Educational Aspects
When educating a student with orthopedic and musculoskeletal disorders, it's important to remember that although there may not be an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for that particular child, there may still need to be certain accomodations made. For example, when teaching a student with a limb deficiency how to type, a teacher would need review alternative methods for typing. A wealth of resources exists for aiding teachers in such situations. An important thing to remember, and something that all educators should practice, is to be PROACTIVE rather than REACTIVE. Asking questions helps both the educator and the student find solutions so that the student is comfortable, capable, and engaged. Here are some things to consider:
http://www.projectidealonline.org/orthopedicImpairments.php
Special seating arrangements to develop useful posture and movements.
Instruction focused on development of gross and fine motor skills.
Securing suitable augmentative communication and other assistive devices.
Awareness of medical condition and its affect on the student (such as getting tired quickly).
Because of the multi-faceted nature of orthopedic impairments, other specialists may be involved in developing and implementing an appropriate educational program for the student. These specialists can include:
Physical Therapists who work on gross motor skills (focusing on the legs, back, neck and torso)
Occupational Therapists who work on fine motor skills (focusing on the arms and hands as well as daily living activities such as dressing and bathing)
Speech-Language Pathologists who work with the student on problems with speech and language
Adapted Physical Education Teachers, who are specially trained PE teachers who work along with the OT and PT to develop an exercise program to help students with disabilities.
Other Therapists (Massage Therapists, Music Therapists, etc.)
http://www.projectidealonline.org/orthopedicImpairments.php
Special seating arrangements to develop useful posture and movements.
Instruction focused on development of gross and fine motor skills.
Securing suitable augmentative communication and other assistive devices.
Awareness of medical condition and its affect on the student (such as getting tired quickly).
Because of the multi-faceted nature of orthopedic impairments, other specialists may be involved in developing and implementing an appropriate educational program for the student. These specialists can include:
Physical Therapists who work on gross motor skills (focusing on the legs, back, neck and torso)
Occupational Therapists who work on fine motor skills (focusing on the arms and hands as well as daily living activities such as dressing and bathing)
Speech-Language Pathologists who work with the student on problems with speech and language
Adapted Physical Education Teachers, who are specially trained PE teachers who work along with the OT and PT to develop an exercise program to help students with disabilities.
Other Therapists (Massage Therapists, Music Therapists, etc.)
Assistive Technology (http://www.projectidealonline.org/orthopedicImpairments.php)
Due to the various levels of severity of orthopedic impairment, multiple types of assistive technology may be used. As with any student with a disability, the assistive technology would need to address a need of the student to be able to access the educational curriculum. For students with orthopedic impairments, these fall into three categories:
Devices to Access Information: These assistive technology devices focus on aiding the student to access the educational material. These devices include:
speech recognition software
screen reading software
augmentative and alternative communication devices (such as communication boards)
academic software packages for students with disabilities
Devices for Positioning and Mobility: These assistive technology devices focus on helping the student participate in educational activities. These devices include:
canes
walkers
crutches
wheelchairs
specialized exercise equipment
specialized chairs, desks, and tables for proper posture development
Devices to Access Information: These assistive technology devices focus on aiding the student to access the educational material. These devices include:
speech recognition software
screen reading software
augmentative and alternative communication devices (such as communication boards)
academic software packages for students with disabilities
Devices for Positioning and Mobility: These assistive technology devices focus on helping the student participate in educational activities. These devices include:
canes
walkers
crutches
wheelchairs
specialized exercise equipment
specialized chairs, desks, and tables for proper posture development