OPAF launches its Orthotics and Prosthetics Awareness Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2002

Contact: Julie Besaha (202) 223-2878

ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC ASSISTANCE FUND LAUNCHES ITS O&P AWARENESS INITIATIVE

Washington, DC - The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) announces the launch of the OPAF O&P Awareness Initiative at www.opfund.org/programs. This educational project furthers the mission of OPAF to raise public awareness of the fields of orthotics and prosthetics. In doing so, it offers a variety of resources to individuals who are interested in teaching others about the past, present, and future of the dynamic fields of orthotics and prosthetics.

Designed to grow over time as needs and resources are identified, the OPAF O&P Awareness Initiative is conducted in cooperation with:

• American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP);
• American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC);
• American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA);
• Friends of the US National Library of Medicine (FNLM) ;
• Medical Museum of University of Iowa Health Care;
  
• National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE);
• US National Library of Medicine (NLM);
• Northwestern University's Prosthetics Research Laboratory and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Program;
• OANDP.COM - The Global Resource for Orthotics & Prosthetics Information;
• Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitaton (RWSIR) Library and Archive;
• University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Historical Collections; and
• Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress

The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund is nonprofit organization, a 501(c)(3) public charity, established in 1995 by the Orthotic and Prosthetic National Office. Dedicated initially to providing financial and in-kind support to the 1996 Paralympics, the Fund now generates its own initiatives through partnerships with individuals, organizations and institutions engaged in raising public awareness of disability and improving the quality of rehabilitation medicine, science and technology.

The Fund aims primarily to enable individuals with physical disabilities-especially those served by members of the orthotics and prosthetics community-to enjoy the rewards of personal achievement, physical fitness, and social interaction.

For more information about the Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. and its programs, please visit www.opfund.org or contact Julie Besaha, OPAF Program Coordinator, at 202.223.2878 or .

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OPAF OFFERS PROGRAM UPDATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2002

Contact: Julie Besaha (202) 223-2878

FITNESS FOR EVERYONE AT WYNDHAM MILWAUKEE CENTER HOTEL

Dennis Oehler and Todd Schaffhauser, three-time Paralympic track and field champions, will lead a Fitness for Everyone clinic on June 1, 2002, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Wyndham Milwaukee Center Hotel. This day-long event is made possible through a partnership between the Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. (OPAF) and Endolite North America.

Designed by Oehler and Schaffhauser, Fitness for Everyone clinics provide above-and below-knee amputees of all ages with instruction in stretching and strengthening, walking and running and achieving their own physical goals. Family members of amputees who enroll in the clinic, as well as healthcare practitioners, are warmly welcome to participate in the program.

The clinics offer continuing education credits for most participating practitioners and are especially beneficial to orthotists, prosthetists, physical therapists and other members of the rehabilitation team who wish to extend patient care beyond the clinical setting.

For more information, please visit http://www.opfund.org/programs/fitness.html

OPAF'S FIT FOR LIFE FIRST SWING CLINIC AT MORNINGSTAR GOLFER'S CLUB

On Thursday, May 30, 2002, the Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc., in cooperation with the National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA), will host a First Swing clinic at Morningstar Golfer's Club in Waukesha, Wisconsin. This clinic is free of charge and open to all physical therapists and every individual with a physical challenge regardless of age or handicap. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; classroom and range instruction for therapists from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; range instruction for therapists and patients from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bob Wilson, Executive Director of NAGA, developed First Swing to instruct therapists in teaching and encouraging physically challenged individuals to learn, or re-learn, the game of golf. First Swing clinics enable individuals to enjoy the unique, friendly atmosphere found on the golf course and gain a greater sense of personal achievement, emotional and physical well being and self-confidence.

This First Swing clinic is one of the cornerstones of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund's Fit for Life program, an initiative designed by the Fund to benefit individuals with physical disabilities who may not want to participate in demanding aerobic exercise but still desire an active lifestyle.

For more information, please visit http://www.opfund.org/programs/life.html

OPAF WASHINGTON DC COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

OPAF's visits to the Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC continue with much success and, more importantly, with great fun for the children we meet. In cooperation with the hospital and our local community partner the Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service, we have planned the next three visit dates: Tuesday, June 11 at 5:30 p.m; Tuesday, July 9 at 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, August 13 at 5:30 p.m.. While the Center brings together the volunteers, the staff of the Fund introduces program participants to assistive technology and to the children who are benefiting from it. Volunteers spend the afternoon interacting directly with the children at the hospital. They provide a fun environment through playing games, offering arts-and-crafts activities, and, most importantly, simply spending time with the kids. The Fund provides all volunteers with educational materials about assistive technology, including a resource bibliography, which they can take home with them for further learning. Please visit our web site to learn more about this new OPAF program: http://www.opfund.org/programs/dc.htm

The Fund is continually looking to expand its community initiatives through new partnerships and programs, both here in DC and around the United States. Please contact us for details.

For more information about the Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. and its programs, please visit www.opfund.org or contact Julie Besaha, OPAF Program Coordinator, at (202) 223-2878 or .

Thank you for your continued support of our primary mission: enable individuals with physical disabilities - especially those served by members of the orthotics and prosthetics community - to enjoy the rewards of personal achievement, physical fitness, and social interaction.

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OPAF establishes partnership with WeMedia Inc.

The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) announces a strategic partnership with New York-based WeMedia Incorporated to increase OPAF's exposure through media outlets and provide OPAF partners with greater access to jobs, information, and special products and services. This partnership highlights OPAF's efforts, talents, and effective representation of the O&P community and WeMedia's ability to reach thousands of media and non-media outlets nationwide.

WeMedia is the leading media company covering issues important to the millions of people with disabilities interested in a quality life without compromise. Founders, Jerome Belson and Cary Fields, have been longtime disability awareness advocates and founded the company on the basic principle of advancing education, mobility, and the degree of access available to people living with disabling conditions. Through its web site - www.wemedia.com - and other media outlets, WeMedia provides need-to-have information; products; and resources to people with disabilities, their families and friends from top companies and organizations in the world.

The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund is nonprofit organization, a 501(c)(3) public charity, established in 1995 by the Orthotic and Prosthetic National Office. Dedicated initially to providing financial and in-kind support to the 1996 Paralympics, the Fund now generates its own initiatives through partnerships with individuals, organizations and institutions engaged in raising public awareness of disability and improving the quality of rehabilitation medicine, science and technology.

The Fund aims primarily to enable individuals with physical disabilities - especially those served by members of the orthotics and prosthetics community - to enjoy the rewards of personal achievement, physical fitness, and social interaction.

For more information about the Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc., please visit www.opfund.org or contact Julie Besaha, OPAF Program Coordinator, at (202) 223-2878 or . For up-to-date WeMedia information, please visit www.wemedia.com and subscribe to WeMedia's free e-newsletter-Inside WeMedia-bringing you the latest news, features, sports, and accessible lifestyle tips for people with disabilities, their families and friends.

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OPAF president elect Joel J. Kempfer, CP FAAOP, to represent Fund on Orthotic & Prosthetic Awareness Committee

OPAF president elect Joel J. Kempfer, CP FAAOP will be representing the Fund on the new Orthotic & Prosthetic Awareness Committee (OPAC). This initiative, involving representatives from across the O&P community, will help to develop special projects that raise awareness among young people of the O&P field and O&P career opportunities.

The Fund is pleased to support this initiative in close conjunction with its own, soon-to-be-announced "O&P Awareness Initiative," which will focus on raising awareness of resources related to the history of orthotics and prosthetics.

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Upcoming Milwaukee OPAF-ENA "Fitness for Everyone" program awarded WPTA and ABC continuing education credits

OPAF's upcoming "Fitness for Everyone" clinic in Milwaukee, a program made possible through the Fund's partnership with Endolite North America, has been approved by the Milwaukee Physical Therapy Association as meeting continuing education requirements for PTs and PTAs. Through this arrangement, all credentialed individuals who register and complete the entire Milwaukee "Fitness for Everyone" program will receive 0.6 continuing education hours.

All "Fitness for Everyone" clinics held during 2002 have also been awarded Category I continuing education credits by the Continuing Education Committee of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and and Prosthetics (ABC). Through this arrangement, all credentialed individuals who register and complete the entire Houston "Fitness for Everyone" program will receive 4.5 scientific credits for their participation. Click here for more information.

Click here to learn more about "Fitness for Everyone."

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OPAF recognizes Milwaukee "Fitness for Everyone" clinic sponsors

Thank you to the following organizations for their sponsorship of our upcoming Milwaukee "Fitness for Everyone" clinic!

Learn more about this event here!

Farrell Prosthetics

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OPAF recognizes Houston "Fitness for Everyone" clinic sponsors

Thank you to Endolite North America and to Hayman Orthotics and Prosthetics for their sponsorship of our upcoming Houston "Fitness for Everyone" clinic!

Learn more about this event here!

Upcoming Houston OPAF-ENA "Fitness for Everyone" program awarded TPTA and ABC continuing education credits

OPAF's upcoming "Fitness for Everyone" clinic in Houston, a program made possible through the Fund's partnership with Endolite North America, has been approved by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners as meeting continuing education requirements for PTs and PTAs. Through this arrangement, all credentialed individuals who register and complete the entire Houston "Fitness for Everyone" program will receive 0.575 continuing education hours.

All "Fitness for Everyone" clinics held this year have also been awarded Category I continuing education credits by the Continuing Education Committee of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and and Prosthetics (ABC). Through this arrangement, all credentialed individuals who register and complete the entire Houston "Fitness for Everyone" program will receive 4.5 scientific credits for their participation. Click here for more information.

Click here to learn more about "Fitness for Everyone."

Houston clinic co-sponsors will be announced shorty on this page. Please check back soon.

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Join OPAF during upcoming Orlando meeting of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP)

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the O & P Assistance Fund, we invite you to join us on Thursday, March 21, 2002, from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. in the Fiesta Ballroom 1-4 and Patio Del Sol at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort to launch officially our new web site, www.opfund.org, and to recognize the dedication and commitment of our Past President, Eric L. Robinson.

This launch party will be held in conjunction with the OANDP.COM Homecoming reception. Please join us to celebrate this event.

Also, be sure to check out our Silent Auction while you are in Orlando. The auction opens at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, March 20. This year, the OPAF auction offers something for everyone, including O&P componentry, sports and Paul McCartney memorabilia, CDs, books, and Chicago museum and restaurant gift certificates that will be of interest to everyone planning to attend AOPA's upcoming National Assembly.

In addition to the launch party and the silent auction, the O & P Assistance Fund, Inc., in cooperation with the National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA), will host a First Swing clinic at Celebration Golf Club on Tuesday, March 19, 2002, from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. And on Saturday, March 23, 2002, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., a Fitness For Everyone clinic, an event made possible through a partnership between Endolite North America and the O & P Assistance Fund, Inc., will be held at Coronado Springs Resort in Yucatan 2. Click here for registration and program information.

All proceeds from the auction support the primary mission of the Fund: enable individuals with physical disabilities-especially those served by members of the orthotics and prosthetics community-to enjoy the rewards of personal achievement, physical fitness, and social interaction.

As you know, the Fund was established and incorporated in January 1995 by the Orthotics and Prosthetics National Office. Dedicated initially to providing financial and in-kind support to the 1996 Paralympics, the Fund now generates its own initiatives through partnerships with individuals, organizations, and institutions engaged in raising public awareness of disability, and improving the quality of rehabilitation medicine, science, and technology.

Join us in our efforts to give wings to dreams. Stop by our booth in Orlando to learn about partnership and program sponsorship opportunities. We look forward to seeing you in Orlando.

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OPAF announces Washington DC Community Initiative

The Fund is pleased to announce the OPAF Washington DC Community Initiative. This program furthers our mission to raise public awareness of the benefits that individuals with physical disabilities receive from physical activity and assistive technology.

One cornerstone of this new initiative is our partnership with the Hospital Volunteer Program of the DC Jewish Community Center's (DCJCC) Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service.

One day each month, beginning on March 10, 2002, the Fund will assist the DCJCC in organizing special events for children staying at The Hospital for Sick Children.

While the DCJCC will bring together the volunteers, the staff of the Fund will introduce program participants to assistive technology and to the children who are benefiting from it.

Volunteers will spend the afternoon interacting directly with the children at the hospital. They will provide a fun environment through playing games, offering arts-and-crafts activities, and, most importantly, simply spending time with the kids.

The Fund will provide all volunteers with educational materials about assistive technology, including a resource bibliography, which they can take home with them for further learning.

For more information about this program, please contact Dr. Jeffrey S. Reznick, OPAF Director and Senior Research Fellow, by email at jsr@opfund.org.

The Fund is continually looking to expand its community initiatives through new partnerships and programs, both here in DC and around the United States. Please contact Dr. Reznick for details.

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OPAF recognizes Orlando "Fitness for Everyone" clinic sponsors

The Fund thanks the following organizations, in addition to the American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics, for their sponsorship of our upcoming Orlando "Fitness for Everyone" clinic.

Thank you all for your generous support!

OPAF-ENA "Fitness for Everyone" program awarded FPTA continuing education credits

"Fitness for Everyone" has met continuing education standards set by the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA). All credentialed individuals who register and complete the upcoming Orlando "Fitness for Everyone" program will receive 6.5 continuing education hours.

Click here to learn more about "Fitness for Everyone."

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OPAF-ENA "Fitness for Everyone" program awarded ABC continuing education credits for 2002

"Fitness for Everyone," an OPAF program made possible through the Fund's partnership with Endolite North America, has been awarded Category I continuing education credits for the year 2002 by the Continuing Education Committee of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and and Prosthetics (ABC). This year, all credentialed individuals who register and complete an entire "Fitness for Everyone" program will receive 4.5 scientific credits for their participation. Click here to learn more about "Fitness for Everyone."

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OPAF launches new web site and logo

Developed by Marianne Schneider, an Atlanta-based graphic designer and web specialist, the Fund's new web site contains up-to-date information on all OPAF initiatives. OANDP.COM hosts the site, and the OPAF board of directors and staff are deeply grateful for this support.

Since 1996, the core operations and programs of the Fund have been made possible through generous contributions from the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP), American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC), and American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA).

The Fund’s logo reflects recognition and appreciation of this longstanding support. Three stars – representing AAOP, ABC, and AOPA – crown the main star, which represents the individuals served by the Fund. The two stars flanking the main star represent the allied fields of orthotics and prosthetics.

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OPAF to host events during upcoming Orlando meeting of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP)

At the upcoming Academy meeting in Orlando, the Fund (OPAF) will be hosting a number of events to advance our primary mission: enable individuals with physical disabilities – especially those served by members of the orthotics and prosthetics community – to enjoy the rewards of personal achievement, physical fitness, and social interaction.

Please visit our booth to learn more about the Fund, and join us at one (or more!) of our events.

For more information about any and all upcoming OPAF initiatives, including registration and program sponsorship opportunities, please contact Julie Besaha, OPAF Program Coordinator, by email or by phone (202) 223-2878.

Tuesday, March 19, 1:30-5:00 p.m. at Celebration Golf Club
OPAF-NAGA First Swing Clinic
Made possible through the Fund’s Partnership with the National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA)

Bob Wilson, Executive Director of NAGA, developed First Swing Clinics to instruct therapists in teaching and encouraging all individuals with physical disabilities to learn, or re-learn, the game of golf. First Swing clinics also enable individuals to re-discover their sense of personal pride and their accomplishment through participation. First Swing Clinics offer healthy avenues to enjoy the extraordinary, friendly atmosphere found on the golf course. This program is open to every individual with a physical challenge regardless of age or handicap. Registration and participation are free. For more information about NAGA and its programs, please visit: www.nagagolf.org

OPAF Spring Golf Classic
Wednesday, March 20 at Celebration Golf Club
Bus departs Coronado Springs Resort at 7:15 a.m. sharp
Shotgun start at 8:00 a.m.

Play in the OPAF Classic and support the Fund while making business contacts, networking with colleagues, and promoting your organization. The tournament will be held at one of Florida’s finest courses – Celebration Golf Course – and a portion of every individual registration fee will be donated to the Fund. As always, every golfer will receive a receipt for their tax-deductible donations. Celebration prides itself in being one of the best golf facilities in Central Florida. The legendary father-son team of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Jr. designed a park-like atmosphere within the natural wetland environment, creating a truly challenging and enjoyable golf experience. Designed with shot-making strategy in mind, this championship caliber course demands accurate approach shots and consistent putting. Celebration invites competition from the most amateur golfer to the most experienced golfer all on one course. Celebrating golf at every level, Celebration Golf Club is an acclaimed venue for promoting the love of the game to future champions as well as to the established golfers.

OPAF New Web Site-Logo Launch and Board Recognition Ceremony Held in cooperation with OANDP.COM Thursday, March 21 @ 8:00 p.m.

Join us to celebrate the launch of our new web site and logo and honor the work and commitment of the Fund's Board of Directors.

Fitness for Everyone
Made possible through the fund's partnership with Endolite North America
Saturday, March 23 9:30 a.m. registration - 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. clinic

Created and led by three-time Paralympic track and field champions Dennis Oehler and Todd Schaffhauser, this Fitness for Everyone clinic will provide above- and below-knee amputees of all ages with instruction in stretching and strengthening, walking and running, and achieving their own physical goals. Family members of amputees who enroll in the clinic are warmly welcome to attend the program.

Designed to offer continuing education credits for most participating practitioners, Fitness for Everyone clinics are especially beneficial to orthotists, prosthetists, physical therapists, and other allied health professionals who wish to extend patient care beyond the clinical setting.

This year, look for Fitness for Everyone Clinics in Houston on Saturday, April 27, in Milwaukee on Saturday, June 1, and in Chicago on Saturday, October 12.

OPAF Silent Auction
Auction opens – Wednesday, March 20 at 6:00 p.m.
Auction closes – Saturday, March 23 at 11:45 a.m.
Deadline to claim highest-bids –Saturday, March 23 at Noon

Looking for a gift for that special someone? Look no further than the OPAF Silent Auction! Integral to supporting all OPAF initiatives, especially community outreach programs, this event features exciting, rare, and special items donated by individuals and organizations both within and beyond the O&P community. Stop by the auction and make a bid.

Be sure to look for our next Silent Auction in Chicago, to be held in conjunction with the 2002 meeting of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA).

If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the OPAF Silent Auction, please contact Julie Besaha at or (202) 223-2878.

See you in Orlando, and thank you again for helping the Fund give wings to more dreams!

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OPAF Committee chooses ’02 Paralympic Practitioner Volunteers

This March, sixteen ABC-Certified practitioners will arrive in Salt Lake City to volunteer their expertise during 2002 Paralympic Winter Games:

J. Thomas Andrew, CP FAAOP - Ability Prosthetic Systems, Inc.
Mark W. Ashford, CP - Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc.
Alan R. Finnieston, CPO - Arthur Finnieston Clinic, Inc.
Peter D. Harsch, CP - Ossur
Gretchen E. Hecht, CO - Sawthooth Orthotics, Inc.
Robert Ito, CPO - Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc.
Michael A. Jenks, CPO - Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc.
John Kinney, CPO - Kinney Orthopedics
Joel J. Kempfer, CP FAAOP - Kempfer Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc.
Karl J. Lindborg, CPO - Advanced Bio-Mechanics
Charles A. McIntyre, CPO - Prosthetic and Orthotic Center at University of California San Francisco
Jonathan Naft, CP, LOP - Geauga Rehabilitation Engineering, Inc.
Kathy Olson, CO FAAOP - Superior Orthopedics
Joe Ramicone, CP - Scheck & Siress Advance Orthotics and Prosthetics
Glenn R. Schober, CP - Franzel Orthopedic Laboratories
John W. Stephenson, CP - Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

Chosen by a sub-committee of the OPAF Board of Directors and according to guidelines established in 1995 in cooperation with Disabled Sports USA, these individuals represent the ongoing commitment of the Fund, as well as its community partner Otto Bock Health Care, to supporting the Paralympic Games. While the Fund facilitated the practitioner application process, Otto Bock Health Care arranged schedules and will be covering room and board for all the practitioners while they are in Salt Lake City.

Thank you to Otto Bock Health Care for offering this fruitful partnership, and thank you to the practitioners for volunteering their time and their expertise.

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OPAF president elect Joel J. Kempfer, CP FAAOP, announces establishment of Dale Yasukawa Memorial Fund

A memorial fund has been established in the name of our recently departed friend and colleague, Dale Yasukawa CP, who died on November 22, 2001. He was 43.

Yasukawa served as director of prosthetics at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) in the department of prosthetic-orthotic clinical services. He began with RIC in 1988 as a physical therapist assistant. In 1990, he joined the P&O clinical services department.

In 1991, Yasukawa attended the Northwestern University prosthetics certificate program. He became an ABC-certified prosthetist in 1993. Involved in the Midwest Chapter of the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists for over seven years, Yasukawa had finished serving his term of immediate past president in 2001.

Yasukawa worked with patients of all ages - children, young adult and geriatric. “He was a prosthetist of great talent,” said colleague Martin Kacen, CPO.

In cooperation with Linda Yasukawa, PT, MS, OPAF pays tribute to Dale's memory by establishing a fund that will assist in the continuing education of students in the field of O&P. Complete details of this project are available from OPAF.

To learn more about the Memorial Fund and/or to make a contribution in Dale's name, please contact OPAF at (202) 223-2878, or mail your contribution to: The O&P Assistance Fund, 1666 K Street NW, Suite 440, Washington, DC 20006.

Joel Kempfer CP FAAOP, OPAF President Elect

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OPAF seeks ABC-certified practitioner volunteers for 2002 paralympic winter games in Salt Lake City (March 7-16)

The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. (OPAF) has partnered with Otto Bock Healthcare to identify a total of ten (10) ABC-certified practitioners to volunteer at the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City (March 7-16) Five practitioners will serve from March 7 to 11; five others will serve from March 12 to 16. Otto Bock will cover room and board while practitioner volunteers will provide their own transportation. Exact arrival and departure dates and times will be determined in early January after consultation with the Salt Lake 2002 Organizing Committee. It is expected that practitioner volunteers will arrive in time for the opening ceremony on Thursday, March 7. If you are an ABC-certified practitioner who would like to apply for this opportunity, please request an application directly from Dr. Jeffrey S. Reznick, Director and Senior Research Fellow, O&P Assistance Fund, Inc., email , phone (703) 836-7116 ext. 218. (If you encounter any problems emailing your request, please call Jeff.) In all correspondence, please include your complete contact information, including your email address, fax number, and phone number. All applications are due to the Fund (by fax (703) 836-0838, by efax (208) 979-1053, or by regular mail) no later than 5 p.m. on December 20, 2001. All applications will be reviewed by a sub-committee of the Board of Directors of the O&P Assistance Fund. Successful applicants will be notified as soon as possible after January 1, 2002. The Fund is seeking at least twenty (20) applications, from which it will choose ten practitioners. The remaining ten applicants will serve as alternates as needed. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity - or about the Fund, its future programs, and its upcoming call for partnerships with members of the O&P community - please contact Jeff Reznick.

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Jeffrey S. Reznick, Ph.D. joins OPAF as Director and Senior Research Fellow

Jeffrey S. Reznick, Ph.D. has joined the Fund as its new Director and Senior Research Fellow. A native of Rochester, New York, Dr. Reznick received his M.A. and Ph.D. in history from Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia and his B.A. from the University of Rochester. He comes to the Fund from Emory, where he served for nearly two years as assistant director of the Institute for Comparative and International Studies (ICIS), coordinator of the ICIS Community Connections Initiative, adjunct assistant professor of history, and research fellow in the history of medicine, science, and technology at the Rollins School of Public Health. At the Fund, Dr. Reznick continues his commitment to developing community programs, growing awareness of the role of orthotics and prosthetics in caregiving, and advancing public knowledge of disability issues.

As the Fund’s Senior Research Fellow, Dr. Reznick is preparing his dissertation manuscript for publication. This book draws on sources from four dozen archives and libraries to explore the various ways in which weary, sick, and wounded British soldiers and their care providers made sense of the First World War and the dramatic change it brought to their lives. Dr. Reznick is also completing research for Technology for Life ©, a combined monograph-multimedia social and cultural history of prosthetics in the United States since the 1840s.

Dr. Reznick has published and lectured nationally and internationally on the history of disability, orthotics, and prosthetics, especially as these subjects relate to wartime and postwar caregiving. He has received research grants from the National Endowment of the Humanities, Reynolds Historical Library of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Wellcome Trust.

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