Quarterly E-Newsletter · January 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACA Launches Ambitious Legislative Agenda for 2009

By: Morgan Sheets, National Advocacy Director

The ACA is working to capitalize on our past achievements with the launch of a diverse range of legislative initiatives designed to not only provide concrete benefits to our members, but also enhance our reach into the political arena.

An Up "Hill" Battle: The Federal Parity Campaign

By: Sheila Van Pay, Federal Field Organizer

The ACA worked hard for the introduction of bipartisan legislation in both the House of Representatives and the US Senate. The New Year brings its own set of challenges and opportunities in our fight to advance this important legislation.

State of the States

By: Daniel Ignaszewski, National Advocacy Specialist

With the hard work of our local activists and the continued support of our allies, the ACA is confident we will be adding additional state parity laws to the books.

Congressional Update

By: Mary Beth Stanton and John R. Russell IV

The 111th Congress took the oath of office on Tuesday, January 6. Congress faces immediate challenges addressing the economy and has already begun work on economic stimulus and health care legislation

ACA's Parity Efforts Featured on Good Morning America

Amputee Coalition of America

On January 14th, Good Morning America ran a piece on prosthetic parity. With the recent increase in attention being paid to parity and the continued commitment of our activists, we are confident that we will continue to succeed.

Dear Mr. President

By: Morgan Sheets, National Advocacy Director

As President Obama works to address the many issues facing our country, he is looking to individuals to share their own struggles in reaching the American dream. The ACA is calling on its members to be part of this ground-breaking effort to shape the president's public policy agenda.

Major O&P Organizations Reach Agreement on Minimum Standards for Providers and Suppliers of Custom Orthotics and Prosthetics

Amputee Coalition of America

Five of the major national organizations representing the orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) profession have reached a historic consensus regarding the minimum education and training requirements for providers and suppliers of custom orthotics and prosthetics.

Amputee Coalition of America Calls for Elimination of Two-Year Waiting Period for Medicare Benefits for People With Disabilities

Amputee Coalition of America

The ACA is joining forces with more than 65 health advocacy organizations calling for elimination of the 24-month waiting period for Medicare benefits for people under 65 with disabilities. By banding together, we make our voices louder and impossible to ignore.