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From the Editor: Improving Life for the Disabled  Two major organizations at both ends of the
spectrum--providers and patients--meet this month.
The International Society for Prosthetics & Orthotics (ISPO)
is holding its 11th World Congress in Hong Kong August 16.
Begun in 1970 in Copenhagen, Denmark, ISPO is a
multidisciplinary organization composed of persons with a
professional interest in the clinical, educational, and research
aspects of prosthetics, orthotics, rehabilitation engineering, and
related topics. The organization now has about 2,500 members
worldwide in 75 countries. Among other endeavors, it supports
international orthopedic technology education and training and
works to facilitate high-level uniform practice through developing
adequate international standards. For more information about ISPO,
visit www.ispo.ws
The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) meets August 57 in
Nashville, Tennessee. Established in 1986, the organization has
worked hard to achieve its mission: To reach out to people with
limb loss and to empower them through education, support, and
advocacy. The organization sensitizes healthcare professionals, the
general public, and government policymakers to the issues, needs,
and concerns of amputees.
The ACA provides a wealth of information to assist amputees and
families. Besides its magazine, inMotion, the ACA provides
educational resources, such as booklets, videotapes, and fact
sheets. In cooperation with the US Centers for Disease Control
& Prevention (CDC), the ACA operates the National Limb Loss
Information Center (NLLIC). For more information, call 888.AMP.KNOW
(888.267.5669) or visit www.amputee-coalition.org
Both these organizations have achieved much to benefit persons
with disabilities. And as has been said, the disabled comprise the
only minority group that anyone can join in an instant.
Taking Risks; Helping Others
Why do amputees pursue risky sports and other activities--even
if they caused the injuries leading to amputation in the first
place? This month's feature article, "Defying Death Twice: Why Amputees Take
Risks" explores this aspect of the unquenchable human
spirit.
Generally, in the US we aren't too worried about being hit by
sniper fire, missiles, grenades, and assassination attempts as we
go about our daily routine. But such is not the case in much of
this war-torn world. It's good to know that many rehabilitation
professionals and other caring individuals are out there trying to
repair the damage people suffer from fellow humans as well as
disease, hunger, and poverty. Read about how a medical team meets
this challenge in "Medical Teams Can Do Spirit Aids
Colombians."
We hope you enjoy this information-packed issue. 
Table Of Contents - August 2004
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