Association Spotlight

Academy Honors Two Amputees

Dennis Oehler and Todd Schaffhauser, amputees who have turned their personal stories into inspirational messages, are being awarded honorary membership in the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) during the Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium March 20-23 in Orlando.

Although the Academy was founded to further the scientific and educational attainments of O&P practitioners, said AAOP Executive Director Tom Gorski, he added, "While Dennis and Todd are not practitioners in the traditional sense, there is no mistaking the contributions they have made in educating amputees-and the general public-about the possibilities that life continues to hold. We're proud to recognize them and to be associated with them."

The Gold Medal Paralympians are the founders and instructors of "Fitness for Everyone" clinics. Sponsored by Blatchford/Endolite, these educational sessions held throughout the world are designed to teach the proper exercises and strengthening techniques for the lower-extremity amputee.

OPAF Launches New Program

The Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) recently announced a new program, the OPAF Washington D.C. Community Initiative. A cornerstone of the new program is a partnership between OPAF and the Hospital Volunteer Program of the D.C. Jewish Community Center's Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service.

One day each month, beginning March 9, the Fund will assist the D.C. Jewish Community Center (DCJCC) in organizing special events for patients of The Hospital for Sick Children. Volunteers brought together by the DCJCC will spend the afternoon providing a fun environment with games and arts and crafts. OPAF staff will introduce the volunteers to assistive technology and the children benefiting from it. Volunteers will receive educational materials and a resource bibliography for further learning.

"The Fund is continually looking to expand its community initiatives through new partnerships and programs, both in D.C. and around the United States," said Jeffrey S. Reznick, PhD, OPAF director and senior research fellow. For more information, contact Reznick at jsr@opfund.org or telephone 571.431.0818.l

Table Of Contents - April 2002

	Building a Winning Team: How Can You Do It?
	Firm Achieves Teamwork Through School of Hard Knocks
	Yanke Bionics Team Thrives in Tight Market
	POA: Patients Come First
	Introducing a new team to serve O&P and allied professions Viewpoints
	Industry Insight Industry Insight
	SKINNERGY™ Now Available Through SPS Showcase
	Profiles: Meet your colleagues
	New Stars Rise; Old Stars Shine at Paralympics
	Association Spotlight Association Spotlight
	Teamwork Tips From the Front Lines Exclusively Online
	Jesse Goss, CPO Profiles
	Consumer Empowerment Grows in Developing Countries Salute!