Understanding "Other Health Impairment (OHI)" in Special Education: What Parents Need to Know

You might have heard the term "Other Health Impairment (OHI)" during an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting and wonder, "What does that even mean?"

OHI can be confusing because it doesn't describe one specific disability. Instead, Other Health Impairment (OHI) is one of the 13 disability categories under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that allows students to qualify for special education services when a health condition significantly affects their education.

Let's break it down in simple terms.

A  child qualifies under Other Health Impairment (OHI) when they have a chronic or acute health condition.

And that condition adversely affects the child's educational performance, creating a need for specially designed instruction.

Having a medical diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a student for an IEP. The disability must impact the student's ability to learn in school.

Disabilities that may qualify under OHI

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

Students who struggle with:

• Paying attention

• Staying organized

• Completing assignments

• Following directions

• Controlling impulses

• Remaining seated

• Managing time

  
  

When these challenges significantly interfere with learning, a student may qualify for special education under OHI.

Epilepsy

Students with epilepsy may experience seizures that interrupt learning, affect memory, or require accommodations for safety.

Diabetes

Students with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Asthma

Severe asthma may cause:

• Frequent absences

• Fatigue

• Difficulty participating in physical activities

• Trouble concentrating due to breathing difficulties

  
  

Tourette Syndrome

Students with Tourette Syndrome may have motor or vocal tics that interfere with classroom participation or social interactions.

Heart Conditions

Children with congenital heart disease or other cardiac conditions may experience fatigue, limited stamina, or frequent medical appointments affecting school performance.

Sickle Cell Disease

Students may experience pain crises, fatigue, hospitalizations, or cognitive impacts related to the condition.

Cancer

Students undergoing treatment may have:

• Fatigue

• Memory difficulties

• Processing speed challenges

• Frequent absences

  
  

Leukemia

Like other cancers, leukemia treatments can significantly affect learning and school attendance.

Hemophilia

Students may require medical precautions, accommodations, and support due to bleeding risks.

Rheumatic Fever

Although less common today, complications may affect stamina and attendance.

Nephritis (Kidney Disease)

Chronic kidney disease may lead to fatigue, frequent medical care, and learning interruptions.

Lead Poisoning

Lead exposure can impact:

• Attention

• Memory

• Learning

• Executive functioning

  
  

Depending on the student's educational needs, additional conditions may qualify under OHI if they substantially limit educational performance.

Does every child with ADHD or a medical diagnosis qualify for an IEP?

No.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions parents have.

A child may have a medical diagnosis from their pediatrician or specialist, but schools must determine whether the disability:

• Adversely affects educational performance, and

• Requires specially designed instruction.

  
  

For example:

A student with ADHD who earns good grades, follows classroom routines, and accesses the curriculum successfully may not qualify for an IEP.

However, another student with ADHD who struggles with attention, organization, emotional regulation, and completing work despite interventions may qualify under OHI.

Other Health Impairment is much more than a medical diagnosis. It is an educational eligibility category designed to support students whose health conditions significantly impact their ability to learn.

Whether your child has ADHD, epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, or another chronic health condition, the most important question is:

When schools identify those needs early and provide appropriate supports, students have a much greater opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Need help understanding your child's eligibility?

At Advocates for the Whole Child, we help families understand special education evaluations, eligibility categories, IEPs, and their legal rights under IDEA. If you're unsure whether your child may qualify under Other Health Impairment (OHI) or another disability category, we're here to guide you through the process and help you advocate with confidence.