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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
- 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.
- Inner Wheel Foundation’s Myoelectric Limb Project Lends a Hand to Those in Need
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 Proj
- 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.
- 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.
- Two Amputee Coalition campers attend the Paralympics in China
In September, two of our campers received the opportunity of a lifetime. They were selected to take part in the 2008 Paralympic Academy. This year the academy was held in conjunction with the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, China.
- Growing Up With Limb Loss
Men and women, young and old, all suffer the effects of
amputation, including its physical and emotional scars.
Adapting successfully to life with limb loss depends
not just on one’s inner resolve or outward physical
strength – sometimes it’s a matter
- ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA Working to Ensure that Amputees are Not Left Behind in Health Reform
- ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA Working to Ensure that Amputees are Not Left Behind in Health Reform
- ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA Signs on in Support of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Act of 2009
- ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA Signs on in Support of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Act of 2009
- OPAF Launches McKeever’s First Ride
- ADVOCACY NEWS: Senate HELP Protects Access to Assistive Devices
- ADVOCACY NEWS: Senate HELP Protects Access to Assistive Devices
- ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA and Partners Applaud the Inclusiveness of the Affordable Health Choices Act
- ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA and Partners Applaud the Inclusiveness of the Affordable Health Choices Act
- Connecticut: Vote on Monday. Take action TODAY!
- ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA Celebrates Progress in the Campaign for Hate Crimes Protections for People with Disabilities
- ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA Celebrates Progress in the Campaign for Hate Crimes Protections for People with Disabilities
- Amputee Coalition Youth Camp Shows Young Amputees That They Can Do Anything, Anywhere
Donate now and help support this inspirational program
- ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA Joins Allies in Pushing for Patient Centered Approach to Comparative Effectiveness Research
- ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA Joins Allies in Pushing for Patient Centered Approach to Comparative Effectiveness Research
- ADVOCACY NEWS: Progress in the Efforts to Protect Assistive Devices in Healthcare Reform
- ADVOCACY NEWS: Progress in the Efforts to Protect Assistive Devices in Healthcare Reform
- ADVOCACY NEWS: Progress and Problems in the Campaign for Hate Crimes Protections for People with Disabilities
- ADVOCACY NEWS: Progress and Problems in the Campaign for Hate Crimes Protections for People with Disabilities
- Double amputee loses legs, finds a cause
- HEALTH CARE REFORM: Call your members today!
- HEALTHCARE REFORM: Take action during the August recess!
- ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA Seeks Government Relations Specialist to Help Lead Policy Efforts
- ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA Seeks Government Relations Specialist to Help Lead Policy Efforts
- ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA Partners With AOPA and Hanger to Call for True Healthcare Reform
- ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA Partners With AOPA and Hanger to Call for True Healthcare Reform
- Winslow Therapeutic Riding to Host McKeever’s First Ride
- TAKE ACTION TODAY! Push for true healthcare reform!
- Members of Congress Receive Legislative Awards From National Amputee Organizations
- Ossur Commits $20,000 to Amputee Coalition of America’s Parity Campaign
- Ossur Commits $20,000 to Amputee Coalition of America’s Parity Campaign
- Amputee Coalition of America's Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp Announced
Knoxville, TN, October 9, 2009 – The Amputee Coalition of America announced that it has named its youth camp in honor of the organization’s former president & CEO, Paddy Rossbach.
- Amputee Coalition of America's Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp Announced
Knoxville, TN, October 9, 2009 – The Amputee Coalition of America announced that it has named its youth camp in honor of the organization’s former president & CEO, Paddy Rossbach.
- Get Ready for National Family Caregivers Month in November
November 2009 celebrates National Family Caregivers Month, a time to thank, support, educate and empower family caregivers – those individuals providing care to loved ones living with chronic illness, disability or the frailties of old age.
- Mending Limbs Organization to Hold Second Annual Benefit Concert
Event to raise awareness of need for adequate prosthetic insurance coverage for amputees
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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 2003 when Amputees Across America (AAA) came to Colorado Springs.
With that initial AAA visit, I realized that Jim DeLong, a 54 year old rider, and others had a strong identity as an amputee, proud of who and what they were, and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. Of course, when I was invited to join AAA in 2004 as a Jr. Ambassador, I jumped at the chance, riding from Salt Lake City, Utah to Colorado Springs where I participated in two visitations at HealthSouth rehabilitation hospitals. At the conclusion of the 2004 ride, I knew that this was what I wanted to do. The people that I met, being on the road with other amputees, the strength of my convictions that I want to serve other amputees, all came together.
When I was invited to rejoin AAA in 2005, I jumped at the chance again. I joined the riders, composed of Joe Sapere, Bill Vanover, and my old friend and mentor, Jim DeLong, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. We rode country roads, winding through the Amish countryside, enjoyed the bicycle trail from Pottstown to Philadelphia, the flat roads of New Jersey, and the rolling hills of New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. In those two short weeks, we made ten visitations: seven to HealthSouth rehab hospitals, two to Shriner Children’s hospitals, and one at Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Presidential Library in Hyde Park, NY.
With every turn of the wheel, with every visitation, I knew this is what I have wanted to do. My two years with AAA have changed who I am and the life that I choose to live. I love the fellowship of riding a bicycle with other amputees, the challenge of riding the miles, the antics of my fellow riders, as in water pistol fights and practical jokes, the intensity as we ride into the rehab hospitals, and most importantly, the patients who make this journey so worthwhile.
As in all AAA riders, I feel the drive to convey our message to others, that they too, can enjoy life and that living an active life is a matter of choice. Isn’t that what life is all about…choices? I am so glad that I made that choice to join AAA and am a part of an outreach program that touches so many lives in so many ways. |