Amputee Coalition of America

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The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is a nonprofit organization based in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America. ACA's mission is to reach out to people with limb loss and empower them through education, support and advocacy.

[edit] Outreach programs

The ACA runs multiple programs such as:

National Limb Loss Information Center (NLLIC)

Individuals pre and post-amputation, family members and medical professionals can call the NLLIC information specialists to request educational materials, ask questions regarding limb loss and learn how the ACA can help them.

Action Plan for People with Limb Loss (APPLL)

The ACA has assumed the challenge to address and improve the health and care of people living with the loss or absence of a limb and those at risk for primary amputations or secondary conditions, including additional amputations. The ACA has two main goals, one comprehends the coming together of patients, providers and manufacturers to identify ways to resolve access and coverage issues for prosthetics and care for all amputees in the United States. One way to address insurance coverage issues is by promoting Insurance Parity at the State level. The ACA defines prosthetic parity as insurance companies covering appropriate prosthetic care.

The other objective pertains to partnering with other health organizations to promote healthful lifestyles, which can prevent primary amputations and secondary conditions that can result in additional amputations.

National Peer Network (NPN)

It's a network of support groups and trained, certified peer visitors that meet with soon-to-be or recent amputees to answer questions, and build a mentoring relationship.

Youth Activities Program (YAP)

ACA's Youth Activities Program hosts a residential camp for children with limb loss/difference each year. The camp includes recreational activities such as canoeing, swimming, educational sessions such as nutrition and offers peer support through peer circles and support group sessions.

[edit] Publications

The ACA also produces many award-winning publications including the bimonthly inMotion magazine and First Step: A Guide for Adapting to Limb Loss with the later available in both English and Spanish. Their newest publication is SideStep: A Guide to Preventing and Managing Diabetes.

The Youth Activities Program has an online magazine called YAZ (Youth Activities e-Zine).