The Orthotic & Prosthetic Activities Foundation

Education

Educational Program Description

OPAF’s educational programs are held in conjunction with First Clinics. OPAF is accredited to provide 6 continuing education units to O&P Professionals, PT’s, and OT’s for each of its three courses: First Things First, First Fit, and First Swim.

There is vast opportunity in further developing OPAF’s educational programs in the coming years. Based on available funding, OPAF would like to hire an Educational Director, pursue Instructor Certification in more states/disciplines, build its base of Certified Instructors, and broaden its reach to more occupational therapists, social workers, and more.

First Things First course group in Georgia

First Things First

This continuing education module is designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other allied health practitioners.  The goal of the course is to demonstrate basic mobility skills required for safety in the limb loss population. First Things First reviews epidemiology related to the limb loss population and evidence-based intervention programs related to fall prevention.  We demonstrate practical techniques to help the individual mitigate the force of a fall and get up from the floor after a fall. First Things First is our most introductory course teaching patients, caregivers, and practitioners how to build confidence in basic mobility while reducing risk of falls. The format includes a classroom lecture and a practical portion to allow for hands-on participation.  At the completion of the course, rehabilitation professionals will be able to directly apply these skills into daily practice and participants will leave with renewed confidence in their fundamental mobility.

First Clinic Class Instruction in a group setting

First Fit

This continuing education modules is designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other allied health practitioners. The goal of the course is to teach rehabilitation professionals about physical fitness specific to the limb loss population. First Fit incorporates topics that include prosthetic componentry, K-levels, health and safety concerns, and physical exercises for the limb loss population. The course also reviews outcome measures that may assist the practitioner in determining readiness for exercise. The format includes a live-interaction lecture portion containing evidence-based information, and a practice portion to allow for hands-on participation. Attendees will work through a variety of strength and mobility activities as well as review safety awareness and fitness tips to apply to their everyday life. At the completion of the course, rehabilitation professionals will be able to directly apply these skills into daily practice.

An Instructor giving swimming lessons

First Swim

This continuing education modules is designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other allied health practitioners. The goal of the course is to teach healthcare professionals how to appropriately apply swimming as an exercise modality and reviews pool safety, transfers, and prosthetic limb management around the water. First Swim also reviews basic elements of swim strokes and the compensations often required for individuals with limb loss. The goal of this course is to familiarize the therapist with the knowledge and resources necessary to keep this patient population active. Upon completion of the course, rehabilitation professionals will have the ability to immediately apply this information to their daily practice.

Instructor assisting with first stride

First Stride

This continuing education course is designed for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other allied health practitioners.  The goal of the course is to teach rehabilitation professionals the skills to appropriately integrate prosthetic technology into gait training.  First Stride reviews core elements of prosthetic gait, including a review of normal human locomotion, prosthetic gait deviations, and interventions. Lecture content also reviews challenges of the individual with lower limb amputation, manufacturer’s guidelines on prosthetic componentry and alignment, pre-gait therapeutic techniques, and gait training with a prosthesis.  A hands-on lab session follows the lecture, which includes individuals with amputations.  Rehabilitation professionals will leave with the ability to immediately apply this information to their daily practice.

Instructors

  • Justi Appel, Director of Education
  • Mabio Costa, First Swim Program Director
  • Sheila Clemens
  • Jen Lucarevic