, rheumatic fever, AIDS, asthma, cancer, or any other chronic or acute health problem. A child may be determined by a Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) to have OHI if a health problem limits the student's strength, vitality, or alertness; adversely affects the student's educational development; and the student needs special education in order to receive educational benefit.

If a child with a health problem is not eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, he/she may still qualify as disabled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If the child does not qualify under Section 504, the parents may request that the child be considered for eligibility under the district's chronic illness policy.

How Common is Other Health Impairment?
During the 1995-96 school year, 677 Arizona students were classified under Other Health Impairments and received special education services. This number represented approximately .0905 percent of the 747, 849 students enrolled in Arizona's public schools.

What Effect Do Health Impairments Have on a Child?
Some children have no or minimal restrictions on what they can do and learn. Other children may require intensive medical care, be extremely limited in their activities, and need educational help. Sometimes a child can be too weak to attend school regularly or lacks the energy or stamina to remain in class long enough to learn. Some illnesses or medications can affect a child's attention and mood making it difficult for the child to concentrate. Other children may be considered chronically ill but do not need specially designed instruction or related services in order to benefit from an education.