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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.
- 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
- The Prosthesis and Its Components - Choices, Choices and More Choices
- When to Help Your Child and When to Let Go
- The Road to Change
In 2003, I set out on a journey to reclaim the life that I once had, to gain strength in body, mind, and spirit, and to dedicate my life to serve others in need. This journey began with the support of my family following my accident and continued in June
- Beijing 2008: On a Row Boat to China
The International Paralympic Committee met in April this year to decide on important issues at hand. One of those issues was the inclusion of rowing as a Paralympic sport. I was so happy and excited when I learned that rowing had finally become part of th
- A Winning Attitude: A Young Athlete Benefits From ASPIRE's Adaptive Ski Clinic
ASPIRE's week long ski clinic motivates children with amputations and limb differences.
- Out of Necessity: Children’s Book Author Overcomes Biggest Challenge of All
Children's book author, Ben Herosian, turns life's most difficult lessons into inspirational and educational stories.
- Kids and Teens Get Boost from 6th Annual ACA Youth Camp
The 2006 ACA Youth Camp is a success. Campers participated in fun activities and made lots of new friends.
- Demonstrating Disability Awareness at a Young Age
Annie Garafolo, a member of Helping Hands Foundation, explains what it's like living with a disability to a 5th grade class.
- Author Emily Rapp Speaks About Growing Up as a Poster Child
Emily Rapp writes about her experiences growing up with limb loss in her recently published memoir, Poster Child, by Bloomsbury Press.
- Want to be Another Tiger Woods or Casey Martin?
The Eastern Amputee Golf Association (EAGA) offers young amputees the opportunity to learn to play golf through the free National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA) "First Swing/Learn to Golf" clinic program.
- A Lifetime of Memories!
Take a quick look at the 2007 ACA Youth Camp!
- A Champion Among Us: Meet Jessica Long
Quitting has never been an option for Jessica Long. Holding 34 U.S. swimming records, 17 Pan-American records, 2 Paralympic records, 14 world records, 3 gold Paralympic medals, and 9 gold world championship medals are only some of the accomplishments of t
- Advice from Other Kids & Teens
Get some advice from other young amputees. Read what they have to say about teasing, being self-conscious, prostheses, sports & recreation and more.
- Teen Writes Newsletter for Young Amputees
Meet Theresa, a 14-year-old from California. Theresa is the creator of an interactive newsletter for young amputees.
- The Making of a Champion
Sean is an inspiring young man. Read about his recent travels and successes.
- Disc Golf for Fun and Fitness
If you’re looking for a way to get
in shape or stay that way while
enjoying the great outdoors,
disc golf may be the sport for
you.
- Camp Brings Joy to Young Amputees!
This was a banner year for the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) Youth Camp,held July 20-24. Sixty-three campers flew in from 30 different states to have the time of their lives.
- Street Beat Masters Hawaii Dance Experience
Read about Adrienne's Hip Hop Dance experienced in Hawaii.
- 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
- Long Overdue, Telecast Isn’t Short on Emotion
It is a 90-minute, continuous “Oh my” journey with amputee sprinters and swimmers, wheelchair basketball players and racers, a paralyzed shot-putter, a sailor with Lou Gehrig’s disease, and Marin Morrison, a swimmer devastated by a brain tumor.
- Share Your Holiday Giving Spirit with the Amputee Coalition of America
- The Amputee Coalition of America Congratulates Paralympic Athletes
- 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.
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Among his many activities, Andres enjoys skateboarding. | Andres Alvarez Vasquez of California was born without his right hand, but that hasn’t slowed this active 22-year-old down a bit. At the age of 9, Andres was the first recipient of a myoelectric limb from Inner Wheel Foundation Inc.’s Myoelectric Limb Project — a project that provides both new and recycled prosthetic limbs for use by children during their growing years.
As a 9-year-old child with a congenital limb difference who had worn both passive and body-powered prostheses since he was 4 months old, Andres was considered by Inner Wheel to be a good candidate for using myoelectric limbs, which can be challenging for children to operate. These devices work by using electrodes to transmit a small electrical emission that is generated by normal muscle contraction. Although children as young as 2 can wear and use a myoelectric limb, many families opt for a less expensive prostheses or none at all. With Andres’ experience using prostheses, he successfully used myoelectric limbs while growing up, and in fact still uses one today.
Though Inner Wheel USA has been involved in service projects since the 1950s, the Inner Wheel USA Foundation, Inc., was established in 1984 to outfit children with myoelectric limbs. As a child outgrows his or her prosthesis, it gets returned to the organization for a younger or smaller child to use. In this way, the organization is able to save families thousands of dollars while their child is growing up and growing out of limbs yearly. A myoelectric prosthesis for a child can cost approximately $10,000-$15,000, plus another $5,000 for clinical evaluation, training and follow-up visits. This is money that average families simply would not be able to afford.
Furthermore, research has shown that children are more likely to continue to use prostheses if they are fitted early, rather than at an older age. Today, with the advancement of technology, batteries and electrodes are being fitted right into the myoelectric arm rather than on the outside of the arm, making the prosthesis easier to wear and lighter in weight. New materials, such as silicon, make the prosthesis look just like a real arm and hand.
Joan Ferarri-Cotton, chairwoman of Inner Wheel USA Foundation, Inc., considers the greatest value of this to be intangible. She is routinely rewarded in her work when she sees a child accomplish a simple task, such as tying a shoe or simply holding his or her mother’s hand.
Christina Reitz, parent to 3-year-old Zozen Reitz, learned about Inner Wheel Foundation’s Myoelectric Limb Project from her son’s prosthetist and has also noticed the confidence that her son gains from wearing a myoelectric limb. Zozen, who is missing his left hand, has been using a myoelectric limb through the project on and off for the past year and half. After learning how to operate both the body-powered limb that the family had purchased and the myoelectric limb loaned to them through Inner Wheel, Christina now asks her son which arm he’d like to wear for the day.
“It has really given him confidence to know that he can accomplish something like picking up a book and handing it to his dad,” Christina says. “He takes such great pride in accomplishing little tasks.”
Ferarri-Cotton describes the myoelectric prosthesis as “a tool and a help to children trying to cope within a world not always friendly toward those who are different.”
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Inner Wheel USA Foundation's Myoelectric Limb Project loans new and used limbs to children with upper extremity limb deficiency. |
The organization relies upon individual donations to grow its investments and fund the clinics that supply the limbs. This year, it provided a little over $100,000 to the clinics to assist the children, though Ferrari-Cotton wants to do even more. When she’s not speaking about the Myoelectric Limb Project at various public and private events, she’s applying for grant money and beating a path to television media outlets like The Oprah Winfrey Show hoping to raise awareness for the project and fund more clinics.
“My goal is to reach investments of $1.5 million by the time my term is up in June 2007,” she says.
Andres loves myoelectric limbs because they kept him active and healthy during his childhood. The body-powered harnesses of other upper-extremity prostheses gave him scoliosis, so he was delighted to be able to wear a more comfortable myoelectric device. In high school, Andres was co-captain of his wrestling team and went on to the national championships in Junior Lifeguard six years in a row.
Now an energetic college student, Andres is happy to be a mentor to young kids with physical differences because he understands how difficult it can be to find accepting friends.
He advises others with visible physical differences to always “think of yourself as normal, because if you don’t, then you won’t be. If you show confidence, others will follow.”
Although Andres speaks like a mature young man who has learned from his hardship, he also certainly knows how to have fun. He admits to telling tall tales about a shark attack to curious onlookers who asked him about his arm when he was in high school.
“It’s more interesting than saying, ‘I was born this way,’” he says with a laugh.
It’s clear that the people involved in Inner Wheel USA Foundation, Inc., believe in helping upper-extremity amputees and children with limb differences enjoy a higher quality of life. It is also clear from Andres’ experience that their work is paying off.
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