Last updated 06/2024
About Us
The Amputee Coalition is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with limb loss and limb difference and their families through support, education, and advocacy. Our programs are tailored to meet our members at every point along their journey, to offer support from the birth of a child with limb difference to aging well with limb loss. We mobilize advocates at state and national levels to expand access to healthcare and address other issues that impact our community. Our partners make up an extensive network of healthcare professionals driving our efforts to improve care, increase access to services, and promote limb loss prevention efforts. We invite you to learn more about the Amputee Coalition and to join us in our mission – as a member, volunteer, donor, or healthcare partner. The following fact sheet contains information about our programs and services.
Certified Peer Visitor Program
Receiving support from someone who can relate to your experience with limb loss and limb difference can be a turning point on your journey to recovery. We have trained more than 2,000 volunteers with limb loss or limb difference who are available to meet with you and your family in your time of need. Peer visits take place every day across the country, in person, over the phone, via email, and through video conferencing.
If you would like to request a peer visit or would like to become a Certified Peer Visitor, please complete our online request form, call us at 888-267-5669 ext. 8124, or email peersupport@amputee-coalition.org. A member of our staff will connect you with a well-suited volunteer, matched according to the information you share in your request.
Limb Loss & Limb Difference Support Groups
We offer several virtual support groups each month to keep you engaged, supported, and connected. These meetings are open to all individuals living with limb loss or limb difference, their families and caregivers. They are offered once per week and are staggered across each of the four continental U.S. time zones. In addition to our weekly meetings, we also offer the following monthly meetings:
- BIPOC support group – for those who identify as black, indigenous, or a person of color.
- Caregiver support group – for all non-professional caregivers (i.e. spouses, partners, family members, and friends).
- Young adult support group – for members who are 18-30 years of age.
Visit us online today for more information or to sign up to attend one of our virtual support groups. You can also search our Support Group Finder to locate a support group near you. The National Support Group Network consists of over 300 affiliated support groups that meet in person and virtually across the country.
National Limb Loss Resource Center®
The Amputee Coalition hosts the National Limb Loss Resource Center® to provide you with comprehensive information and resources for living with limb loss and limb difference. Our services include:
- Information and Referral – Our knowledgeable team of Resource Specialists are standing by to help answer your questions, provide you with resources, and connect you with services available to you. You can reach out to us using our online form or by calling our Toll-Free phone line at 888/267-5669.
- Community Connections – This public online database contains resources, services, and support available to you. It can be searched by zip code or by topics, such as prosthetists, financial assistance, or home and vehicle modifications. Community Connections is available online at nllrc.amputee-coalition.org.
- Online Fact Sheet Library – Our library of Fact Sheets cover a wide variety of important topics for members of the limb loss and limb difference community. The entire collection is available online at amputee-coalition.org/resource-type/fact-sheet.
- Printed Publications – We are pleased to offer complimentary copies of all our printed publications and guidebooks to any community member residing within the U.S. A full list of publications can be found on our website. Orders can be placed directly from our online storefront at shop.amputee-coalition.org, or by contacting a Resource Specialist online or by phone.
Youth Engagement Program (YEP)
The Amputee Coalition’s Youth Engagement Program (YEP) offers our youth members a place to belong, engage in activities, learn new life skills, and build lifelong friendships. The program offers mentorship and leadership opportunities, education and career guidance, advocacy training, and an annual summer camp experience. To sign up for the YEP program or to register for camp, visit us online or email yep@amputee-coalition.org.
Workforce Development Program
Our Workforce Development Program is designed to assist you with your career exploration and professional growth. Our program can help you with your transition back into the workforce following limb loss or help you get started on your journey into the workforce for the first time. We offer one-on-one career mentoring, help with resume and cover letter writing, and preparation for job interviews. For more information visit us online, contact us by phone at 202/964-4965, or email us at workforce@amputee-coalition.org.
Advocacy and Government Relations
The Amputee Coalition engages in advocacy and awareness initiatives that reflect a broad range of issues that impact our community members who are living with limb loss and/or limb difference. Together, we advocate for reformed health policies, increased access to treatment interventions, and access to innovative technologies that reflect the priorities of our community members. We provide Lead Advocate Certification Training and opportunities for our members to volunteer and to get involved in state and federal advocacy initiatives. If you are interested in becoming an Advocate or Certified Lead Advocate, visit us online or email us at advocacy@amputee-coalition.org.
AC Connect: An Online Community Forum
AC Connect is an online community built exclusively for our members to connect virtually with one another. This platform allows for discussions, resource sharing, announcements and more. Here are a few ways in which our members can benefit from joining this community:
- Build authentic relationships with peers who have faced similar circumstances.
- Share tips, resources, upcoming events, and other opportunities with your peers.
- Receive notifications and time-sensitive information from the Amputee Coalition.
To join the conversation, first head over to amputee-coalition.org/join-amputee-coalition to become a member of the Amputee Coalition. From there, you’ll be able to create your AC Connect profile at community.amputee-coaliton.org.
National Conference
Each year we have the pleasure of hosting a National Conference that brings our community members, their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals together for learning, interaction, and networking. This annual event is open to anyone born with a limb difference or who has experienced or will experience limb loss. All attendees will be provided with opportunities for relationship building, peer connection, and celebration. For more information about our National Conference, including registration, travel accommodations, and scholarship opportunities, please visit us online at amputee-coalition.org/events-programs/national-conference or email us at events@amputee-coalition.org.
Subscribe to inMotion magazine & THRIVE blog
inMotion magazine is published bimonthly for community members with limb loss and limb difference, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, to provide timely news and up-to-date information about topics relating to limb loss and limb difference. Each issue of inMotion is available free to read online or by mail with a free annual subscription. Subscribe by visiting us online at amputee-coalition.org and clicking “Subscribe to inMotion FREE” in the upper right corner or by calling our Toll-Free phone line at 888/267-5669.
Stay up to date with recent news on limb loss and limb difference with a weekly eNewsletter delivered right to your inbox. Visit our webpage blog.amputee-coalition.org/thrive-blog to subscribe, to catch up on past blogs, or to contribute your own #WeTHRIVE Story.
It is not the intention of the Amputee Coalition to provide specific medical or legal advice but rather to provide consumers with information to better understand their health and healthcare issues. The Amputee Coalition does not endorse any specific treatment, technology, company, service or device. Consumers are urged to consult with their healthcare providers for specific medical advice or before making any purchasing decisions involving their care.
© Amputee Coalition. Local reproduction for use by Amputee Coalition constituents is permitted as long as this copyright information is included. Organizations or individuals wishing to reprint this article in other publications, including other websites must contact the Amputee Coalition for permission to do so, by emailing a request to communications@amputee-coalition.org.