Amputee Coalition of America

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National Peer Network

National Peer Network (NPN)

Peer contact and information sharing is a major objective of the Amputee Coalition of America 

Training in peer visitation, and other resources are made available to interested individuals and groups. Additional information is available for the topics Support Groups and Peer Training in the Information Center's Library Catalog. 

What is a Peer Network?

A peer network is a number of experienced, trained amputees linked through one or more organizations who provide emotional and informational support to new amputees and their families.  Peers make contact through personal visitation, when possible, and by phone, email, FAX, and surface mail.

Full understanding of the amputation experience and recovery process is intrinsic to the amputee.   Trained peers help new amputees jumpstart their transition to a new life by sharing information, by serving as a model of success, and by offering understanding and support.

Calls and requests:

Incoming requests for information or assistance are documented and forwarded to Information Specialists and an ACA Outreach Information Specialist for processing. 

ACA currently has twelve volunteer Regional Representatives who are experienced support group leaders. These twelve individuals are located throughout the U.S. and communicate with groups in regions varying in size between six to nine surrounding state.  Regional Representatives have knowledge of new groups forming in their region and special group activities (e.g., sports, social, speakers, educational) and can readily identify special interest support groups on request.   Information Specialists, the Outreach Information Specialist, and Regional Representatives offer referrals to amputee support groups located nearest the inquirer location. 

ACA created and maintains an ever-growing database of trained and experienced amputee peers who are willing to communicate by phone, fax, e-mail, postal service, or (when possible) make in-person visits.   The Coalition provides twelve or more Peer Training Seminars yearly to add to the numbers of qualified peers in the Network.  Amputees are matched as nearly as possible with referrals to fellow amputees who have experienced similar limb loss and are of comparable age. 

Vital links:

ACA encourages all support groups to be in communication with the Coalition and to aid the staff in maintaining current information on all existing groups.  ACA routinely contacts support groups nationwide striving to provide the latest information on points-of-contact, meetings, and programs.  This is a continuing effort to insure successful cooperation and accurate referrals working with local support groups.  ACA also works collaboratively with support groups to provide peer training, experienced trainers, training manuals, possible funding sources, and educational materials.

Groups are asked to make their members, and local facilities and disability resources aware of ACA and to urge them to become a part of ACA's national database and networking system.  Local Support Groups and ACA work side by side to increase services for those who have experienced limb loss, presenting a collaborative and united face to the general public, and to support legislative and disability issues that encompass our common goals.

Every amputee, all support groups, professional & disability resources are important links in this communication network.

Amputees, family members, medical providers, orthotic and prosthetic facilities, physical therapist, rehabilitation units, hospitals, State Vocational Rehabilitation Centers, Centers for Independent Living, all related non-profit organizations, disability services, and interested individuals, each of you are a needed and vital part of this network.  You are the dedicated, empowered human beings who are ACA's communication terminals.  ACA is reaching out to you.  YOU make the Amputee Coalition of America's National Peer Network a living breathing entity.  ACA is its center.  You make it work.

To facilitate peer contact, ACA maintains a database of Member Education and Support Groups for amputees. Contact the NPN for detailed information about peer support, support group meetings, or educational programs in your area. Click here to view contact information for the Regional Representative in your area.

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Last updated: 04/26/2008

This Web site is partially supported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors (association or center) and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC or the ACA.