Happy Independence Day weekend to everyone. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable weekend. 

We recently finished hosting our First Clinics back since the pandemic this past weekend in Albany, Ga. First Swing (Golf) was hosted by our clinical sponsor, Amputee Prosthetic Clinic. First Swim was hosted by Life Unlimbited, Inc, a non- profit support group who also hosts adaptive recreation days. We had two wonderful instructors, David Windsor for First Swing, and Mabio Costa for First Swim. 

A special thank you to Ottobock for providing lunch to the group.

First Swing is brought to you by The National Amputee Golf Association and instructor provided through the Georgia State Golf Association.

A huge thank you to River Point Golf Club in Albany, Ga for hosting us for the day and to Crossover Productions for capturing every moment.

Updates

First Row: Originally slated for July 30, 2022 has been postponed due to facility logistical issues. 
Tampa, Florida
New Date/Time and Registration Coming Soon…

Congratulations to OPAF Board Member, Taushima Nixon, for being selected as one of the recipients of the 2022 Student Diversity Scholarships. To learn more, click the link below:

https://www.operf.org/

Upcoming Events

2022 Amputee Coalition National Conference August 10-13, 2022
First Swim Aug 11-13
Beginner Session: Aug 11th 7-8 am
Intermediate Session: Aug 12th 7-8 am
Advanced Session: Aug 13th 7-8am
Instructor: Mabio Costa

BBQ Fundraiser: Sept. 28, 2022
San Antonio, Texas
First Things First: Oct. 1, 2022
Registration Coming Soon…

First Swing: Oct. 6, 2022
Click HERE for registration details. Conference attendance & registration required for this event. First Swing is held in conjunction with the National Amputee Golf Association. 

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Happy March! Spring is right around the corner and just like everyone else, I am really looking forward to a new season and getting back to offering the First Clinics to all the communities we serve. I joined the OPAF Board as Treasurer in December of 2019, and shortly afterwards, all of our activities and clinics came to a grinding halt. Despite the sudden change, OPAF took the opportunity to rebrand our website and social media platforms, to reinvigorate and refresh our educational material, and renew alliances with our supporters and participants. We are READY and able to launch all the new material we have waiting in the wings.

I am not a clinician or therapist, but my family roots in O&P run very deep. I have been the IT & Marketing Director at Dankmeyer, Inc for over 30 years. My most rewarding experience has been to hear the stories of our clients, and to share them with others on our website and social media. I am so happy to be able to contribute doing what I do best, in a largely administrative support role, freeing our clinicians and educators to do what they do best. OPAF’s programming offers a wide variety of opportunities to earn CEUs, with education that targets prosthetic/orthotic rehabilitation using introductory level adaptive sport and mobility skills. By combining a robust didactic effort with participants in a hands-on session, professionals go home with skills that can be applied directly to their clinical practice to improve patient outcomes, and participants get that feeling of participating in an event at an introductory level that shows them “Yes, they can!”

Strength, confidence and resiliency are the building blocks for successful rehabilitation and participation in physical fitness and a variety of life skills, while living with limb loss or limb difference, or some other mobility impairment. We thank you for your continued support to fulfill this mission, making a difference to members of our professional communities and the communities we serve. We are excited to move forward this year, giving us the opportunity to renew old friendships and create new bonds, once again in person!

INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT

Outside of OPAF, Britt works as a medical biller at a physical/occupational therapy office that serves individuals with neurological disorders. She currently resides in the Metro Detroit area She graduated magna cum laude from Oakland University, where she earned her degree in Health Sciences and Exercise Physiology. At Oakland University, she assisted teaching dance classes to individuals in the Parkinson’s disease program. Throughout the years, she has worked as a physical therapy aide, and as an office manager at a physical therapy office. Her combined clinical and administrative experience makes the perfect fit for a First Dance Instructor.

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Michelle Jamin, PT, DPT, Vice President  

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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.  

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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! 

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First off, I would like to take the time to thank each one of you as you have supported OPAF and participated in our events over the years. Without you, OPAF would not be able to provide the life-changing services that we do. These past 2 years have been unexpectedly challenging, and we are very disappointed that we could not bring you programming. However, please know that we continued to work tirelessly on ourselves as an organization; that way, when it was time to host programming again, we would be ready to do so appropriately while keeping all our participants safe, happy, and healthy. As we ring in the new year, there are many projects coming ahead that you will notice. First, our new website will launch in mid-February! With this launch, you will have more engagement with OPAF as an organization, and you will also receive information about our future events and ways you can donate. We will welcome all feedback once the website is launched, and it will continue to evolve and be a labor of love as our needs change and grow.  

I am excited to announce that we will return to programming this year and will keep our calendar updated as that information is released. We hope to see you all at the 48th Academy Annual Academy National Meeting & Scientific Symposium in Atlanta, GA, from March 2nd-5th. 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. I would also like to announce the return of Feet First, our prosthetic foot shell decorating contest. If you are interested in participating, please email me at [email protected]. The registration fee is $30, and we will provide you with the foot shell, courtesy of our partners at Kingsley Manufacturing. Your entry will be due back to us on February  28, as we will present it at our auction for bidding. An online voting platform will be utilized to determine the best-designed foot shell, and the winner will be presented with a $100 Amazon Gift Card. To check out previous designs and winners, follow our Instagram account. 

Thank you again to everyone who has stood by patiently for the return of the First Clinics, and I hope to see you at a clinic soon! 

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

While we await the return of clinics, we want to take the time to introduce you to some of our partners, who believe in and support the OPAF Mission. This month we would like to spotlight The Liner Wand. The Liner wand is an amputee liner sanitizing solution that can be applied to TPE, Silicone, Urethane, and Pelite liners. Each year they have released an Amputee Community Survey, and this year if you complete the survey by January 31, one lucky person will be selected to win a Levitate Sports Blade. The survey takes around 15 minutes to complete, and the survey closes on February 18. After the survey, one additional person will be chosen to receive a prize pack containing: $100 Amazon Gift Card, a Liner Wand annual subscription, an annual subscription to Cosi Talks’ Strong Body series; or amputee-friendly clothing from Socket Socks, No Limits jeans, or Uniterable Inclusive Fashions. Everyone who participates in the survey will receive a 20% off coupon to use on their first Liner Wand purchase.  

As part of our partnership with The Liner Wand, you can use code OPAF25 at checkout to receive 25% off your first Liner Wand kit. A portion of sales goes to OPAF to support our various programs. OPAF does not endorse any product, but merely provides access and awareness of resources available to O&P users. 

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          BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS 

OPAF would like to welcome three new board members, Deborah Plescia, Taushima Nixon, and Jacob Calvert, for 2022. The Board would like to thank Neal Siegfried for his service with the Board of Directors over the past 2 years. Neal, we deeply appreciate your dedication and service to OPAF during such a vital time in our history.  

Deborah (Debbie) Merritt Plescia is the clinical specialist for Ottobock Orthopedic Services. She is a Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist and a Northwestern University Prosthetic and Orthotic Program graduate. In addition to her national certification, she is licensed to practice in eight states. With over 35 years of clinical and managerial experience in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Debbie provides comprehensive care and claim management for patients and providers. Her affiliation with Ottobock helps fulfill their mutual goal to help people maintain or regain their freedom of movement. Debbie volunteers as an examiner for the Clinical Patient Management exam with the American Board for Certification in Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Pedorthic (ABC). She served eight years on the ABC Board of Directors and distinguished herself from being elected the first female president of ABC in 2018. Debbie is also an Ironman athlete who enjoys the challenge and discipline of competition. She finds great pleasure in spending time with her two sons and three grandchildren as often as possible. ​​

Taushima (Shima)Nixon graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy with a minor in Spanish. She loves adaptive sports, with wheelchair basketball being her all-time favorite. Although, being a bilateral lower extremity amputee is not her personal identity, learning how to walk again after a traumatic car accident is one of her many accomplishments that motivates her daily. Shima is currently the class President for Cohort 9 at Alabama State University’s MSOP Program. One of her major goals is not to be rich but to be a stepping stone for someone else and see the joy and smile on someone else’s face. Sports changed her life, and she would love to be the reason it can change someone else’s. Shima enjoys playing guitar, piano, and drums while raising a very energetic puppy named Ace. 

Jacob Calvert recently became fully certified and is a Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO) in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area. Raised in the Baltimore area, he graduated with his degree in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland in 2015 and went on to the University of Pittsburgh for graduate school. Always avid about fitness, Jacob most recently ran his first marathon in October 2021. In addition to this, Jacob’s hobbies include snowboarding, hunting/fishing, HIIIT classes, and starting up his side hustle BBQ business, Hazy Fog BBQ. With the help of a colleague, Jacob also started and co-directs an adaptive sports program in the DC area. When the opportunity to help out with OPAF came along, Jacob felt that it aligned perfectly with how he loves to help others participate in fitness-related activities. 

GET INVOLVED

Research study on the benefits of scuba diving for people with physical disabilities 

Clemson University is conducting a research study and invites all adaptive divers and people with physical disabilities to participate in their study. Anyone with a physical disability aged 18+ and a scuba diver can participate. As part of the study, you will complete an online survey with questions about your experience as a scuba diver, your health, health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, disability level, and personality (the survey takes approximately 30 minutes). 

You can complete the survey using this link: https://clemson.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1RnAERa50zImLBQ 

This research study is conducted by Tania Santiago Perez, PhD student of Recreational Therapy at Clemson University, and Director of Florida International University’s Recreational Therapy Program.   

If you are interested in hosting an OPAF First Clinic or participating in one, please contact us via email at: [email protected] 

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As part of this award, OPAF will modernize their website and web-based systems to increase functionality,
presentation, donor management and data tracking software. “We plan to completely overhaul our web-based systems to allow us to ease the financial burden of hosting a First Clinic. This award will allow us to develop a new donor management system that allows donors to create an integrated giving account, manage and track their donations and produce itemized yearly giving statements on the OPAF First Clinics website. In addition, this funding will allow us to develop new educational content and exceptional professional video and photography for First Clinics that will be helpful to both patients and allied health professionals”, stated Travis Young, CPO, OPAF President.

“ABC is pleased to be able to support OPAF in this important step to improve the experience of First Clinics, not only for attendees but those dedicated practitioners and practices that support this important work. The ABC mission of changing lives is certainly supported by the work done by OPAF and First Clinics,” said Cathy Carter, ABC Executive Director.

About ABC
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Pedorthics is the comprehensive credentialing organization whose mission is to establish and advocate for the highest patient care and organizational standards in the provision of safe and effective orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic services. To learn more, please the ABC website.

About OPAF
OPAF was founded in 1995 and was initially dedicated to providing financial and in-kind support to the 1996 Paralympics. OPAF now generates its own initiatives through partnerships with individuals, organizations, and institutions engaged in improving the quality of life for those with physical disability, limb loss, and limb difference.

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The Liner Wand Announces Affiliation with The Orthotic and Prosthetic Activities Foundation

Warwick, Rhode Island, USA – The Liner Wand, offering the first deep cleaning prosthetic liner coating clinically proven to reduce skin irritation and odor, announced it has signed an affiliate agreement with the Orthotic and Prosthetic Activities Foundation (OPAF & The First Clinics).

The agreement will provide The Liner Wand with an opportunity to participate in OPAF events, provide product samples to event attendees, and market The Liner Wand to OPAF audiences. OPAF will also participate in activities produced and sponsored by The Liner Wand, including “Communi-TEE Social” events featuring leading surgeons, psychologists, and industry innovators.

“We are excited about this partnership with OPAF, which will enable us to spread awareness of The Liner Wand to participants through their various First Clinic Events,” said Elizabeth Stone, MBA, The Liner Wand chief executive officer. “Our goal of improving the quality of life for amputees meshes well with OPAF and its objective to foster physical fitness, community participation, and peer interaction.”

“Aside from adaptive recreation, part of our goal at OPAF is to provide access to products and information for the orthotic and prosthetic user. As an ABC Certified Prosthetist Orthotist, sanitization and cleanliness of prosthetic liners is something I educate my patients on daily. The Liner Wand is a unique product that Prosthetic users should have access to and knowledge of if they are looking for a sanitization product for their liner. As we resume our in-person First Clinics, be on the look-out for trial samples of The Liner Wand to trial the product.” said Travis Young, CPO, OPAF president. “We look forward to our partnership with The Liner Wand and the integration of our information and reach into each other’s events, allowing a larger audience to experience these informative and inspiring happenings.”

OPAF, founded in 1995, was initially dedicated to providing financial and in-kind support to the 1996 Paralympics. OPAF now generates its own initiatives through partnerships with individuals, organizations, and institutions engaged in improving the quality of life for those with physical disability, limb loss, and limb difference.

The Liner Wand features Apocrine, a patented titanium-based technology that makes cleaning prosthetic liners and prosthetics quick and easy while delivering a deeper clean that lasts up to two weeks with one application. Designed as the “standard of care in prosthetics hygiene,” the single thin-film coating of Apocrine solution creates a protective barrier that helps decontaminate the liner or skin fit and remove the bacteria by-products that cause odor and skin irritation.

The Liner Wand, the first clinically proven, prosthetist recommended prosthetic liner care and hygiene system, features a proprietary system that effectively addresses the liner hygiene challenges of more than 2.1 million amputees in the United States alone.

For more information and to order The Liner Wand, visit www.thelinerwand.com/opaf.

Use Code: OPAF25 at checkout to receive 25% off of your first order when you create a new account. Proceeds from each order placed through your new account with be donated to OPAF for program development and implementation. August 18, 2021

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The Academy will provide administrative support to help OPAF fulfill its mission of serving those with physical and mobility challenges and raising public awareness of physical disability, limb loss, and limb difference.

Like many non-profits, Covid-19 had a large impact on the day-to-day operations for OPAF. Last May, the OPAF Board made the conscious decision to halt fundraising requests and return all grant monies and First Clinic deposits until programming could resume. Being respectful of and ensuring their donors’ resources were not idle during the Global Pandemic allowed everyone to focus on health and well-being. In July, the OPAF board of directors unanimously voted to enter a state of dormancy to drastically reduce operating costs and
allow the board to focus on restructuring. The OPAF Board began looking at viable options for partners within the O&P community whose missions aligned and could bring value to each organization. The Academy is dedicated to helping O&P practitioner members provide the highest level of professionalism and service to their patients.

Academy President Jared Howell, MS, CPO, FAAOP, feels the Academy’s mission is hand

in glove with OPAF’s. “Many in the O&P community were deeply disturbed by the thought of there being no OPAF to serve the O&P patient population. The Academy is thrilled to support the OPAF mission as it positively impacts the lives of the patients, we as O&P practitioners serve,” stated Howell. The partnership allows OPAF to remain as an independent 501(c)3, with a focus on fundraising and program development, while the Academy will help administer the day-to-day operations of the OPAF financials, marketing, events, and website.

“On behalf of the OPAF Board of Directors, we are so excited to announce our

partnership and bring our programming back to the communities that we serve. Since its inception, OPAF has served as the philanthropic arm of the orthotic and prosthetic community and we look forward to the expanded relationship with the Academy and the opportunities that it will bring. We are grateful for the support of all of our partners, instructors, and participants over the years and are thrilled for what the future holds,” stated Travis Young, CPO, President of OPAF.

The two organizations will begin working on the supporting architecture to have systems in place over the next few months.

About OPAF

OPAF was founded in 1995 and was initially dedicated to providing financial and in-kind support to the 1996 Paralympics. OPAF now generates its own initiatives through partnerships with individuals, organizations, and institutions engaged in improving the quality of life for those with physical disability, limb loss, and limb difference. To learn more please visit www.opaffirstclinics.org.

About the Academy

The Academy, founded in 1970, is the professional organization representing certified practitioners, state-licensed practitioners, assistants, technicians, fitters, and others affiliated with the profession of orthotics and prosthetics (O&P). It is dedicated to helping its members provide the highest level of professionalism and service to their patients. To learn more please visit www.oandp.org.

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“Blatchford is proud to partner with OPAF and the First Clinics as a Platinum Sponsor – together we can make mobility possible for individuals with physical and mobility challenges through innovation, participation, education and raising public awareness. We are pleased to announce our sponsorship of four First Clinics in 2020, Nashville, Indianapolis, Denver and Las Vegas. Visit the OPAF website for additional details and to register” offered Sue Borondy, Blatchford US Marketing and Communications.

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January 11, 2020 – Charlotte, NC

AOPA, the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association returns as an OPAF Gold Corporate Sponsor for 2020. Corporate Sponsors enable the work of OPAF to continue – providing exceptional adaptive recreation and education to those we serve across the country. Anyone with a physical or mobility challenge can benefit and enjoy an OPAF First Clinic in a safe and secure environment without the competitive edge.

“The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association is proud to continue our support of OPAF. The life-changing experiences for individuals with physical and mobility challenges, education of healthcare professionals, and public awareness OPAF provides are critical to the O&P community and its patients.” – Eve Lee, MBA, CAE, Executive Director

“As one of our founding partner organizations, the support of AOPA means so much to OPAF, the industry and individuals that we serve, especially as we celebrate our 25th anniversary” said Robin Burton, OPAF Executive Director.

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January 6, 2020 –

OPAF & The First Clinics added six new board members this year. We introduced three of them to you last month. In January we are pleased to introduce Michelle Jamin DPT, Jena Baxter and Jackie Valdez, CO, FAAOP.

Michelle Jamin is a recent Doctor of Physical Therapy and on staff with Drayer PT in Aberdeen, MD where she will be leading an amputee rehabilitation efforts. A recent graduate of Elon University in NC, Michelle has volunteered and interned with OPAF for several First events.

Jena Baxter serves as the manager of clinical recruiting for Hanger Orthopedic Group, and has been a member of the OPAF Advisory Board since 2014. She and her family reside in Greer, SC.

Jackie Valdez, CO, FAAOP has been part of the O & P community for over 29 years and is a clinical educator with The Fillauer Companies . She also is a certified athletic trainer. Jackie lives in Colorado but is seen nationally representing Fillauer.

Welcome All!

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