Are You a New Amputee?

Are You a New Amputee? With just one click of your mouse, you can help the ACA determine the number of new amputees the ACA Web site reaches.
Home ACA Names New Editor and Senior Editor Knoxville, TN. -- Rick Bowers and Bill Dupes, employees in the Publications Department of the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA), have been promoted to editor and senior editor, respectively. Shark-Attack Survivor Accepts National “Free Spirit” Honor Bethany Hamilton, a shark-attack survivor who overcame the loss of her left arm to return to the sport of surfing, has been acclaimed as a 2004 Free Spirit honoree. ADVOCACY UPDATE: Massachusetts Parity Bill ADVOCACY UPDATE: Estimate of Number of Persons Living with Limb Loss in NY State “The Best Thing in the World” Raised in a small, supportive community, Jaymie Kraus didn’t learn about the adversities and opportunities of people with limb differences until she became an adult Colorado - Prosthetic and Orthotic Adult Benefit Summary Providing Medicaid coverage for prosthetics saves money for states Massachusetts Financial Impact Statement for Prosthetic Coverage Review and evaluation of proposed legislation to mandate coverage for certain prosthetic devices: H. 837 Colorado - Prosthetic and Orthotic Adult Benefit Full Report Providing Medicaid coverage for prosthetics saves money for states. NY Parity Bill introduced to NY Senate & Assembly If we are to get these bills passed in this and other states we have to make a bigger noise than other groups also looking for mandates! APPLL Update: State Parity - May/June 2005 inMotion Bidding Demonstration: Setting the Record Straight for Prosthetic Consumers Do's and Don'ts of A Legislative Visit Steps to Effective Advocacy How Can I Get Help From My Congressional Representatives? ADVOCACY NEWS: Licensure vs. Certification: How It Can Affect You! Computerized Limb Coverage: A Letter to Practitioners and Bibliography The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) has joined together with manufacturers of myoelectric and computerized devices, and beneficiary representatives, to work on reversing certain imprudent medical policies regarding coverage of these de The Power of Peers This article looks at the importance of peers in providing guidance and emotional support when faced with an amputation. Peer Visitor Support of Recent U.S. Military Amputees This article takes a look at the peer visitation program in place at the Amputee Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Facing Amputation Surgery: The Value of Peer Contact This article talks about the value of peer support for amputees. Funding Raising for Your Support Group This fact sheet discusses support group member involvement in fundraising. Ideas for different types of fundraisers are included as well. Starting a Support Group: The Basics Starting a support group is a responsibility, a challenge, and a very meaningful experience. This fact sheet offers a listing of some basic steps needed to start a support group. Steps were compiled from successful support groups and organizations all ove Understanding ACA's Peer Network This fact sheet offers an explanation of ACA's national peer network. Details covered include the network's purpose and how it works, as well as the required training for peer visitors. Giving Back - Couples Who Peer Visit This article takes a brief look at couples that do peer visitation as part of the Amputee Coalition of America's National Peer Network. When Your Support Group Needs Support This article takes a brief look at resources for support groups. You Don't Have to Deal With Amputation Alone This article takes a brief look at the Amputee Coalition of America's National Peer Network. Peer Contact for Parents of Children with Congenital Amputation Karen Neimanas discusses the role of peer visitor when parents are confronted with the birth of a child with a congenital limb difference. Notes from the medical director: first and foremost, listen!: lessons learned from mentors and peer visitors Doug Smith, ACA Medical Director, discusses the important role that mentors can play in our lives and how a peer visitor can become a mentor. Communicator: Newsletter for amputee support group leaders This site contains links to both HTML and PDF versions of the Communicator newsletter published for amputee support group leaders. On-line communication resources for those with limb loss Resources for amputees or family members of amputees who would like to communicate with other amputees via Internet bulletin boards or e-mail lists. APPLL Executive Summary Learn about ACA's Action Plan for Persons with Limb Loss (APPLL) Advocating For Your Child ACA Announces New Publication for Parents The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is proud to announce the release of Expectations: Parenting Children and Teens With Limb Differences. This 36-page resource guide addresses some of the issues parents face after giving birth to a baby with a limb dif Cancer Was The Easy Part ACA Names New Staff Writer ACA announces the appointment of Scott McNutt as staff writer. A Circle of Friends - The Power of Peer Support M-STAR Seeks Donations for Operation Compassion The Michigan Society To Advance Rehabilitation, Inc. (M-STAR) is seeking used lower-limb components and funds to transport prostheses, equipment and a health team to Mexico in September. Nominations Sought for ABC Board of Directors The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) is calling for nominations to fill one Director position and one Public Member Director position on its board of directors. Reach Out Magazine is now a part of Reach Out ABILITIES Services, Inc. Reach Out Magazine, a publication by people with disABILITIES for people with disABILITIES, is now a part of Reach Out ABILITIES Services, INC, a Florida nonprofit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Amputees Across America 2005 Starts Off With Smiles and a Splash The Amputee Across America (AAA) riders started off this year’s journey with a splash as they had fun wetting their tires in the Pacific Ocean before hitting the coast road toward Newport Beach, California. Call for wounded veteran amputees under age 27 Call for involving wounded veterans of the Iraq war who are under the age of 27. Professional photographer and journalism student, Brandon Powers is looking for at least thirty volunteers for this project who are willing to tell there story and be photogr eBay Policy Requires ACA to Extend Auction Beginning in July, the ACA will list one travel item per month, along with additional donated items, through the end of the year. TV Show Premire on Adaptive Sports Adaptive Adventures would like to make you aware of a one hour TV show featuring the sport of handcycling, top disabled athletes, and some of the top able-bodied cyclists in the country! Amputees Across America Spread Hope and Inspiration Through Visitations The Amputees Across America (AAA) riders have toured through Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico and met lots of supporters at rehab facilities along the way. They’ve also been joined by several guest riders, including Jr. Ambassador Chris Rhoades, AAA 2002 a Accenture Physically Challenged Kids’ Clinic ACA Conference Hotel Update The ACA conference hotel, the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Dallas, has sold out of rooms at the ACA conference price of $100 plus taxes per night. August 13, 2005 - bio-fit Dallas bio-fit Family Workshop (in conjunction with the 2005 ACA Conference) August 13, 2005 - bio-fit Dallas bio-fit Family Workshop (in conjunction with the 2005 ACA Conference) August 13, 2005 - bio-fit Dallas bio-fit Family Workshop (in conjunction with the 2005 ACA Conference) October 8, 2005 - bio-fit Seattle bio-fit Seattle October 8, 2005 October 8, 2005 - bio-fit Seattle bio-fit Seattle October 8, 2005 October 8, 2005 - bio-fit Seattle bio-fit Seattle October 8, 2005 Reach Out Night at the Ball Park Join others with disabilities in South Florida on Wednesday, August 17, at 7:05 p.m. to watch the Florida Marlins play the San Diego Padres. Tickets are only $15 for Terrace Box seats. Limited wheelchair accessible seats, which include a companion seat, a World of Possibilities Disabilities Expo & Senior Expo Three Legs Across America In June 2005, Nancy C. Nelson and her husband, Dan Fender, left Astoria, Oregon, on their tandem bicycle and set out to ride across the United States. Nancy and Dan have broken their journey into five stages. Together they will pedal three weeks every sum ACA Annual Conference Preregistration Ends August 5! Preregistration for the Amputee Coalition of America’s (ACA) annual conference, which will be held August 11-13 in Dallas, Texas, ends August 5. Save up to $150 by registering now! Cross-country Journey Heats up for Amputees Across America As Joe Sapere, Bill Vanover and various Amputees Across America (AAA) guest riders cross the nation’s heartland, temperatures soar into the 100s and the humidity edges higher and higher. After a visitation in Colorado Springs, the group leaves Colorado’s Three Quarters Down, One to Go In spite of the summer heat and humidity, Amputees Across America (AAA) riders have completed three-quarters of the 2005 transcontinental journey. Over the past two weeks, the riders have made 10 visitations as they traveled through Missouri, Indiana, Ken ACA Board Member and CEO/President to Share Mentor Relationship on Nightline Tonight Sarah Reinertsen, a member of ACA’s Board of Directors and Paddy Rossbach, ACA’s CEO/President, will be featured on Nightline tonight, July 20, 2005, at 11:35 p.m. EST on ABC. OPAF Launches First Volley Tennis Clinic The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) is launching their newest program, First Volley Tennis Clinic, on Sunday, August 7, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bucks County Racquet Club in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. PRS Seeks Volunteers to Help Evaluate C-Leg Alignment Prosthetics Research Study (PRS) is conducting an evaluation of Otto Bock C-Leg alignment at the 2005 ACA Annual Educational Conference & Eposition. Amputee Riders Cross Pennsylvania The Amputees Across America (AAA) riders enter Pennsylvania July 16 and spend the next couple weeks riding across the state and making eight visitations to various rehabilitation centers and hospitals in the greater Pittsburgh area, Altoona and Pleasant G Transcontinental Amputee Cyclists in Final Stretch The 2005 Amputees Across America (AAA) ride is in the final stretch. Cyclists Bill Vanover, Jim DeLong and Joe Sapere will complete their ride when they arrive in Boston August 10. Maine Disability Expo Stepping Back into Life, Inc. and the St. Martha Knights of Columbus Council 12033 will co-host a disability expo on August 20, 2005 at St. Martha parish hall at 34 Portland Rd., Kennebunk, ME (RT1). Peru hike to benefit Douglas Bader Foundation David Bickers, Chairman of the Douglas Bader Foundation, along with Guy Jackson, Grant Smith and 25 others, including amputees, will hike the Inca Trail through the Andes Mountains in Peru, South America. Chicago Physically Challenged Kids’ Clinic Physically challenged kids up to 18 years of age are invited to attend the Accenture Physically Challenged Kids’ Clinic, hosted by the Challenged Athletes Foundation on Friday, August 26, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Foster Avenue Beach in Chicago, Chicago Physically Challenged Kids’ Clinic Physically challenged kids up to 18 years of age are invited to attend the Accenture Physically Challenged Kids’ Clinic, hosted by the Challenged Athletes Foundation on Friday, August 26, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Foster Avenue Beach in Chicago, Disabled Sports USA to Hold Hartford Ski Spectacular Make plans now to join Disabled Sports USA for their signature winter event, The Hartford Ski Spectacular, on December 4-11, 2005, in Breckenridge, Colorado. Disabled Sports USA to Hold Hartford Ski Spectacular Make plans now to join Disabled Sports USA for their signature winter event, The Hartford Ski Spectacular, on December 4-11, 2005, in Breckenridge, Colorado. Delivery of November/December inMotion Magazine Hindered in Some Areas Delivery of November/December inMotion Magazine Hindered in Some Areas Texas Amputee Fall Classic Golf Tournament The Texas Amputee Golf Association will hold its Fall Classic Golf Tournament September 30 through October 2 at the Teravista Golf Club in Round Rock, Texas. Free Instructional Golf Clinic for the Physically Challenged Physically challenged individuals, including wheelchair users, and physical therapists are invited to learn how swinging a golf club can increase flexibility, improve balance, and provide exercise on Thursday, October 13, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Challenged Athletes Foundation Accepting 2006 Grant Applications The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is accepting applications for their Access For Athletes grants, which fund recreational as well as competitive and elite athletes. Ask Your Members of Congress to Support Access to Mobility Devices On October 6, 2005, the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is encouraging all members and friends to participate in an “Access to Mobility Call-In Day.” Draft LCD Threatens Access to Mobility Devices A draft Local Coverage Determination (LCD) and revised payment codes recently proposed by the DMERCs would make it even more difficult for people with mobility impairments to obtain a power mobility device or the most appropriate device. The American Pain Foundation Provides Resources to Help Veterans in Pain The American Pain Foundation (APF), a national, nonprofit organization, has begun an initiative to reach out to veterans who are in pain and provide them with information and support to improve their pain care, decrease their sense of isolation, and help Manager At the Center for Othotics Design Passes Away Mark Wallace Daszynski of the Fillauer Companies passed away on October 4, 2005 OPAF Announces Next Two First Volley Clinics The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. (OPAF) is proud to announce that they have scheduled two more First Volley clinics. OPAF Announces Next Two First Volley Clinics The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. (OPAF) is proud to announce that they have scheduled two more First Volley clinics. Catch a Rising Star Run Clinic Hosted by the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), the Catch a Rising Star Run Clinic will be held on Saturday, November 12th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Imperial Beach Pier Plaza, San Diego, CA. Catch a Rising Star Run Clinic Hosted by the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), the Catch a Rising Star Run Clinic will be held on Saturday, November 12th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Imperial Beach Pier Plaza, San Diego, CA. Silver Strand Half Marathon & 5K to Benefit CAF The 6th Annual Open Air MRI Centers Silver Strand Half Marathon & 5K will be held Sunday, November 13 at 7 a.m. at the Imperial Beach Pier Park in San Diego, CA to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). Silver Strand Half Marathon & 5K to Benefit CAF The 6th Annual Open Air MRI Centers Silver Strand Half Marathon & 5K will be held Sunday, November 13 at 7 a.m. at the Imperial Beach Pier Park in San Diego, CA to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). Research in P&O: Are We Addressing Clinically Relevant Problems? The Northwestern University Prosthetics Research Laboratory (NUPRL) and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Program (RERP) wants to know what you think about the current status of P&O research, and where you believe research efforts need to be directed in Register now for the O&P Extremity Games Registration is now open for the O&P Extremity Games by College Park Industries, which will take place July 28-29, 2006 at the Orlando, Florida Watersports Complex. Register now for the O&P Extremity Games Registration is now open for the O&P Extremity Games by College Park Industries, which will take place July 28-29, 2006 at the Orlando, Florida Watersports Complex. ACA Web Survey- Do You Have Insurance? Whether you’re an amputee or a friend or relative of an amputee, in the time it takes to click your mouse twice you can help the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) determine how insurance coverage has changed for people with private insurance. Online Conference and Hotel Registration Now Available! Online conference and hotel registration is now available for the 2006 ACA Annual Conference and Exposition to be held at the Sheraton-Bloomington Hotel June 15-17, 2006! Swim Across the Sound More than 160 swimmers, both solo swimmers and relay teams, will take on the challenge of the 15-mile marathon swim across Long Island Sound on August 13, 2006 to benefit Across the Sound, the St. Vincent’s Medical Center cancer charity in Bridgeport, Con Swim Across the Sound More than 160 swimmers, both solo swimmers and relay teams, will take on the challenge of the 15-mile marathon swim across Long Island Sound on August 13, 2006 to benefit Across the Sound, the St. Vincent’s Medical Center cancer charity in Bridgeport, Con Mourning Sonny Ackerman Oliver Perry “Sonny” Ackerman, Jr., founder of the Adaptive Golf Foundation, passed away on January 20, 2006 at the age of 73. CAF Accepting Registrations for Triathlon Challenge Registration is now open for the 13th Annual San Diego Triathlon Challenge, hosted by the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). CAF Accepting Registrations for Triathlon Challenge Registration is now open for the 13th Annual San Diego Triathlon Challenge, hosted by the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). Gait Lab Assistants Needed for ACA Annual Educational Conference & Exposition Volunteer physical therapists with expertise in gait training are needed for the 10th annual gait lab at ACA’s Annual Educational Conference & Exposition to be held June 15-17 at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “My Life As A Child” Recruiting Participants The Learning Channel (TLC) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) are looking for children of all backgrounds and personalities from across the U.S. to take part in an extraordinary new television program, “My Life As A Child.” “My Life As A Child” Recruiting Participants The Learning Channel (TLC) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) are looking for children of all backgrounds and personalities from across the U.S. to take part in an extraordinary new television program, “My Life As A Child.” OPAF First Volley this Weekend! The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. (OPAF) will hold another First Volley clinic on Saturday, March 25, 2006 starting at 5 p.m. O&P Extremity Games 2006 You are invited to compete in the O&P Extremity Games™ by College Park on July 28-29 at the Orlando Watersports Complex in Florida. This first-of-its-kind amateur extreme sporting competition is open exclusively to athletes with limb loss or limb differe O&P Extremity Games 2006 You are invited to compete in the O&P Extremity Games™ by College Park on July 28-29 at the Orlando Watersports Complex in Florida. This first-of-its-kind amateur extreme sporting competition is open exclusively to athletes with limb loss or limb differe OPAF Set to Host Two “First” Clinic The Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. (OPAF) is pleased to announce they are hosting two “First” clinics in the Chicagoland area this month. OPAF Set to Host Two “First” Clinic The Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. (OPAF) is pleased to announce they are hosting two “First” clinics in the Chicagoland area this month. Susan, MD I am a 45-year-old mother of four. I had my right leg amputated just below the knee 11/29/07. I got my first prosthesis in February 2008. I have insurance through my husband’s employer but cannot afford my portion of the prosthesis. Kelly, GA My daughter Naomi is 3 years old and had an above-knee amputation when she was 10 months old due to tibial hemimelia. I have been denied by every insurance company out there. They say she is "high risk.” One insurance agent actually told me, "I'm sorry, b ADVOCACY NEWS: Amputee Coalition of America Calls for Elimination of Two-Year Waiting Period for Medicare Benefits for the Disabled "Birth defect doesn’t slow down East Buchanan freshman’s life." Read about Nathan West, a highschool football player who was born with a limb difference. A Trip of a Lifetime In September, Roderick Sewell went on the trip of a lifetime. Learn about Roderick's National Paralympic Academy experience at the Paralympic Games in China. Roger, OH I am the father of a son, Zachary Stephens, who is 25 years old and a left above-knee amputee. He lost his leg at the age of 9 after being thrown from a vehicle in a wreck in December 1992. Ralph, ME I have been a below-knee amputee since a 2005 motorcycle accident. Kathleen, MO I became an activist after losing my leg last year and fighting with my state-sponsored, self-funded health care program. They tell me that my leg is a "deluxe" item and therefore, not covered by my policy. Christina, WI My husband was injured at work on May 27, 2000. A co-worker struck him from behind while operating a forklift truck with a loaded pallet of paint. My husband's left leg was crushed, and secondary injuries were sustained upon impact. Justin, OK My name is Justin Evans. When I was 18 months old, I lost my leg in a lawn mower accident. As a child, the Dept. of Human Services paid for my prosthetic device, but as an adult, I can’t afford it. Wendy I lost all limbs past the elbows and knees. No one has given me a direction or knows what direction I need to follow as far as prosthetics. Diane, AZ The most amazing thing to me was the day I went to my HR Dept at work to ask about our prosthetic medical insurance coverage. The medical insurance director was shocked and upset when she realized how uneducated she was when it came to the cost of prosthe Adele, OH On July 03, 2008, I was involved in an industrial work-related accident. I was struck behind by a tow mower. I was then lifted to Cleveland Metro Hospital, and in an effort to save my life, my left foot was amputated. Rick, OK I have been an amputee since 1995 and I am also an orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) assistant. As a physical therapist and an O&P provider, I can testify to the unjust, unethical protocols of insurance companies. Christopher, MA I cannot work and I had to spend about $36,000 to convert my house so I could come home from rehab. Does anyone out there know any way that I can get back any of this money from the state or federal systems? Kathrine, CA I was a passenger in a roll-over accident in May 2007. The doctor tried to put my foot back together, but it was dying. Consequently, they did a partial foot amputation. Jack, NJ On April 5, 2008, my right leg was amputated above the knee. On May 14, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas said they had received all the paperwork from the prosthetic company to start the claim. It took 4 weeks for them to deny the claim. Joseph, FL The prosthetic leg that I have now is awkward, restraining and uncomfortable. My insurance company, Humana, will only allow me to have a basic prosthesis that will provide minimal function. They have recently changed their policy so that anything else is Share Your Holiday Giving Spirit with the Amputee Coalition of America BAMC mentors heal more than just wounds Artificial arm a true gift After gator attack, man gets rare assistance, a high-tech prosthetic limb BAMC offering new program for amputees Amputee Coalition of America Names New President and CEO Training and Certification for Military Amputee Peer Visitors Vermont Amputee Wins Amputee Coalition Advocate Award Amputee Coalition of America Military Amputee Peer Visitor Program: Amputee Coalition of America Military Amputee Peer Visitor Program Dennis, NM One thing that I can say about this experience is that it has made me a stronger person and has taught me that you can do anything you set your mind to. I love Invacare’s slogan: “Yes you can.” Cheryl, KS If I didn’t have my Medicaid, I don’t know what I’d do. Even still, Medicaid has its limits. After my amputation, I was trying to get bath rails, toilet seats and things of that nature. Medicaid told me these things weren’t considered a necessity. This i Gwen, NV I am a Certified Prosthetist Orthotist of 25 years. Each year more and more insurance companies are cutting the prosthetics and orthotics from their plans or introducing limits that are not realistic. My office manager is an above-knee amputee with a job. Losing to win. Amputees find help through peer visitors, support group Losing to win. Amputees find help through peer visitors, support group Renew or extend your Amputee Coalition of America membership now, before rates go up! Major O&P Organizations Reach Agreement on Minimum Standards for Providers and Suppliers of Custom Orthotics and Prosthetics Rawlings Named Adaptive XC Coach Longtime cross country and alpine club coach Greg Rawlings is the newest addition to the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team.	With just one click of your mouse, you can help the ACA determine the number of new amputees the ACA Web site reaches. If you are a new amputee, or a friend or family member of a new amputee, complete the user survey on the bottom left of the ACA home page (www.amputee-coalition.org). The ACA defines a new amputee as someone who had an amputation or revision surgery or was born with a limb deficiency since September 2004. For more information on how the ACA can assist you, please contact the ACA toll-free at 888/AMP-KNOW (888/267-5669) or email acainfo@amputee-coalition.org.
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