Definition and Criteria
What does OHI stand for?
Other Health Impairment
What area of learning is most often impacted by attention-related OHI?
Focus, task completion, and on-task behavior during instruction.
What does the “504” in Section 504 Plan refer to?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a civil rights law protecting individuals with disabilities.
Who are two school staff members that often support students with OHI?
School nurse, special education teacher, counselor, or occupational therapist.
True or False: Only students with physical illnesses can qualify for OHI.
False. ADHD and other neurological conditions may qualify.
According to IDEA, OHI must limit what kind of strength, vitality, or alertness?
It must limit strength, vitality, or alertness, including alertness to environmental stimuli, resulting in limited educational performance.
Why might a student with chronic fatigue syndrome struggle with completing homework?
Due to low energy, concentration difficulties, and extended recovery time after school.
Name one common classroom accommodation for a student with ADHD.
Preferential seating, movement breaks, visual schedules, chunked instructions, or extended time.
Why is family communication essential when managing a student’s OHI?
Families provide medical updates, medication info, and insight into symptoms or triggers.
True or False: Students with OHI always require a full-time aide.
False. Support needs vary greatly.
True or False: OHI always refers to physical health impairments that are visible.
False. Many OHIs are invisible.
How can frequent absences due to medical appointments affect social development?
They may miss peer interactions, leading to social isolation or difficulty maintaining friendships.
How could a teacher modify testing for a student with low stamina due to OHI?
Break the test into shorter segments, provide frequent breaks, or offer extended time.
Give one example of how peers can be educated to support inclusion for a classmate with OHI.
Classroom discussions on empathy, awareness, and respect (without disclosing private info).
True or False: If students are medically diagnosed with ADHD, they automatically qualify for OHI.
False. ADHD can qualify under OHI if it significantly affects learning or the student has limited alertness to environmental stimuli, affecting attention and focus.
Name two examples of chronic or acute health conditions that fall under OHI.
Examples: ADHD, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, heart condition, Tourette Syndrome, leukemia, sickle cell anemia, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Give one example of how OHI might influence behavior or self-regulation in the classroom.
Irritability, restlessness, frustration, or withdrawal from participation.
What assistive technology might support a student who misses class frequently for medical reasons?
Recorded lectures, note-taking apps, online assignments, or video conferencing tools.
Describe how teachers can advocate for a student who is often misunderstood because of their health needs.
Educate peers/staff, communicate needs to the IEP team, and ensure appropriate accommodations are implemented.
True or False: Students with OHI are less intelligent than their peers.
False. OHI affects health and alertness, not intelligence.
What is one way that medication side effects might contribute to an OHI classification?
Medication can cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, or drowsiness, which can impact learning.
What can teachers do to support students who have inconsistent energy levels during the day?
Provide flexible scheduling, rest breaks, shortened tasks, or alternative participation methods.
Describe how a teacher might collaborate with the school nurse to support a student with OHI.
Work with the nurse to monitor medical needs, manage emergencies, and coordinate classroom health plans.
What role does the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team play in supporting a student with OHI?
The IEP team develops goals, determines accommodations, and ensures access to general education.
True or False: Teachers should avoid talking to students about their health conditions.
False. Teachers can talk appropriately and sensitively to understand needs while respecting privacy.