Amputee Resource Foundation of America, Inc.
First and oldest on-line information resource for amputee rehabilitation.
The door to knowledge
E-mail:
info@amputeeresource.org
It is our mission to disseminate
timely and useful
information, and to conduct
research to enhance productivity and quality of life for amputees in
America.
The
Amputee Resource Foundation of America recognizes the crucial role of
current, accurate information pertaining to all aspects of amputation
management and amputee rehabilitation in assisting in the process of
assimilating amputees back into society and returning many to the workplace.
Easily accessible, accurate information about amputation and the
consequences thereof have been severely lacking for many decades. However,
recent advances in technology can now provide access to timely information
and resources heretofore unavailable to many.
When amputation is performed to proven guidelines,
and appropriate follow-up care is provided during the rehabilitation process
(information, psychological support, physical therapy, prosthetics or other
mobility aids) secondary complications and additional expenses are greatly
reduced. Regretfully, this is not often the case, as basic information and
education are not regularly provided, and this leads to unnecessary costs.
Throughout the history of humankind on earth, amputation has been performed
in response to circumstances such as injury, or disease. Amputation is a
life saving procedure that can return an individual to an active, productive
role in society. Yet, despite increased awareness and understanding of
amputation, from initial surgery through rehabilitation, many today are
without a clear grasp of the various factors which impact the life of an
amputee. The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association reports that the
baby boom generation will reach the ages of 46 to 64 by the year 2010,
thereby increasing the population of individuals at risk to diseases causing
amputation. By the year 2020 the number of people who have an amputation and
are in need of a prosthesis will increase by 47%.
We do not
fund the purchase of prostheses
nor are we a resource for funding information or social services.
ARFA is a 501c3 non-profit Internet based
information resource funded through public donations.
ARFA is not sponsored by the prosthetics industry.
The information provided on this site is designed to support, and not
replace
the relationship that exists between a person with limb loss
and his/her existing prosthetist or physician.
The Foundation is the reality of Al Pike, CP a board certified
prosthetist who had the vision to see the potential of the Internet for
amputees - Physical Medicine amp; Rehabilitation Clinics of North America / May
1991.
Past president of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists,
and first individual to receive the Professional Achievement Award of
the Amputee Coalition of America.
Amputees In Hollywood
A subsidiary of the Amputee Resource Foundation of America, Inc.
Update
01/08/10