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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.
- “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
- Bidding Demonstration: Setting the Record Straight for Prosthetic Consumers
- Do's and Don'ts of A Legislative Visit
- ADVOCACY NEWS: Licensure vs. Certification: How It Can Affect You!
- 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.
- 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
- A Message From the President & CEO
- Physical Activity Can Reduce Secondary Conditions in Youths With Limb Differences
- Building a Positive Body Image
- Prostheses for Children & Teens With Limb Differences - Issues and Expectations
- Questions to Ask Your Child's Doctor
- Resources
- Follow the Yellow Brick Road - Assistance Sources for Children and Teens With Limb Differences
- Enrichment Beyond Words
- M-STAR Seeks Donations for Operation Compassion
The Michigan Society To Advance Rehabilitation, Inc. (M-STAR) is seeking used lower-limb components and funds to transport prostheses, equipment and a health team to Mexico in September.
- OPGA and POINT Health Launch Fundraising Initiative Supporting the ACA’s Prosthetic Coverage Efforts
- Media Articles and Transcripts
- ACA Honors Activists
- Kicking for Kids Who Can't Event in Washington, D.C.
Kicking For Kids Who Can't is an event taking place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on October 7th, 2007. Kids adults of all ages will kick with all of their might to raise money to benefit the Limbs For Life Foundation, a Non-Profit 501(c)(3), w
- Kicking for Kids Who Can't Event in Washington, D.C.
Kicking For Kids Who Can't is an event taking place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on October 7th, 2007. Kids adults of all ages will kick with all of their might to raise money to benefit the Limbs For Life Foundation, a Non-Profit 501(c)(3), w
- CT Rally
- Law urged to benefit amputees
- Murder by Spreadsheet: Amputees have it real bad
- ADVOCACY NEWS: Historic Bipartisan Bill Introduced in U.S. Senate Requires Meaningful Health Insurance Coverage for Amputees
- ADVOCACY NEWS: Historic Bipartisan Bill Introduced in U.S. Senate Requires Meaningful Health Insurance Coverage for Amputees
- ADVOCACY NEWS: Historic Bipartisan Bill Introduced in U.S. Senate Requires Meaningful Health Insurance Coverage for Amputees
- Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. Introduces National Limb Loss Awareness Month Resolution
Representative John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) has introduced a resolution to designate April as National Limb Loss Awareness Month.
- Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. Introduces National Limb Loss Awareness Month Resolution
Representative John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) has introduced a resolution to designate April as National Limb Loss Awareness Month.
- Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. Introduces National Limb Loss Awareness Month Resolution
Representative John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) has introduced a resolution to designate April as National Limb Loss Awareness Month.
- Ohio Willow Wood Becomes Amputee Coalition of America’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp Sponsor
The Amputee Coalition of America is proud to recognize the longstanding commitment and support of Ohio Willow Wood (OWW) as a Lodestone Sponsor of the Amputee Coalition of America’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp for 2010.
- Ohio Willow Wood Becomes Amputee Coalition of America’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp Sponsor
The Amputee Coalition of America is proud to recognize the longstanding commitment and support of Ohio Willow Wood (OWW) as a Lodestone Sponsor of the Amputee Coalition of America’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp for 2010.
- The Sky’s the Limit for Airborne Amputees, Wounded Warriors and ACA Members
- The Sky’s the Limit for Airborne Amputees, Wounded Warriors and ACA Members
- Bill Could Help Fund Prosthetics
Dan Ignaszewski, of the nonprofit advocacy group Amputee Coalition of America, said most insurance policies cover only the first $2,500 of the cost for prosthetic devices because they are classified as "durable medical equipment," along with canes and whe
- Bill Could Help Fund Prosthetics
Dan Ignaszewski, of the nonprofit advocacy group Amputee Coalition of America, said most insurance policies cover only the first $2,500 of the cost for prosthetic devices because they are classified as "durable medical equipment," along with canes and whe
- Kendra Calhoun, President & CEO of Amputee Coalition of America, Appointed to Medicare Advisory Committee
Calhoun to serve as Patient Advocate.
- Kendra Calhoun, President & CEO of Amputee Coalition of America, Appointed to Medicare Advisory Committee
Calhoun to serve as Patient Advocate.
- Celebrating 10 Years of Success
- Celebrating 10 Years of Success
- TSA Staff Lack Training, Respect in Screening Amputees
In an ACA press release today, a survey of 7,300 amputees around the country revealed instances of "inconsistent, unfair, abusive and often embarrassing screenings."
- Fireworks Accidents Cause Amputations and Third-Degree Burns
The Amputee Coalition of America urges families to make sure their children are properly supervised and all instructions followed when using fireworks this Fourth of July.
- Fireworks Accidents Cause Amputations and Third-Degree Burns
The Amputee Coalition of America urges families to make sure their children are properly supervised and all instructions followed when using fireworks this Fourth of July.
- TSA Airport Security Screeners Disregard Procedures, Safety and Respect for Amputees, According to Amputee Coalition of America Survey
Survey Results Show Lack of Awareness for Disability Population
- TSA Airport Security Screeners Disregard Procedures, Safety and Respect for Amputees, According to Amputee Coalition of America Survey
Survey Results Show Lack of Awareness for Disability Population
- Knoxville-based amputee group questions TSA
The Knoxville-based Amputee Coalition of America says amputees are being mistreated at airport security checkpoints across the nation.
- Convening of Limb Loss Task Force Is a Step Toward Fulfilling the Amputee Coalition’s 2015 Five Year Plan
- ACA Calls for Improved Screening Procedures for TSA
- ACA Calls for Improved Screening Procedures for TSA
- Amputee Coalition of America’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp Reaches Goal of 100 Campers
- Amputee Coalition of America’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp Reaches Goal of 100 Campers
- Amputee Coalition of America’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp Reaches Goal of 100 Campers
- Dumfries Teen's Determination Outweighs Loss of Limb
Daniel is one of 100 children from across the United States who will participate in the 11th annual Amputee Coalition of America's Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp.
- Guest column: After 20 years, ADA still provides for equal access
The Amputee Coalition of America's President and CEO, Kendra Calhoun, shares her view of the 20th anniversary of the ADA. What an exciting day this is for all who have worked for equal access and opportunity for people of all abilities!
- Amputee Coalition of America Announces Scholarship Recipient
The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) has announced Cady Tescher, 18, of Glendora, California, as the recipient of the $1,000 Christina Skoski, M.D., Scholarship.
- Amputee Coalition of America Announces Scholarship Recipient
The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) has announced Cady Tescher, 18, of Glendora, California, as the recipient of the $1,000 Christina Skoski, M.D., Scholarship.
- World Land Speed Record-Holder Mike Roman is Keynote Speaker at Amputee Coalition of America National Conference in Irvine, California
“Dreams come true if you have the courage to dream them,” is race car driver and world land speed record-holder Mike Roman’s motto. As an amputee, Roman is dedicated to spreading his message of hope, and he will do just that at the Amputee Coalition of Am
- World Land Speed Record-Holder Mike Roman is Keynote Speaker at Amputee Coalition of America National Conference in Irvine, California
“Dreams come true if you have the courage to dream them,” is race car driver and world land speed record-holder Mike Roman’s motto. As an amputee, Roman is dedicated to spreading his message of hope, and he will do just that at the Amputee Coalition of Am
- Advertisements - Amputee Coalition of America
Please help the ACA by clicking on advertisers’ links. By visiting their websites, you are helping the ACA support the various programs that provide help and assistance to amputees, their families, and caregivers.
- Amputee Coalition of America Holds Successful Meeting with Top Transportation Security Administration Officials in Washington
Agency pledges better training, cooperation and sensitivity when screening air travelers with limb loss
- Amputee Coalition of America Holds Successful Meeting with Top Transportation Security Administration Officials in Washington
Agency pledges better training, cooperation and sensitivity when screening air travelers with limb loss
- In Memoriam: Todd Anderson (1960-2010)
- In Memoriam: Todd Anderson (1960-2010)
- Kim Duckett Named Finalist for National Award
- Kim Duckett Named Finalist for National Award
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Amputees From Around the Nation to Converge on Capitol Hill
to Support Fair Insurance Coverage for Artificial Arms and Legs
Amputee Coalition of America Schedules D.C. Press Conference for March 10
Washington, DC, March 4, 2009 - On Tuesday, March 10, the Amputee Coalition of America will have more than 160 amputees and patient advocates from across the country in Washington, D.C., urging Congress members to support fair insurance coverage for artificial arms and legs. Their message is simple: Arms and legs are not a luxury! A press conference for the event will be held March 10 at 4 p.m. at the Dirksen Senate Building in Room 116.
Jeffrey Cain, MD, a member of the Amputee Coalition’s Board of Directors and Medical Advisory Committee, will be a spokesperson at the press conference. Dr. Cain, a bilateral lower-limb amputee himself, led the successful fight for fair prosthetic coverage in Colorado and has also been instrumental in the Amputee Coalition’s efforts to pass a federal bill.
Dr. Cain is the chair of the Amputee Coalition’s Advocacy Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Family Physicians, is the president of the Colorado Medical Services Board, and works as the chief of family medicine at The Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Colorado.
During this period of rising healthcare costs and cuts in benefits, amputees and their families are making this trip to Washington, D.C., to tell lawmakers that they need their own “bailout.” Many of them have nightmarish stories of fighting with insurance companies to try to get the prosthetic devices they need to work and live.
“Insurance companies are unrealistically limiting reimbursement of prosthetic arms and legs or summarily electing not to cover them at all,” said Kendra Calhoun, Amputee Coalition president and CEO. “We intend to turn this tide, and our Lobby Day on March 10 is a great example of the grassroots support we have from across the country to do so. Arms and legs are not luxury items. Mobility is a serious issue for amputees who want to keep their jobs, take care of their families, and live healthy, active lives.”
Unfortunately, some insurance companies are even providing coverage for only one prosthesis per lifetime or eliminating coverage completely.
“Families are essentially penalized $20,000 or more because their child has grown and their arm or leg no longer fits,” said Calhoun. “Even for older adults, it is absurd to expect them to use only one prosthesis in their lifetime. No one would expect a person to wear a single pair of shoes their entire life, and prosthetic devices should be no different.”
These types of insurance company practices pose especially grave challenges for families of children with limb loss, and several parents and children are attending this event to make their voices heard.
They’ll be telling their congressional representatives about what keeps them up at night. Will they be able to get their child an artificial leg or arm as he or she grows? How will they look their child in the eye and say, “I’m sorry, but you can’t get a new leg because our insurance, which we have paid premiums on for years, won’t cover it”? And if they are able to pay for their child’s prosthetic needs through mortgaging their home or burying themselves in debt, how will they cover the additional devices their child will need as he or she grows?
“We are fighting for these families, but it’s a difficult battle,” said Morgan Sheets, the Amputee Coalition’s national advocacy director, who is leading the Lobby Day activities. “Insurance companies have a powerful voice. The Amputee Coalition and its citizen lobbyists are like David taking on Goliath. However, we trust that our congressional representatives will see the logic in our claims and do what is right. This year, they will have a wonderful opportunity to help us achieve a great victory for American families.”
About the Amputee Coalition of America
The Amputee Coalition, based in Knoxville, Tennessee, with an advocacy staff in Washington, D.C., is a national nonprofit organization that empowers people who have experienced amputation or are born with limb differences through education, support and advocacy. For more information about limb loss, please visit the Amputee Coalition Web site at www.amputee-coalition.org or call 888/267-5669.
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