A Letter from the Vice President
Michelle Jamin, PT, DPT, Vice President
Happy February! I hope the New Year has welcomed you with health, happiness, and optimism for what 2022 has in store. OPAF is looking forward to bringing back the First Clinics to our community. We have matured as an organization and our programming is dedicated to maximizing value to both our sponsoring hosts and participants. I thank you all for your support over the years and allowing us to fulfill our mission of fostering physical fitness, community participation, and peer interaction through introductory-level adaptive recreation.
Since I took office in December 2019, I have been unable to meet most of you since the pandemic limited our face-to-face interactions. I wanted to share a bit about myself and why OPAF is so special to me. I earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy from Elon University, in North Carolina and currently work at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Institute, formerly known as Kernan Hospital. I have advanced training in rehabilitation for the limb loss community and played an integral role in developing a proposal to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for a clinical specialization in limb loss/difference rehabilitation. This population is considered a niche practice, but it is critical that prosthetic/orthotic rehabilitation is performed by a well-trained clinician.
OPAF’s programming offers clinicians an opportunity to earn CEUs and enhance their knowledge base in prosthetic/orthotic rehabilitation. With clinics like First Fit, First Things First, and First Stride, critical foundational skills are taught, and clinicians can immediately practice those skills on participants. In turn, they can apply these newly gained skills directly into their clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.
Not only do OPAF & The First Clinics support building a stronger clinician, but they build strength, confidence, and resiliency in our participants. OPAF is dedicated to bringing adaptive sport at an introductory level and proving to participants that “Yes, I can!” Whether you have had an amputation for 5 years or recently underwent one, whether you have been living with a neurological impairment or are newly recovered from a spinal cord injury, you will leave a First Clinic with pride knowing you are capable of so much more. Providing a community for individuals who have experienced trauma or congenital disorders resulting in mobility impairments is powerful. It uplifts, motivates, and brings on a sense of purpose. It brings me joy to witness the initial appearance of timidness change to smiles, high fives, and excitement over accomplishment. For this, I am forever grateful for OPAF & the First Clinics.
INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT
Meet Mabio Costa, our First Swim Director! Mabio was born in Brazil with a congenital limb malformation. At the age of 12, Mabio had his left foot amputated below the knee. In 1982, Mabio joined the Brazilian Swimming team and started Triathlon in 1987. Mabio became the first para-athlete to participate and be awarded in a triathlon competition in South America.
Mabio moved to NY in 1990 and played a major role in the introduction and development of rules for the International Triathlon Union (ITU) for accepting para-athletes in world championships. He then went on to win the 1996 Cleveland ITU Triathlon World Championship, representing Brazil.
After the events of September 11, 2001, Mabio decided to become a US citizen and represent the USA as a triathlete. Soon after, he won the 2004 Portugal ITU World Triathlon Championship, proudly representing Team USA. Mabio was chosen to be the flag bearer for Team USA during the opening ceremonies at the 2006 World Championship in Switzerland. His latest accomplishment is participating with his Triathlon relay team, “3 Guys 2 Legs.” His team is the only disabled athletes competing against able-bodied athletes and has taken a podium stand every race so far.
Mabio joined OPAF in 2010 and has helped grow OPAF’s First Swim program nationally. He was named OPAF’s Director of First Swim in 2018. Mabio loves to teach amputees, new and old, how to swim. He loves to instill confidence in First Swim participants and prove that they can swim. Mabio lights up every room he enters with his passion and positivity. We are so grateful for all he brings to OPAF and the adaptive sports community. We are so proud of all his accomplishments and know that there will be more success for him in the future.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Our clinics would not be operable without the support from Cascade. Cascade covers the shipping expenses required to ensure our adaptive equipment and supplies are safely transported from clinic to clinic. With the money saved on shipping costs, we can enhance and expand our programming throughout the country.
Founded in 1973, Cascade Orthopedic Supply, LP is distinguished as a leading North American distributor of orthotics, prosthetics, materials, and equipment. Cascade offers a wide selection of products from over 250 suppliers to certified orthotic and prosthetic providers. Cascade has four distribution facilities located in California, Kansas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, allowing overnight delivery anywhere in the contiguous United States at published ground rates. Cascade’s reputation is built on a continued commitment to technological advancements, superior service and support, and operational efficiency. Cascade’s distribution facilities are fully automated with the recent addition of the Invia Robotic Automation System, which complements the wireless technology, and Packsize machine, which creates custom, on-demand packaging. These technology integrations have set Cascade apart from competitors, allowing customers to realize improved fulfillment and service rates and lower freight costs. As a principal provider in the industry, Cascade is committed to reimagining the traditional distribution model so they can help customers build a successful practice and deliver better patient care. Click here for an overview of the warehouse innovations Cascade has made!
UPCOMING EVENTS
48th Annual Academy National Meeting & Scientific Symposium We hope to see you at the 48th Annual Academy National Meeting & Scientific Symposium in Atlanta from March 2-5! Please make sure to stop by the booth and check out our silent auction and raffle items (some of which will be available online as well).
Don’t Forget! Turn in your entries for Feet First by February 28! The decorated foot shells will be on display at our booth at the Annual Academy National Meeting. The best-decorated foot shell, chosen by popular vote, will win a $100 Amazon Gift Card! An online voting platform will be utilized to determine the best-designed foot shell! Here are some photos of previous entries and winners!
