ACA Services Offer Support and a Chance to Help Others
You may have recently undergone amputation surgery, had a child born with a congenital limb difference, or just learned that one or more of your limbs must be amputated. If so, it is certainly a time of high stress, fear and confusion. Questions may be whirling in your mind – questions about working, raising a family, maintaining a relationship, caring for yourself or your child, and accomplishing basic daily living activities.
So where can you turn for information, guidance and emotional support to assist you with your questions and the decisions you will face? In many cases, only another amputee who has experienced a similar situation can provide the answers you need. These people are your peers, and they may be found among your friends, neighbors, family members, or at a local amputee support group.
Remember that you are not alone. If you want to speak with another amputee or parent, call the ACA and ask to be connected with someone of the same gender and age group with similar limb differences. ACA's National Peer Network (NPN) maintains a database of trained and experienced peer visitors nationwide who are available to provide encouragement and information.
The ACA National Peer Network (NPN)
The NPN meets the needs of new amputees who are coming to terms with the harsh reality of amputation by certifying peer visitors who can demonstrate that there is life after amputation. The certified peer visitor is someone who has experienced this life-changing event, is living a full and productive life, and has completed the ACA training program preparing him or her to visit another individual. A peer visitor volunteers to serve as a role model, offer emotional support, and provide information about local and national resources.
The ACA offers an intense one-day training workshop for those who wish to become certified peer visitors. Support groups can sponsor the trainings, and individuals can call the ACA at 888/267-5669 or go to the ACA Web site at www.amputee-coalition.org to find the training session closest to your area.
Help ACA Track Peer Visits
Those who are part of this invaluable group of certified peer visitors know and understand the positive impact you are having on new amputees. And because it is so important, the ACA needs your help. Please stay in touch and report each peer visit that you are doing. We understand that the names of those you visit are privileged information; however, if you will share the demographics, such as ethnicity, gender, approximate age, and level of amputation and cause, it will help us track the effectiveness of the NPN.
The ACA would like to thank current and future peer visitors for your commitment to your fellow amputees. Your willingness to share the knowledge you have gained through your own experience, pain and victories is “priceless”!
If you would like to request a peer visit, become a certified peer visitor, request a peer visitor training, or if you have questions about reporting your peer visits, please contact Jim Haag (ext. 8112) or Susan Tipton (ext. 8132) toll-free at 888/267-5669.
