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- 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.
- “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
- Bidding Demonstration: Setting the Record Straight for Prosthetic Consumers
- Do's and Don'ts of A Legislative Visit
- ADVOCACY NEWS: Licensure vs. Certification: How It Can Affect You!
- 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.
- 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
- The Prosthesis and Its Components - Choices, Choices and More Choices
- When to Help Your Child and When to Let Go
- A Message From the President & CEO
- Physical Activity Can Reduce Secondary Conditions in Youths With Limb Differences
- Building a Positive Body Image
- Prostheses for Children & Teens With Limb Differences - Issues and Expectations
- Questions to Ask Your Child's Doctor
- Resources
- Follow the Yellow Brick Road - Assistance Sources for Children and Teens With Limb Differences
- Enrichment Beyond Words
- 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.
- Amputees From Around the Nation to Converge on Capitol Hill to Support Fair Insurance Coverage for Artificial Arms and Legs
- Amputees From Around the Nation to Converge on Capitol Hill to Support Fair Insurance Coverage for Artificial Arms and Legs
- Amputees From Around the Nation to Converge on Capitol Hill to Support Fair Insurance Coverage for Artificial Arms and Legs
- More Than 150 Amputees to Converge on Capitol Hill
- More Than 150 Amputees to Converge on Capitol Hill
- Bipartisan Bill Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives Will Ensure Equal Health Insurance for Amputees
Bill Recognizes Importance of Mobility for Americans With Disabilities
- Otto Bock HealthCare Supports Parity Campaign With $15,000
- Members of Congress Receive Legislative Awards From National Amputee Organizations
- Ossur Commits $20,000 to Amputee Coalition of America’s Parity Campaign
- Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. Introduces National Limb Loss Awareness Month Resolution
Representative John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) has introduced a resolution to designate April as National Limb Loss Awareness Month.
- Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. Introduces National Limb Loss Awareness Month Resolution
Representative John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) has introduced a resolution to designate April as National Limb Loss Awareness Month.
- Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. Introduces National Limb Loss Awareness Month Resolution
Representative John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) has introduced a resolution to designate April as National Limb Loss Awareness Month.
- Delaware Legislation Would Require Insurers to Cover Prosthetic Limbs
- Helen D. Cuyler Elected to Amputee Coalition of America Board
Orlando, Florida resident Helen D. Cuyler, retired educator from the Orange County Public School system, has been elected to the Amputee Coalition of America’s Board of Directors.
- Helen D. Cuyler Elected to Amputee Coalition of America Board
Orlando, Florida resident Helen D. Cuyler, retired educator from the Orange County Public School system, has been elected to the Amputee Coalition of America’s Board of Directors.
- Helen D. Cuyler Elected to Amputee Coalition of America Board
Orlando, Florida resident Helen D. Cuyler, retired educator from the Orange County Public School system, has been elected to the Amputee Coalition of America’s Board of Directors
- Mona Patel Elected to Amputee Coalition of America Board of Directors
San Antonio resident and activist Mona Patel has been elected to the Amputee Coalition of America’s Board of Directors at their recent meeting.
- Mona Patel Elected to Amputee Coalition of America Board of Directors
San Antonio resident and activist Mona Patel has been elected to the Amputee Coalition of America’s Board of Directors at their recent meeting.
- Mona Patel Elected to Amputee Coalition of America Board of Directors
San Antonio resident and activist Mona Patel has been elected to the Amputee Coalition of America’s Board of Directors at their recent meeting.
- Utah Activist Tami Stanley Elected to Amputee Coalition of America Board
Orem, Utah resident Tami Stanley was recently elected to Amputee Coalition of America’s Board of Directors.
- Utah Activist Tami Stanley Elected to Amputee Coalition of America Board
Orem, Utah resident Tami Stanley was recently elected to Amputee Coalition of America’s Board of Directors.
- Utah Activist Tami Stanley Elected to Amputee Coalition of America Board
Orem, Utah resident Tami Stanley was recently elected to Amputee Coalition of America’s Board of Directors.
- Visit the Exhibit Hall - 2010 National Conference
- Ohio Willow Wood Becomes Amputee Coalition of America’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp Sponsor
The Amputee Coalition of America is proud to recognize the longstanding commitment and support of Ohio Willow Wood (OWW) as a Lodestone Sponsor of the Amputee Coalition of America’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp for 2010.
- Ohio Willow Wood Becomes Amputee Coalition of America’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp Sponsor
The Amputee Coalition of America is proud to recognize the longstanding commitment and support of Ohio Willow Wood (OWW) as a Lodestone Sponsor of the Amputee Coalition of America’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp for 2010.
- The Sky’s the Limit for Airborne Amputees, Wounded Warriors and ACA Members
- The Sky’s the Limit for Airborne Amputees, Wounded Warriors and ACA Members
- Bill Could Help Fund Prosthetics
Dan Ignaszewski, of the nonprofit advocacy group Amputee Coalition of America, said most insurance policies cover only the first $2,500 of the cost for prosthetic devices because they are classified as "durable medical equipment," along with canes and whe
- Bill Could Help Fund Prosthetics
Dan Ignaszewski, of the nonprofit advocacy group Amputee Coalition of America, said most insurance policies cover only the first $2,500 of the cost for prosthetic devices because they are classified as "durable medical equipment," along with canes and whe
- Kendra Calhoun, President & CEO of Amputee Coalition of America, Appointed to Medicare Advisory Committee
Calhoun to serve as Patient Advocate.
- Kendra Calhoun, President & CEO of Amputee Coalition of America, Appointed to Medicare Advisory Committee
Calhoun to serve as Patient Advocate.
- Celebrating 10 Years of Success
- Celebrating 10 Years of Success
- TSA Staff Lack Training, Respect in Screening Amputees
In an ACA press release today, a survey of 7,300 amputees around the country revealed instances of "inconsistent, unfair, abusive and often embarrassing screenings."
- Fireworks Accidents Cause Amputations and Third-Degree Burns
The Amputee Coalition of America urges families to make sure their children are properly supervised and all instructions followed when using fireworks this Fourth of July.
- Fireworks Accidents Cause Amputations and Third-Degree Burns
The Amputee Coalition of America urges families to make sure their children are properly supervised and all instructions followed when using fireworks this Fourth of July.
- TSA Airport Security Screeners Disregard Procedures, Safety and Respect for Amputees, According to Amputee Coalition of America Survey
Survey Results Show Lack of Awareness for Disability Population
- TSA Airport Security Screeners Disregard Procedures, Safety and Respect for Amputees, According to Amputee Coalition of America Survey
Survey Results Show Lack of Awareness for Disability Population
- Knoxville-based amputee group questions TSA
The Knoxville-based Amputee Coalition of America says amputees are being mistreated at airport security checkpoints across the nation.
- Convening of Limb Loss Task Force Is a Step Toward Fulfilling the Amputee Coalition’s 2015 Five Year Plan
- ACA Calls for Improved Screening Procedures for TSA
- ACA Calls for Improved Screening Procedures for TSA
- Amputee Coalition of America’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp Reaches Goal of 100 Campers
- Amputee Coalition of America’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp Reaches Goal of 100 Campers
- Amputee Coalition of America’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp Reaches Goal of 100 Campers
- Dumfries Teen's Determination Outweighs Loss of Limb
Daniel is one of 100 children from across the United States who will participate in the 11th annual Amputee Coalition of America's Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp.
- Guest column: After 20 years, ADA still provides for equal access
The Amputee Coalition of America's President and CEO, Kendra Calhoun, shares her view of the 20th anniversary of the ADA. What an exciting day this is for all who have worked for equal access and opportunity for people of all abilities!
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Annapolis, MD, May 7, 2009 – A Maryland bill designed to ensure fair insurance coverage for artificial arms and legs was signed into law by Governor Martin O'Malley today.
The bill, known as the Prosthetic Parity Act, requires insurers to provide meaningful coverage for prosthetic devices and better care for people with limb loss by creating a consistent standard for prosthetic benefits. This removes special caps and exemptions placed on prosthetic and orthopedic care that made these very basic services cost prohibitive for many individuals. Because of its potential to help people with limb loss keep their jobs, take care of their families, and live healthy, active lives, the bill was strongly supported by the Amputee Coalition of America, the premier nonprofit organization working on behalf of people with limb loss.
“Unfortunately, many amputees have nightmarish stories of fighting with insurance companies to try to get the prosthetic devices they need to simply work and live,” explained Kendra Calhoun, president and CEO of the Amputee Coalition. “People pay their monthly health insurance premiums and expect their coverage to take care of catastrophic situations like losing a limb. This is the very reason people purchase health insurance.”
House bill (HB) 579 was introduced by Delegate Heather R. Mizeur (D) with 24 cosponsors. It was passed by a vote of 127-8 on March 25. Senate bill (SB) 341 was introduced by Senator Catherine E. Pugh (D) with 16 cosponsors. It was passed by a vote of 41-2 on March 20. Sponsorship of the bills was highly bipartisan.
When Lorenzo Smith’s right leg was amputated a few years ago at age 12, Maryland didn’t have a law ensuring that he would receive meaningful prosthetic care. His mother, Albertha Jackson-Smith, vividly recalls the tragic day she had to explain to her young son that he couldn’t have an artificial leg because the family’s insurance wouldn’t cover it.
“Thanks to the leadership of the Maryland General Assembly and Governor O’Malley, people with limb loss in Maryland can now get the care they need to get back to work and live independent, productive lives,” said Morgan Sheets, the national advocacy director for the Amputee Coalition. “Spread across the insurance pool, the cost of prosthetic care is less than a dollar per month. The cost to the healthcare system in the long run of not providing prosthetic
care far exceeds that of providing it. Additionally, the lack of productivity caused by inadequate prosthetic care places a huge burden on society.”
Five states (MD, IA, AR, VA and TX) have already passed prosthetic parity legislation this year. These states join the 11 other states (CO, ME, NH, CA, MA, RI, OR, NJ, IN, VT and LA) that have previously enacted laws.
The Amputee Coalition is now working with activists throughout the country to advance similar state legislation. Additionally, the nonprofit organization is working to get a federal prosthetic parity bill re-introduced in the 111th Congress.
“We are fighting for people like Lorenzo Smith and even for those people who are not aware of their lack of coverage,” said Sheets, “but it’s a difficult battle. Insurance companies have a powerful voice, and the Amputee Coalition and our citizen lobbyists are like David taking on Goliath. Still, with the support of those like Governor O’Malley and the Maryland General Assembly, we believe that we can help win this victory for American families.”
About the Amputee Coalition of America
The Amputee Coalition, based in Knoxville, Tennessee, with an advocacy staff in Washington, D.C., is a national nonprofit organization that empowers people who have experienced amputation or are born with limb differences through education, support and advocacy. For more information about limb loss, please visit the Amputee Coalition Web site at www.amputee-coalition.org or call 888/267-5669.
Photos available by contacting Rick Bowers, Communications Manager.
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