Other Health Disabilities

Overview

The Minnesota Low Incidence Projects provides information and resources to help educators and service providers meet the needs of children with other health disabilities, defined as a wide range of chronic or acute health conditions that may be either congenital or acquired. Health disabilities may be mild or severe, progressive, and/or have symptoms that vary in intensity from day to day. Medications, treatments, therapies, and repeated hospitalizations for a range of chronic or acute health conditions can affect a student’s ability to learn and function at school.

A student with a chronic health condition may be considered for special education under the Other Health Disabilities (OHD) category if eligibility criteria are met. State OHD Definition and Criteria (MR 3525.1333) can be found on the Minnesota Administrative Rules (external site), or on the MN Department of Education (external site) web site. Please note that MN Statute 125A.08 was amended in 2016 to expand the spectrum of licensed health care providers who could provide written documentation of a student’s medically diagnosed chronic or acute health condition. For more information, click on OHD Technical Assistance Tips below.

OHD Technical Assistance Tips

Go to OHD Technical Assistance Tips page to find the following information:

• Expanded Spectrum of Health Care Providers for Students with Chronic or Acute Health Conditions
• Documenting the Health Condition
• Eligibility & Medical Documentation: Students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Required Components of a Student Evaluation

Contact Information

Tami Childs, Ph.D., Statewide ASD & OHD Specialist
612-638-1537, tami.childs@brightworksmn.org