Portrait of a Prosthetic Parity Activist: William Samuels

By: Morgan Sheets

As the summer draws to a close, we have only a few short months left to prepare for the 2008 legislative session.  We are excited to take the fight for parity to more states than ever.  Our home state of Tennessee will be the site of a parity campaign.  And with the help of dedicated activists like William Samuels, we are sure to make great strides.

Samuels is the cofounder and facilitator of Out on a Limb—Memphis Area Limb Loss Support. He is actively involved in orchestrating the monthly activities of this very active local support program, as well as handling many calls and emails from individuals requesting information and support. He regularly receives calls from people looking to start support groups and willingly shares information and advice to assist in these efforts.

William is an ACA certified family visitor and is often called on to speak with family and caregivers in partnership with his wife, Sherri, who is a certified peer visitor.  He has agreed to team with Sherri in her new role as an ACA representative.

He has also been a big part of the effort to advance prosthetic parity in the state of Tennessee. In fact, the Memphis group hosted one of our very first organizing meetings last summer.

Throughout the fall, William helped us reach out to potential co-sponsors and spread the word to local activists.  After the bill was introduced, Samuels coordinated grassroots support for the legislation.  Sadly, the Tennessee bill was held up in committee, but we are certain that we will be successful.

Morgan Sheets is the National Advocacy Director (202/742-1885 or state@amputee-coalion.org).