Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease)

A home built to prevent falls

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic condition in which bones break easily, often with no obvious cause or from very minor injury. Type III is the most severe form among children who survive infancy, and brings the greatest number of physical disabilities. Many children use a wheelchair some or all of the time.

For these families, home modification is mostly about removing the things that cause falls and bumps: steps, thresholds, tubs, tight turns and hard edges.

What usually changes first

• Steps and thresholds. A no-step entry and level floors between rooms, so there is nothing to trip on or drop off.

• The bathroom. A roll-in shower instead of a tub, and a transfer that does not require lifting.

• Turning space. Enough room in the hall and bedroom that a chair never has to be forced around a corner.

What families tell us

Parents tell us every transfer is a moment of worry. They want fewer transfers in a day, and they want the ones that remain to be smooth. They also ask for softer flooring where a child plays and rounded corners on new cabinets. We build those in.

How we plan with your OT or PT

Your child's therapist knows which movements carry the most risk. We measure, share drawings with the therapist and adjust before we build. The written estimate goes to you and to the therapist so a case manager has what they need.

Texas Medicaid waiver programs such as STAR Kids (MDCP) and CLASS may pay toward minor home modifications if the plan approves them. Caps are lifetime amounts, and the plan decides what is medically necessary. See who pays for home modifications in Texas.

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