Other Health Impairment (OHI)
An IDEA disability category that covers conditions like ADHD, epilepsy, diabetes, or other health conditions that limit a child's strength, vitality, or alertness and affect their educational performance.
Related Terms
Disability Categories
IDEA identifies 13 disability categories that may qualify a child for special education: autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
A condition that makes it hard to focus, control impulses, or sit still. Children with ADHD may qualify for special education under the "Other Health Impairment" category or for a 504 Plan.
Eligibility
The determination that your child meets the criteria for a specific disability category under IDEA and needs special education services. The IEP team makes this decision based on evaluation results.
OHI in context
Other Health Impairment comes up across the IEP process — in your IEP document, during meeting prep, and in the federal rights that protect your child. IEP Ally explains where it shows up and what to do about it.
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Upload Your IEP — Free →This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Definitions are simplified for parent-friendly understanding and may not reflect the full legal text. Consult a qualified attorney or advocate for advice about your specific situation.