10 IEP Goals for Physical & Orthopedic Impairments
IEP goals for physical or orthopedic impairments should target functional mobility, independent use of adaptive equipment, and access to classroom materials — for example, independently transferring between a wheelchair and classroom seating, or operating a switch-adapted device to participate in an activity.
Students with physical or orthopedic impairments need goals that are functional and access-focused, developed in coordination with a physical therapist (PT) and occupational therapist (OT), rather than generic academic goals that don't account for the physical access barrier.
Mobility
- 1.By [date], [student] will independently transfer between their wheelchair and a classroom chair with no more than 1 physical prompt in 4 of 5 trials.
- 2.By [date], [student] will propel their wheelchair independently along a designated school route in 4 of 5 observed opportunities.
- 3.By [date], [student] will use a walker or gait trainer to move between 2 classroom areas with standby assistance in 4 of 5 trials.
Adaptive Equipment Use
- 1.By [date], [student] will independently operate a switch-adapted device to participate in a classroom activity in 4 of 5 observed opportunities.
- 2.By [date], [student] will use an adaptive writing tool to complete a written task with 80% legibility in 4 of 5 writing samples.
- 3.By [date], [student] will position themselves independently in adaptive seating equipment with no more than 1 prompt in 4 of 5 trials.
Access & Participation
- 1.By [date], [student] will access classroom materials placed within their reach range independently in 4 of 5 observed opportunities.
- 2.By [date], [student] will use an assistive technology device to complete a grade-level assignment with 80% accuracy in 4 of 5 trials.
- 3.By [date], [student] will communicate a need for physical assistance or a break to an adult in 4 of 5 observed opportunities.
- 4.By [date], [student] will participate in an adapted physical education activity alongside peers for 15 minutes with no more than 1 prompt in 4 of 5 sessions.
Working with PT and OT on Equipment Goals
Mobility and adaptive equipment goals should be written in direct coordination with the student's physical therapist and occupational therapist, since they know the equipment's capabilities and the student's current physical status. A goal written without their input risks setting a target that is either not physically appropriate yet or already mastered.
Paste your assessment data and generate an IDEA-compliant, individualized goal in seconds.
Try it free →