News

Connecticut Amputee Network (CAN)

So Kids Can Move: an initiative to provide insurance coverage for childrens’ athletic prosthetics

So Kids Can Move is a new policy and advocacy initiative working to expand access to prostheses and orthoses utilized for physical activity as medically necessary healthcare for children on a state-by-state basis. It is the result of a collaboration between the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA), the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP), the Amputee Coalition, and the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP).

You can help So Kids Can Move become reality in New Mexico. The New Mexico legislature allows expert testimony from outside the state. If you are a member of the limb loss community, you are an expert!

If you are interested in bringing So Kids Can Move to your state, contact Sam Miller, AOPA State and Federal Advocacy Manager at SMiller@AOPAnet.org. Whether it’s coalition-building, legislative drafting, or contacting policymakers, we can help you begin the process of advocating for recreational prostheses for children. So Kids Can Move has the resources you need to make your voice heard.

For more information, read these FAQs.

Connecticut Amputee Network (CAN)

Urge Your Representatives to Co-Sponsor the Triple A Study Act

Yesterday my letter voicing support of the Triple A Study Act to the editor of the New Haven Register was published. Here’s a link to the published letter followed by the text of the letter:

https://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODN/NewHavenRegister/Default.aspx#

Subject: Having an Arm or Leg Should Not be a Luxury. Support The Triple A Study Act.

Dear Editor:

As an amputee for 12 years, I understand the challenges of relearning to walk and returning to work. For the first three years following my injury, I was unable to wear a prosthetic leg and relied on crutches to ambulate. After a lot of hard work, I have returned to an active and productive life: kayaking, swimming, and enjoying the Connecticut Shoreline. As co-founder of the Connecticut Amputee Network, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many people living with limb loss and limb difference and hear their stories about the difficulty of adapting to their new lives and the impact on their ability to reenter the workforce.

I’m urging US Senator Christopher Murphy and US Representative Rosa DeLauro to become cosponsors of the Triple A Study Act. This Act studies specific challenges, including how often people are denied coverage for devices, and outcomes like whether patients can return to work. It identifies the best care practices for people with living with limb loss and limb difference so they can be replicated. Medicare, the VA system, and private insurers will all benefit from this information.

Over 2 million Americans and approximately 18,000 Connecticut residents live with limb loss or limb difference. The Triple A Study Act is an important step in improving the health and well-being of our community and allowing people living with limb loss to live the life they want to live.

Sincerely,

Brenda Novak

Volunteer, Amputee Coalition
Co-Founder, Connecticut Amputee Network

Branford, Connecticut

Connecticut Amputee Network (CAN)

Sane, level-headed advice for a panicky public.

COVID-19 Is 60 the new 70?

Yes, it’s frightening to learn there’s a dangerous new virus out there. Since most amputees are over the age of 65, news of this new coronavirus can make it can feel like we’re living in a horror film.

But by taking control of what you can control, you can lessen your panic and anxiety. This article addresses specific steps you can take to stay safe and reduce your risk of falling ill.

Connecticut Amputee Network (CAN)

Upcoming Advanced Gait Training Clinic, Sep 28th

Paralympians Todd Schauffenhauser and Dennis Oehler, creators of the Amputee Walking School and owners of East Coast Orthotic & Prosthetic Corp., will be teaching an Advanced Gait Training Clinic on September 28, 2019, in Stamford, CT.

Professionals in the field of rehabilitative therapy and sports can receive credit for six hours of continuing education.

Attendance is free.

For more information, contact Stephanie Yurasek at (914) 789-2740 or stephanie.yurasek@ec-op.com

aws-stamford-hospital-september-282019Download
Connecticut Amputee Network (CAN)

Interested in Becoming a Certified Peer Visitor?

If you are interested in attending an Amputee Coalition Certified Peer Visitor Training, please complete this survey. The results of this survey will be used to gauge interest, learn more about who is interested, and determine where to hold upcoming trainings. For more information on the steps you need to take to become a Certified Peer Visitor, visit the Amputee Coalition website.

Take the Survey

Connecticut Amputee Network (CAN)

CAN Speaks to Yale Orthopedic Physicians at Grand Rounds

Last Friday, July 12th, Herb Kolodny and Brenda Novak were invited to present to orthopedic physicians, fellows, and residents at Yale Medicine Grand Rounds, on the topic “Arms and Legs Are Not Luxuries: New Rights for Amputees, Connecticut State Law PA18-69 effective January 1, 2019.” Their presentation is available to view online:

Watch CAN/Yale Presentation
CAN Speaks to Yale Orthopedic Physicians at Grand Rounds
CAN Presents to Yale Medicine Orthopedics

If button and image links do not work, copy and paste this link into your browser: https://yale.app.box.com/s/5g4n75bstsg328hen22s9zisujsc6fq2

Connecticut Amputee Network (CAN)

Survey: Are you likely to attend a seminar/workshop about returning to work?

Post-amputation, did you return to work?
Would you like to return to work?
What issues/concerns interfered with you returning to work?

We are collecting answers to these questions (and six more) to get a better idea of the interest among people with limb loss in attending a seminar or workshop on the topic of returning to work. When completing the survey, you will also have the opportunity to request to be informed when the seminar/workshop is scheduled.

BEGIN SURVEY NOW

Thank you for your valuable participation!

Connecticut Amputee Network (CAN)

Survey: Are you likely to attend a seminar/workshop about returning to work?

Post-amputation, did you return to work? 
Would you like to return to work? 
What issues/concerns interfered with you returning to work?

We are collecting answers to these questions (and six more) to get a better idea of the interest among people with limb loss in attending a seminar or workshop on the topic of returning to work. When completing the survey, you will also have the opportunity to request to be informed when the seminar/workshop is scheduled.

BEGIN SURVEY NOW

Thank you for your valuable participation!