OPAF launches internship program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2002
Contact: Julie Besaha (202) 223-2878

Washington, DC - The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund has established an internship program for creative and team-minded students in the Washington, DC metropolitan area who wish to help shape the future of a dynamic nonprofit organization.

Students chosen to participate in this program should meet specific requirements outlined in the position announcements now available here.

In addition, the students should be able to commit at least 100 hours total to OPAF during the course of an academic semester, so that OPAF can offer an endorsement for a President's Student Service Award, a White House initiative which recognizes young Americans with awards for outstanding community service, while encouraging more young people to serve. This program seeks to identify and actively engage our next generation of "Service Leaders." More information about this program is available here.

Currently, OPAF seeks to fill two internship positions.

1. OPAF MLK Project Internship. The student in this internship will assist in development of a Martin Luther King, Jr.-related educational initiative for diverse groups of young people who are undergoing physical rehabilitation at the Hospital for Sick Children (HSC) in Washington, DC. Connected to OPAF's grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service, the project will involve creation and implementation of 25 four-hour, direct-service educational activities that will run, at least initially, from January 20, 2003 through June 2003. The activities will involve group readings, craft making and craft exchanges among the children, and creation of a learning resource center in the hospital, all of which will engage the subjects of peace, diversity, tolerance, and human rights as reflected in the words of Dr. King. Through creation of a unique learning environment with the hospital setting, OPAF will help to bring to HSC's young patients social interaction and degrees of learning and personal achievement that they might not otherwise encounter during the course of rehabilitation. Complete application details are available in PDF format here.

2. OPAF Program Internship. The student in this internship will assist in overall development of OPAF programs and partnerships. Complete application details are available in PDF format here.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view application materials. If you do not have this program installed on your browser, you can download it here for free.

To learn more about the OPAF Internship Program and related volunteer opportunities, please contact Julie Besaha, OPAF Program Coordinator by email or by phone (202) 223-2878.

Established in 1995, OPAF is nonprofit organization, a 501(c)(3) public charity and the official philanthropy of the U.S. orthotics and prosthetics community. Dedicated initially to providing financial and in-kind support to the 1996 Paralympics, OPAF 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. For more information about OPAF, please visit www.opfund.org.

The primary objective of OPAF is 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.

OPAF partners with New York artist Steve Keene to launch new fundraising event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE • November 21, 2002
Contact: Julie Besaha • (202) 223-2878

Washington, DC - The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund Inc. (OPAF) has partnered with New York-based artist Steve Keene to launch a new fundraising event: sale of colorful holiday and all-purpose note cards that incorporate the OPAF logo and convey the humanitarian mission of the organization.

Proceeds from the sale of these cards will support the primary objective of OPAF: 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.

The note and holiday cards are now available for purchase at $18.00 per packet of ten cards (shipping and handling included). Order forms are available directly at www.opfund.org.

The OPAF logo and mission inspired Keene's original and eccentric designs. "I think of my work as one big painting, and everyone can take home a chunk of it. The art of painting, the performance is what I am into. One of my goals is to put art in places where art is not normally shown," Keene says.

Keene, who lives and works in Brooklyn, is "America's Most Prolific Artist." Recently he has displayed his art at Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, at Rice University in Houston, at the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, Germany, and at the Santa Monica Museum of Art in Los Angeles. Having sold more than 70,000 paintings, he works constantly and produces walls full for work everyday. He considerers each individual piece a sort of a souvenir of a day and a participant in the larger, ongoing event of Steve Keene Art. Learn more about Steve Keene at www.stevekeene.com.

"Our collaboration with Steve Keene is a fantastic way to raise the profile of OPAF both within and beyond the O&P community," explains Jeff Reznick, OPAF Executive Director and Senior Research Fellow. "Through this project, among many others to come, we will be able to communicate our representation of orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) more widely and touch the lives of many more individuals who are served by the O&P community itself."

Established in 1995, OPAF is nonprofit organization, a 501(c)(3) public charity and the official philanthropy of the U.S. orthotics and prosthetics community. Dedicated initially to providing financial and in-kind support to the 1996 Paralympics, OPAF 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. For more information about OPAF, please visit www.opfund.org.

OPAF program coordinator receives scholarship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE • November 8, 2002
Contact: Dr. Jeffrey S. Reznick • (202) 223-2878

Washington, DC – Julie Besaha, program coordinator of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF), has received a scholarship for membership in the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Washington DC Metro Area Chapter. With this membership, Bibby will be able to represent OPAF formally among professionals in the fundraising field.

For over 40 years, AFP has been the standard-bearer for professionalism in fundraising, representing 26,000 members in 169 chapters in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. AFP fundraising professionals work collaboratively advancing philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs. The many benefits of membership include access to the AFP’s fundraising resource center, networking events, educational programs, and discounts on fundraising books and materials.

“Tamara’s receipt of this award is a great honor not only for her but also for OPAF and the O&P community we represent in philanthropic and community circles,” said Dr. Jeff Reznick, OPAF Executive Director and Senior Research Fellow. “OPAF has made substantial progress in program development this year. Foremost among our accomplishments is our own grant program which connects OPAF to other 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that share our commitment to supporting an enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities, especially those served by members of the orthotics and prosthetics community. Tamara’s AFP award, alongside our 2002 program achievements and our recent award from the Corporation for National and Community Service, enables OPAF to look toward a fruitful new year.”

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.

OPAF 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.

Click here to read more about the OPAF Grant Program.

For general information about OPAF, visit www.opfund.org.

OPAF receives grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service

FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
November 7, 2002
Contact: Julie Besaha
(202) 223-2878

Washington, DC - The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) has received a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to create a new educational project under the umbrella of the OPAF Washington DC Community Initiative.

The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country through three programs: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. Working with national and community nonprofits, faith-based groups, schools, and local agencies, the Corporation engages more than two million Americans each year in meeting critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas. The Corporation and its programs are part of USA Freedom Corps, a White House initiative to foster a culture of citizenship, service and responsibility, and help all Americans answer the President's Call to Service.

OPAF was one of 80 groups nationwide to be selected in a grant competition that recognizes community service related to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Dr. Martin Luther Jr. King national holiday. The Corporation is charged by Congress to support local efforts to make the King Holiday a "day on, not a day off" - a day of service to meet local community needs.

Service was at the heart of Dr. King's philosophy. "Everybody can be great because everybody can serve," King said, urging Americans to take action to improve people's lives. In recognition of that spirit, Congress in 1994 passed the King Holiday and Service Act. Since then, millions of Americans have paid homage to the slain leader by serving in projects ranging from stocking food pantries to planting community gardens to training tutors for inner-city schools.

OPAF's award from the Corporation allows the organization to express the spirit of service as it is represented and supported by the U.S. orthotics and prosthetics community.

"There is no better way to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. than by serving others," said Leslie Lenkowsky, CEO of the Corporation. "Last year President Bush called on all Americans to devote two years over the course of their lives to service. OPAF is helping achieve a dream of both Martin Luther King and President Bush - to create active citizens and caring communities."

"The greatest birthday gift my husband could receive is if people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrated the holiday by performing individual acts of kindness through service to others," said Coretta Scott King, founder of the King Center.

Through support from the Corporation for National and community Service, OPAF will create a Martin Luther King, Jr.-related educational initiative alongside its established opportunity for diverse groups of young people who are undergoing physical rehabilitation at the Hospital for Sick Children (HSC) in Washington, DC.

Beginning on the Martin Luther King holiday, January 20, 2003, and running through June, OPAF and its DC-area volunteers will work with HSC staff to provide weekly educational activities that engage the subjects of peace, diversity, tolerance, and human rights as they are reflected in the words of Dr. King. Through creation of a unique learning environment with the hospital setting, OPAF will help to bring to HSC's young patients social interaction and degrees of learning and personal achievement that they might not otherwise encounter during the course of rehabilitation.

The OPAF Washington DC Community Initiative furthers the mission of OPAF to help raise public awareness of the benefits that individuals with physical disabilities receive from physical activity and assistive technology, especially orthoses and prostheses.

As the OPAF Washington DC Community Initiative takes its new shape through support from the Corporation for National and Community Service, OPAF will be designing a format that will allow the project to be replicated in other communities across the United States.

The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund is a 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.

As the official philanthropy of the U.S, orthotic and prosthetic community, OPAF 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., visit www.opfund.org.

For more information about the Martin Luther King Day of Service, visit www.mlkday.org.

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You are cordially invited: OPAF to hold holiday open house

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OPAF presents: "Selected Accomplishments - October 1, 2001 to October 1, 2002"

On behalf of the OPAF board of directors, we are pleased to offer a one-page summary of the Fund's accomplishments during the past year, October 1, 2001 to October 1, 2002. This document highlights OPAF's work in five key areas: programs and partnerships, research and community service, administration, fundraising, and publicity.

The summary is available for download here. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this document. If you do not have this program installed on your browser, you can download it here for free.)

Thanks to everyone - our board of directors, our sister organizations AAOP, ABC, and AOPA, our contributors, and our program partners and volunteers - for supporting OPAF as we have grown its representation of O&P in both community and philanthropic circles. Without your generosity, we would not have been able to expand the organization in new directions and touch the lives of more individuals.

OPAF is a nonprofit organization, a 501(c)(3) public charity, 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. Our primary mission is to offer programs that 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.

In the coming year, we look forward to working with more members of the O&P community to expand OPAF's services in order to achieve two key goals: reach more individuals who use prostheses and build more substantial connections to those who use orthoses. Your continued support of our work will help us attain our objectives and reach unprecedented levels of direct public service. Thank you.

If you are attending the upcoming AOPA National Assembly, please stop by our booth, #1046, to say hello and to learn more about OPAF's recent accomplishments and plans for 2003 and beyond.

With all best wishes,

Jeff and Tamara

Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. (OPAF)
1666 K Street NW, Suite 440
Washington, DC 20006
Tel 202.223.8878
eFax 415.534.1857
Email
Web www.opfund.org

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Morrison & Foerster LLP continues pro bono tradition to help strengthen OPAF's future development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE • October 2, 2002
Contact: Julie Besaha • (202) 223-2878

Washington, DC - OPAF has established a pro bono client relationship with Morrison & Foerster LLP, one of the world's leading law firms with 1,000 lawyers in 18 offices worldwide. Through this relationship, OPAF will receive certain legal services that can benefit OPAF program and partnership development, including review of contracts and liability waivers.

We appreciate the generosity of Morrison & Foerster attorneys and look forward to working with them to set up legal structures that will lay the groundwork for the future of our association.

Morrison & Foerster LLP has a long history of commitment to providing pro bono legal services to indigent persons and in matters of public interest. Their attorneys have volunteered their time and expertise in class action cases to benefit tens of thousands of people and in thousands of other cases to help individuals who otherwise would have been denied access to the justice system. Pro bono activities at Morrison & Foerster offices around the country cover the full range of public interest work, from staffing legal service clinics and counseling over 150 nonprofit organizations to handling high-impact litigation. The greatest efforts of Morrison & Foerster attorneys have focused on assisting children in poverty, school education issues, civil rights and civil liberties cases, international human rights and political asylum matters, and issues of housing and homelessness.

During 2001, Morrison & Foerster attorneys contributed more than 73,000 hours representing pro bono clients, equating to over $23 million in free legal service. In July 2002, the American Lawyer ranked Morrison & Foerster in the Top Ten in the AmLaw 100 for its pro bono work. The firm also was awarded the 2002 American Bar Association's Pro Bono Publico Award recognizing institutions in the legal profession that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to volunteer legal services for the poor and disadvantaged.

For more information about the Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund and its programs, please visit our web site 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.

The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund has moved. Our new address is: 1666 K Street NW, Suite 440, Washington, DC, 20006.

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OPAF establishes Legacy Program through The T. Rowe Price Program for Charitable Giving, a national donor-advised fund that promotes philanthropy in the United States

On behalf of the Fund's Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce an important new initiative that will help us to ensure the future health of the Fund as we expand our public service and grow our official representation of the O&P community.

The OPAF Legacy Program aims to preserve our expansion as we fulfill our primary mission: enable individuals with physical disabilities - especially those served by members of the orthotics and prosthetic community - to enjoy the rewards of personal achievement, physical fitness, and social interaction.

Thoughtful cooperation

The OPAF Legacy Program is made possible through our relationship with The T. Rowe Price Program for Charitable Giving, a national donor-advised fund that promotes philanthropy in the United States.

As a public charity and an IRS registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Program for Charitable Giving will receive contributions made to the OPAF Legacy Program and will provide donors with all of the necessary information to receive a federal income tax deduction up to allowable Internal Revenue Service limits. In addition, donors can contribute marketable securities to the OPAF Legacy Program. By transferring long-term appreciated securities in-kind to the Program for Charitable Giving, donors may then deduct the full value of the appreciated securities and avoid paying capital gains taxes. From time to time, the Fund's Board President and Executive Director, with approval of the full Board, will recommend that a distribution be made from the Legacy Program to sustain and grow the Fund's mission. Donations to The OPAF Legacy Program at The T. Rowe Price Program for Charitable Giving can be as little as $500 or as generous as you wish.

Excellence, guidance, and integrity

Through the Program for Charitable Giving, the Fund benefits from the investment management excellence and comprehensive research of the mutual funds firm of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., because the assets in the OPAF Legacy Program are invested under T. Rowe Price's guidance. Since its founding in 1937, T. Rowe Price has built a heritage of integrity, founded on the principle that taking care of its clients will take care of the company. That philosophy, combined with proprietary research, provides a foundation for the company's consistent, long-term risk-aware strategy for managing investments. As of June 30, 2002, the firm and its affiliates managed $148.8 billion in assets.

The OPAF Legacy Program enables you to embrace and carry forward your own legacy of charitable giving through the official philanthropy of the O&P community. Here is a way of giving a gift that will make an enduring difference to the entire O&P community and the individuals we serve.

Recognizing you and your contribution

Your contributions of $500 or more to The OPAF Legacy Program will be acknowledged formally by The T. Rowe Price Program for Charitable Giving and by the Fund. In addition, we will send you a recognition plaque suitable for display, include your name on a permanent plaque in our office, and each year preserve your generosity in the public record through recognition in the Fund's annual report to the entire O&P community.

For more information regarding The OPAF Legacy Program or to make a contribution, please see the following downloadable forms, contact OPAF directly at (202) 223-8878, and/or be in touch with any member of the Fund's Board of Directors.

For contributions by check, please download and complete this donation of assets form.

For contributions of marketable securities, please download and complete this donation of assets form and these delivery instructions, which make it possible to transfer your securities in- kind so that you will be able to receive full tax benefits.

Thank you for your continued support - now and in the future - as we preserve our legacy for the benefit of the entire O&P community and the individuals we serve.

Jeffrey S. Reznick, Ph.D.
Director and Senior Research Fellow
Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. (OPAF)
1666 K Street NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20006
Tel 202.223.8878
eFax 415.534.1857
Email

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OPAF expands partnership with National Amputee Golf Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2002
Contact: Julie Besaha
(202) 223-2878

Alexandria, VA - The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) announces the expansion of its partnership with the National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA) to host OPAF-NAGA First Swing clinics in 2003.

Through the agreement signed by OPAF and NAGA, OPAF will administer OPAF-NAGA First Swing clinics in San Diego, California, during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) (March 19-22, 2003) and in Reno, Nevada, during the national assembly of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) (October 22-25, 2003).

OPAF and NAGA also agreed to bring clinics to annual meetings of state and regional AAOP chapters and AOPA associations and societies. Leaders of these organizations who wish to offer First Swing at their meetings should contact Julie Besaha, OPAF Program Coordinator, for scheduling and additional information - telephone (202) 223-2878, email .

The National Amputee Golf Association looks forward to its partnership with OPAF in helping to expand the awareness of our Association and its programs to amputees. We are also delighted to bring our First Swing program to the members of the O&P family and all physically challenged individuals they serve. Through advancements in technology in Prosthetics and Orthotics and the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act, golf is a game that can be enjoyed by everyone. "Learning to walk requires the taking of a first step," remarks Bob Wilson, Executive Director of NAGA. "Why not try golf? It is truly a game for everyone. Come out and take your First Swing. We are sure it will not be your last."

"We are excited about our relationship with NAGA and very much appreciate their willingness to work with us to bring such a fantastic program to many more individuals served by the O&P community," states Jeff Reznick, OPAF Director. "We hope that the success of this partnership will encourage further collaborations between OPAF and other nonprofits like NAGA that share our commitment to supporting an enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities, especially those served by members of the orthotics and prosthetics community."

OPAF-NAGA First Swing clinics are the cornerstone of OPAF's Fit for Life™ program, an initiative that benefits individuals who may not want to participate in demanding aerobic exercise. First Swing clinics are open to all therapists and O&P professionals and every individual with a physical challenge regardless of age or handicap.

Robert Wilson, Executive Director of NAGA (National Amputee Golf Association) 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.

Since late 2001, OPAF and NAGA have worked together to provide an abbreviated version of the second day instruction. These mini-clinics offer guidance in swinging a golf club and learning how to get the golf ball airborne.

In the full two-day First Swing program, day one offers the basics of the game to therapists and to others interested in teaching individuals who face physical challenges. Practitioner participants are invited to swing a club - standing on one leg, sitting in a wheel chair, or using only one hand - to appreciate more completely the new demands that will be made upon their educational training as they teach others. The second day of the clinic is devoted to therapists instructing physically challenged participants under the expertise of NAGA members.

To learn more about OPAF's expanded partnership with NAGA, please contact Julie Besaha.

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.

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

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OPAF Calls for 2002-2003 Board Nominations

The Executive Committee of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF), which serves as the OPAF's Nominating Committee, has begun its annual search for individuals who would like to serve the O&P community through membership on the OPAF Board of Directors.

Nominees are needed for the following positions:

• Representative of the American Academy of Orthotists and
  Prosthetists (AAOP)(1 ea)
• Representatives At Large (5 ea)
• Orthotic-Prosthetic Manufacturer/Supplier Representative (1 ea)
  

Nominees should have appropriate background, a history of 501(c)(3) nonprofit committee/volunteer work (preferred but not required), and a strong commitment to 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.

Election of nominees will take place during the October meeting of the OPAF Board of Directors.

If you are interested in serving on the OPAF Board or if you know of potential nominees, please complete a nomination form. This document is available for download here.

Please return this document (and all material requested therein) directly to Lisa Schoonmaker, CPO, FAAOP, OPAF President by fax (320) 252-9244.
Deadline: September 20, 2002.

Please contact either Lisa Schoonmaker (at ) or Jeff Reznick, OPAF Director (; (202) 223-2878), with any questions about the nominating process or about OPAF itself.

General information about OPAF and its current Board of Directors is available here.

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OPAF announces events to be held during upcoming AOPA National Assembly

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2002
Contact: Julie Besaha
(202) 223-2878

FIT FOR LIFE OPAF-NAGA FIRST SWING CLINIC AT RUFFLED FEATHERS GOLF CLUB

On Tuesday, October 8, 2002, the Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. (OPAF), in cooperation with the National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA), will host a First Swing clinic at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont, Illinois. This clinic is free of charge and open to all members of the O&P community, physical therapists, and every individual with a physical challenge regardless of age or handicap. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. and range instruction for therapists and patients from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 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.

First Swing 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. More information is available here.

FITNESS FOR EVERYONE AT HYATT REGENCY CHICAGO

Dennis Oehler and Todd Schaffhauser, three-time Paralympic track and field champions, will lead a Fitness for Everyone clinic on Saturday, October 12, 2002, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Chicago. This day-long event is made possible through a partnership between OPAF and Endolite North America.

Created and 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.

More information is available here.

SILENT AUCTION

Stop by and visit OPAF's booth during the AOPA National Assembly for the opportunity to bid on a variety of outstanding gifts and attractive items during OPAF's Silent Auction. This event, along with the OPAF Golf Classic, helps to support all OPAF initiatives. The Auction features exciting, rare, and distinctive items donated by individuals and organizations from the O&P community and beyond.

The Auction runs from Wednesday, October 9 to Saturday, October 12, 2002. All highest bidders must claim their prizes no later than Noon, Saturday, October 12, 2002.

To donate to the OPAF Silent Auction, please download the form available here.

All donations are tax-deductible to the greatest extent allowed by law.

FALL GOLF CLASSIC

Join OPAF on Wednesday, October 9, 2002 at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club for OPAF's Fall Golf Classic. The Golf Classic is an excellent opportunity to make business contacts, network with colleagues, and promote your organization.

This event has become a highly anticipated and successful event during the AOPA National Assembly. Like the OPAF Silent Auction, the Classic supports the Fund's ongoing programs and primary mission.

Golf Digest recently nominated Ruffled Feathers the #1 Best New Golf Course in America. Designed by Pete Dye and his son P.B. Dye, Ruffled Feathers is a wonderfully mastered 18-hole course featuring sculpted fairways, beautifully framed and contoured greens, and a Dye-signature island highlights the 11th hole. Advantageously placed on 175 acres of rolling terrain and natural wetlands, this Ruffled Feathers provides the feel of a World Class course.

Registration for the Golf Classic is $150.00; this fee includes green fees, cart fees, range balls, bag drop service, personalized golf carts, lunch, and two drink tickets. To register, please visit this page. Transportation to the course will depart Hyatt Regency Chicago at 7:00 am sharp. Shotgun start is at 9:00 am.

Please note that refunds of individual registration (the administrative portion paid to Ruffled Feathers, $110.00) cannot be issued after September 23, 2002.

The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund is a 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

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OPAF welcomes new sponsors

Call for Contributions/Papers to the Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) Awareness Initiative

Call for Contributions/Papers
to the
Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) Awareness Initiative
of the
Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc.

The O&P Awareness Initiative of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) offers educational resources to individuals who are interested in teaching others about the past, present, and future of the fields of orthotics and prosthetics. It is part of OPAF's larger mission to raise public awareness of the fields of orthotics and prosthetics as well as the benefits that individuals receive from using prostheses and orthoses.

The Initiative is located within the OPAF web site (www.opfund.org) here.

We are seeking contributions to enhance all of the Initiative's three sections, in particular "O&P in the Past," which is located here.

We especially welcome scholarly contributions from anthropologists, historians, sociologists, and literary scholars. We also welcome articles from journalists that address the role of orthoses and prostheses in the lives of individuals who choose to use these technologies. Examples of the kinds of resources we are seeking to highlight in the project:

• abstracts of O&P-related anthropological, historical, sociological, and literary research in progress;
• additions to the online bibliographies;
• newspaper articles addressing aspects of O&P history and/or experiences using orthoses/prostheses;
• descriptions/images of relevant museum collections;
• public lectures;
• online essays and images relating to the past, present, and future of O&P in different regions, cultures, and time periods

If you have a contribution to offer, please contact Jeffrey S. Reznick, Ph.D., OPAF Director and Senior Research Fellow, at

All resources included in the Initiative are intended for educational use only and not as an endorsement by OPAF.

OPAF reserves the right to review and approve all recommendations.

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OPAF joins Washington Council of Agencies (WCA)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2002

Contact: Julie Besaha (202) 223-2878

Washington, DC - The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) announces its membership to the Washington Council of Agencies (WCA). With this membership, OPAF joins the ranks of other nonprofit organizations that share ambitions to provide greater opportunities and resources to the individuals they serve and the causes they represent.

Founded in 1979, WCA is a membership organization serving nearly a thousand 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The Washington Council of Agencies provides to its members a range of advocacy and community building activities and educational and networking opportunities. The goal of WCA is to strengthen, promote, and represent nonprofit organizations in metropolitan Washington in order to help them better meet the diverse needs of their communities here in Washington and around the United States.

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 more information about the Washington Council of Agencies, please visit www.wcanonprofits.org.

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OPAF featured on military lifestyle.com

This week, militarylifestyle.com profiles our mission, our new O&P Awareness Initiative, and our new partnership with the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress.

Thank you to the organizers of militarylifestyle.com for their interest in our mission and programs!

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OPAF thanks PrimeCare for donation through the first-annual PrimeCare Charity Golf Tournament

OPAF thanks PrimeCare O&P Network for their recent $2000 donation to OPAF through proceeds raised by the first-annual PrimeCare Charity Golf Tournament.

Thanks especially to Tony Jackovitch, Vice President of Business Development of Atlanta International, who conceived the tournament and donated trophies for the winners, and to the additional sponsors of the event including:

• American Orthopedic Supply
• Becker Orthopedic
• Boston Brace International
• Charles Kornegay Sales
• Chauncey Johnson & Associates-Strategic Marketing Division
• Coyote Design
• DeRoyal Industries
• Endolite North America
• Jim Smith Sales
• Ohio Willow Wood
• Ossur
• Otto Bock Healthcare
• PDI
• SPT Technology
• Tracer Corporation

Tournament winners were Jerry Swanson and Mike Harris of Alabama Orthotics and Prosthetics, Dave Duny of Futura International, and Steve Smith of Jim Smith Sales, Inc. Each member of the foursome received an individual trophy; a 24" team trophy inscribed with the winners' names will remain on display in the PrimeCare corporate office until next year.

Thanks again, PrimeCare, for your generous support of OPAF and its 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's participation in 2002 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) approved

OPAF's application to participate in the 2002 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has been approved by the Local Federal Coordinating Committee for the CFC of the National Capital Area.

OPAF will be listed in the "Local Agencies" section of the 2002 CFC Campaign Catalogue. Our 2002 designation number is 7763.

Metropolitan-DC area federal employees - please designate Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFC) to support OPAF.

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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A message of thanks from OPAF Director and Senior Research Fellow Jeffrey S. Reznick, Ph.D.

Members of the O&P Community, and especially members of the Midwest Chapter of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists,

Thank you all for your support of OPAF during the course of the Midwest Chapter's meeting in Milwaukee last week. As we extend these thanks, we do so especially to Marty Kacen, CPO and Midwest Chapter President, and to every member of the Midwest Chapter. Their support made possible the great success of our "Fitness for Everyone" and OPAF-National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA) First Swing clinics.

Fitness for Everyone brought together nearly 60 individuals, including 15 physical therapists, 9 PT students, and 32 amputees and their family members/supporters for an inspirational day of learning and growing. The Midwest Chapter supported "Fitness for Everyone" through providing the event space and lunch for all attendees. We are deeply grateful for these contributions and for the Chapter's continued support of the Fund and administration of "Fitness for Everyone." Of course, thanks are also due to Endolite North America and to all of the following organizations for their sponsorship of Milwaukee's "Fitness for Everyone":

Actra Rehabilitation Associates Inc.
Farrell Prosthetics
Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics Inc.
Kempfer Prosthetics Orthotics Inc.
O&P Associates Inc. - Orthotic and Prosthetic Services
Midwest Chapter of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
Power Belt - Auxiliary Suspension Belt
Reichert Prosthetics and Orthotics

We also extend our thanks to Dennis Oehler and Todd Schaffhauser for their commitment to a program that continues to mean so much to so many amputees and their families, as well as to therapists and practitioners. At the same time, we would like to thank Sarah Noonan, PT for volunteering her expertise during last week's "Fitness for Everyone," and Kim Axelrod, who is a student of physical therapy, for her contributions in promoting the clinic during the run-up to the event. We are also thankful to Joel Kempfer, CP, FAAOP and Midwest Chapter Treasurer for volunteering his time, his energy, and his expertise during the clinic program itself, serving alongside Dennis, Todd, and Sarah Noonan to constitute the rehab team present for the benefit of the amputees and their families/supporters.

The OPAF-NAGA First Swing clinic in Milwaukee was also a great success, thanks both to the support of the Midwest Chapter and to our partnership with NAGA. Joel secured the driving range for the event and arranged lunch for all clinic participants. For his hard work and dedication we are especially grateful. Thanks also to NAGA representatives Dan Cox, Bud Sanders, and Don Zommer, all of whom shared their very special gifts with the nearly 25 individuals who attended the clinic, including 9 therapists (ranging from physical and occupational therapists and an exercise specialist) and 13 amputees and their family members/supporters.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Bob Wilson, Executive Director of NAGA, for his generosity and his willingness to partner with OPAF to bring the First Swing program to more individuals around the country. I am pleased to say that our work together in this capacity will be expanding very soon. Please stay tuned for details.

Pictures from last week's "Fitness for Everyone" and OPAF-NAGA First Swing will be available shortly on our web site.

Thanks also to the Midwest Chapter for their $500.00 contribution to the Fund through donations collected during the course of their golf outing at Morningstar Golfer's Club in Waukesha, WI. We have earmarked every dollar of this contribution to benefit future OPAF programs that engage directly the O&P community and the individuals they serve. And thanks, too, to the Chapter for inviting me to offer a presentation on the recent activities of the Fund. My work in this capacity, as I mentioned during my presentation, is part of my commitment to offer to the O&P community regular updates on the growth of the Fund. A complete schedule of my presentations is available here.
These talks are formally part of the OPAF Speaker Program, an initiative we intend to expand in the future to involve members of the O&P community who wish to support the Fund through their experience and expertise.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to extend thanks to my assistant Julie Besaha for her hard work and dedication to the mission of OPAF. The OPAF Board and I appreciate Tamara's contributions in every respect. It has been a pleasure realizing with her the enormous potential of OPAF to reach so many individuals within and beyond the O&P community.

Thank you again - everyone - for your generous support of our mission 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.

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