From the Editor

The focus is on ability--not "disability."  

This is the clear message coming from amputees and orthotic users of all ages. For both youth and adults, disability sports programs and organizations provide a venue for learning, personal growth, and making new friends with similar interests and challenges.

Advances in technology also can improve the quality of life, increasing chances for success and happiness and making dreams come true. However, technology comes with caveats: Not everything is appropriate for everyone. But the goal should be that whatever is needed is available--in not only componentry, but comprehensive rehabilitation care--to help the individual achieve the highest function level and quality of life possible.

Educated, empowered consumers are a major factor in reaching this goal.

Individually, being educated consumers means being both positive and realistic. Not everyone can be a champion athlete. What an individual can accomplish functionally depends on many factors, including age, fitness, and other medical complications and conditions. However, exercise, cardiopulmonary conditioning, weight control, proper nutrition, and following healthcare providers' instructions are just some areas where consumers can take charge of their health and fitness for optimal function.

And--being realistic doesn't mean only recognizing limitations, it also means recognizing possibilities, not closing one's mind to what's achievable. Some can indeed become Paralympic stars. And even if not an elite athlete, everyone can be a "star," whether it's Grandpa taking his grandchildren to the playground, the young mother

taking care of her toddler, a teenager playing hockey, or a bright-eyed youngster exploring the world from a new perspective in an RGO or walker. The possibilities are vast.

Table Of Contents - July 2002

	Advocacy: A Win-Win Proposition What consumer advocacy has done for prosthetics and orthotics is similar to what occurred in the automobile industry in the mid-20th century. It has raised the bar for better technology and higher standards of care.
	From the Editor
	Amputee Advocacy: What’s Needed?
	CMS: Expedite 'Crosswalking' to Prevent Coding Hassles DC Direct
	NegReg: NOMA at Work DC Direct
	Century College O&P Students Form Unique Organization Education Outlook
	A Call to Expand and Improve the Advanced Science Content of O&P Curricula I propose that the advanced science requirement in O&P curricula should be expanded and the content improved. Education Outlook
	Physical Therapy: Schools Take a Hit O&P is not alone in its concern over declining school enrollment.
	AOPA Seminars Offer 20.5 CE Credits Industry Insight
	MCO Closed Provider Panels: Can They Be Opened? What if you, as an O&P provider, are confronted by managed care organizations' (MCOs') closed provider panels? Cutting Edge
	Fabricating a Flexible Brim Socket with a Rigid Distal End Shop Talk
	NegReg: Are Consumers Adequately Represented? Perspective
	Sneak Peek: Fillauer to Offer Innovative Orthotic Technology: SPL Orthotic Knee Joint Innovations
	Consumer Empowerment Grows in Developing Countries Salute!
	Provider Qualification Position Statement Exclusively Online
	Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Members Exclusively Online
	Competitive Bidding May Affect Up to One-Third of Orthotic Products From the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP)
	From the Editor Viewpoints