Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
RUNNING CLINIC
OPC Running Clinic
Join us on September
27th at 12:00 (noon) for an above knee running clinic.
The event will take place at the OPC Fairfax
office. Participation is limited to above knee amputees, but all are welcome to attend, observe, ask questions and learn! You don't want to miss this opportunity!
Name:
Email:
Address:
Phone:
Amputation level:
I would like to
_______ Participate _______Observe the running clinic at OPC.
Please detail your experience running with a prosthesis.
Prior experience is not necessary, but would be helpful to know for planning
purposes.
See you on the 27th!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Click-to-Fit Adjustable Socket
At OPC,
we pride ourselves on providing the best prosthetic care for our
patients. We are committed to supplying contemporary prosthetic and
orthotic care with old-fashioned service and quality. Prosthetics are
unique to the individual, with each person possessing his own set of
issues, goals and needs. We carefully evaluate and and help our patients
formulate a prosthetic care plan that will help them reach their
personal best.
Numerous advances in the field have recently benefited our patients. The most noticeable advancement lies with bionic devices. Powered and moving components have revolutionized prosthetic care and have helped to transform lives. However, bionic devices are only part of the story.
Numerous advances in the field have recently benefited our patients. The most noticeable advancement lies with bionic devices. Powered and moving components have revolutionized prosthetic care and have helped to transform lives. However, bionic devices are only part of the story.
Until now, the most common way to adjust for volume fluctuation was with the adding and subtracting of socks. Any experienced prosthetic wearer will attest that socket fit and comfort are paramount, and having to constantly adjust socks becomes an issue of inconvenience, quality of life and in extreme cases, safety. We have long recognized that an adjustable socket would benefit our patients, and we have been working diligently towards this goal.
We are delighted to introduce an advancement to socket design that we are confident will help many of our patients, especially those with volume fluctuation issues. OPC is proud to introduce the Click to Fit Socket, featuring the Boa system.
Utilizing the Boa system, the wearer is able to adjust for volume fluctuations by dialing in their own comfort without the donning and doffing of socks. The socket can accommodate up to 12 ply and can be adjusted quickly- without removing the device. The socket features a flexible inner liner, which allows us to maintain suspension, and a carbon fiber shell which has been cut into a series of panels. The Boa cords are thread through the outer socket wall and panels. The panels and the Boa system work together to allow the socket to adjust to the limb, rather than trying to get the limb to fit into the fixed socket.
If the socket feels too big, instead of putting on a 3 ply sock, the wearer needs only to turn the dial a few clicks to achieve optimum comfort. Too snug? No problem! Simply pull the dial to release some slack within the panels, making the socket bigger. Integrating the Boa system, long renown for its strength and reliability by athletes, into a paneled socket provides amputees with a safe, easy and convenient means to adjust for volume changes.
If socks have you in bunches and you have been seeking a better way, give us a call. We put the ability to adjust at your fingertips with the Fit to Click socket.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
An OPC Olympian!
In 1972, a seed was planted in a young boy living in
Maryland. Watching the Winter Olympic games, he vowed that one day he would
become an Olympian himself. Young Elliot Weintrob never lost sight of that goal,
and after a lot of hard work, the dream was realized when he walked into the
Opening Ceremony in Barcelona in 1992.
Elliot was first introduced to kayaking when he was an eight
year old camper at Valley Mill Day Camp. While all of his friends amused
themselves with other sports, all Elliot wanted to do was stay in the boat. His
passion for kayaking was immediate, and it was obvious to all around him that he
had a talent.
Between the ages of eight and fifteen, Elliot was immersed in white
water kayaking and racing. He trained hard and rose to the top of the youth
ranks. Traveling the country to compete, he was winning national competitions
when he decided to take a break at the age of fifteen. During his hiatus from the
sport, he concentrated his efforts on high school football and traditional
teenage activities which included wooing girls and socializing.
As his senior year came to a close, Elliot was
pulled again by his love of the kayak. Upon graduation he moved to
California to teach
kayaking. He soon contacted his former coach and the pair began to
aggressively
train for his comeback.
In 1984 he was named to the National Development Team and
earned a position on the National Team in 1986. In 1988 an announcement was
made that changed the course of Elliot’s life: White Water Kayaking was going
to return to the Olympic roster for 1992.
Upon hearing the announcement he decided to dedicate the
next four years of his life to realizing his Olympic dream. The story goes that
Elliot informed his parents of his decision in a matter-of-fact manner by
walking into Harry’s office and saying, “I just wanted to let you know that I’m
going to be training for the next four years to go to the Olympics.” Without
missing a beat, Harry simply looked up from the ledger and said, “You’d better
make it then.”
Elliot devoted the next four years of his life to the
sport of white water slalom (kayaking) and moved to North Carolina to train
with other aspiring Olympians. As he recalls, he trained hard and had the time
of his life.
Despite setbacks, including his partner getting injured the
month before the Olympic trials, Elliot and his partner won the first Olympic
trial. The dream of being in the Olympics was realized, and Elliot prepared for
an amazing two weeks in Barcelona.
Speaking of the Olympic race today, Elliot admits that his team “didn’t
race as well as we could have.” He did not win a medal, but he did have an
incredible experience. He walked away from Barcelona with the pride of being an
Olympian and memories that he will always cherish.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Debunking the "Prosthetic Advantage"
With Oscar Pistorius set to run in the Olympics on Saturday, the
controversy of the "unfair advantage" has hit a boiling point. It seems that forums and blogs are popping up everywhere supporting the prosthetic advantage theory. We firmly believe that these commentators are simply misinformed about the facts. We want to take this opportunity to set the record straight.
The controversy first came to light several years ago when Oscar made his first bid at the Olympics. An Olympic scientific committee was convened to examine the issue with the findings initially seeming to confirm the "prosthetic advantage." According to researchers, Pistorius' cheetah legs provided him with an astounding 90% energy return, considerably higher than the purported 60% by the intact human foot. Immediately the controversy of whether or not carbon fiber prostheses sparked an unfair advantage hit a furious speed.
Upon further examination, it was discovered that researchers involved with the initial study failed to cite the energy return of the human foot with an intact calf muscle (which, in the case of Pistorius is obviously missing). The human foot, with an intact calf muscle, has an energy return of 254%. All seem to agree that a prosthesis cannot provide more than 90% return due to energy lost due to components. It was determined that the carbon fiber prostheses render Pistorius with a 164% energy return deficit over his bi-legged competitors. Although very good prosthetics, the technology does not replace the muscle lost.
With the energy return theory debunked, many are citing differences in oxygen expenditures as an unfair advantage. Naysayers rationalization that an amputee does not have to work as hard to walk and move because the prosthesis does the work. Obviously these individuals have never tried to walk on a prosthesis!
It has long been accepted by authorities in the field that amputees have to work harder to ambulate and to run. The body must compensate for the lack of muscle and bone, putting more strain on the remaining structures. According to research from the Amputee Research Centre, a bilateral below knee amputee (such as Oscar) expends a whopping 200% increase in oxygen consumption to simply walk. Oscar uses more energy when walking and running because of his prostheses, not less.
The fact remains that on Saturday morning, Oscar will take to the track and run because he has earned his position, not because he has somehow cheated. Insinuating an "amputee advantage" is insulting to every individual living with a limb loss. He has achieved Olympian status because of his will and his hard work, not because of the carbon fiber and components in his prosthesis.
The controversy first came to light several years ago when Oscar made his first bid at the Olympics. An Olympic scientific committee was convened to examine the issue with the findings initially seeming to confirm the "prosthetic advantage." According to researchers, Pistorius' cheetah legs provided him with an astounding 90% energy return, considerably higher than the purported 60% by the intact human foot. Immediately the controversy of whether or not carbon fiber prostheses sparked an unfair advantage hit a furious speed.
Upon further examination, it was discovered that researchers involved with the initial study failed to cite the energy return of the human foot with an intact calf muscle (which, in the case of Pistorius is obviously missing). The human foot, with an intact calf muscle, has an energy return of 254%. All seem to agree that a prosthesis cannot provide more than 90% return due to energy lost due to components. It was determined that the carbon fiber prostheses render Pistorius with a 164% energy return deficit over his bi-legged competitors. Although very good prosthetics, the technology does not replace the muscle lost.
With the energy return theory debunked, many are citing differences in oxygen expenditures as an unfair advantage. Naysayers rationalization that an amputee does not have to work as hard to walk and move because the prosthesis does the work. Obviously these individuals have never tried to walk on a prosthesis!
It has long been accepted by authorities in the field that amputees have to work harder to ambulate and to run. The body must compensate for the lack of muscle and bone, putting more strain on the remaining structures. According to research from the Amputee Research Centre, a bilateral below knee amputee (such as Oscar) expends a whopping 200% increase in oxygen consumption to simply walk. Oscar uses more energy when walking and running because of his prostheses, not less.
The fact remains that on Saturday morning, Oscar will take to the track and run because he has earned his position, not because he has somehow cheated. Insinuating an "amputee advantage" is insulting to every individual living with a limb loss. He has achieved Olympian status because of his will and his hard work, not because of the carbon fiber and components in his prosthesis.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Want to Try a Tri?
If you ever watched a triathlon and thought, "I'd like to do that someday," this may be your opportunity to cross it off your bucket list. OPC is proud to sponsor teams for the 2012 Celebrating Heroes Triathlon! Whether you are an experienced athlete or a novice weekend warrior, we invite you to join our team.
This unique event touts both able bodied and challenged athletes as participants. Funds raised will benefit MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital. MedStar specializes in the treatment of physical disabilities caused by spinal cord, brain injuries, stroke, arthritis, amputation, multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome, sports injuries and other neurological and orthopedic conditions.
The triathlon, scheduled for June 24 in Ellicott City, MD consists of a .62 mile swim, a 17.5 mile bike ride and a 3.4 mile run. You do not have to compete in all events in order to participate. We are also sponsoring teams of three people-with each member completing one leg of the race.
If you are interested in joining Team OPC as we conquer this challenge, please submit this form. Registration fees will be assumed by OPC. Join us as we all "try a tri" for a good cause!
This unique event touts both able bodied and challenged athletes as participants. Funds raised will benefit MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital. MedStar specializes in the treatment of physical disabilities caused by spinal cord, brain injuries, stroke, arthritis, amputation, multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome, sports injuries and other neurological and orthopedic conditions.
The triathlon, scheduled for June 24 in Ellicott City, MD consists of a .62 mile swim, a 17.5 mile bike ride and a 3.4 mile run. You do not have to compete in all events in order to participate. We are also sponsoring teams of three people-with each member completing one leg of the race.
If you are interested in joining Team OPC as we conquer this challenge, please submit this form. Registration fees will be assumed by OPC. Join us as we all "try a tri" for a good cause!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Veteran Career Fair and Expo
Do you, or does a member of your family, serve in the United States military? Are you a Veteran? If you answered yes to either of these questions, mark your calendars and join us on January 18 for the Veteran Career Fair and Expo. This years exhibition is the largest to date and will be held at the Washington DC Convention Center from 8am to 7pm.
Over 5000 federal and private sector jobs will be posted at this event. Experts will be on hand to help translate military experience into marketable skills for resumes. Job counselors and recruiters will be available throughout the day to help transition from the military to the private sector.
In addition to highlighting career opportunities, this event will also feature industries that are currently serving individuals within the VA. OPC is proud to be the only private prosthetic facility invited to participate in the expo. Elliot and Ben will both be on hand throughout the day to answer questions and to show current prosthetic technology that is being used to assist Veterans.
The Veteran Career Fair and Expo is free to individuals with a military ID. Free parking is available by clicking here. Complimentary child care is available with a reservation by clicking here. OPC is honored to have been invited by the VA to highlight advances in prosthetic technology to our active and retired military personnel. Please stop by and say hello to Elliot and Ben in our OPC booth!
Over 5000 federal and private sector jobs will be posted at this event. Experts will be on hand to help translate military experience into marketable skills for resumes. Job counselors and recruiters will be available throughout the day to help transition from the military to the private sector.
In addition to highlighting career opportunities, this event will also feature industries that are currently serving individuals within the VA. OPC is proud to be the only private prosthetic facility invited to participate in the expo. Elliot and Ben will both be on hand throughout the day to answer questions and to show current prosthetic technology that is being used to assist Veterans.
The Veteran Career Fair and Expo is free to individuals with a military ID. Free parking is available by clicking here. Complimentary child care is available with a reservation by clicking here. OPC is honored to have been invited by the VA to highlight advances in prosthetic technology to our active and retired military personnel. Please stop by and say hello to Elliot and Ben in our OPC booth!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Fit for 2012
Of those that make New Year's Resolutions, experts predict that as many as 70% put losing weight at the top of their list. In addition to the traditioal benefits, amputees have extra motivation to remain fit. Prosthetic choices and socket fit are optimized when the wearer is both physically active and at a healthy weight.
Exercising with limb loss can feel both intimidating and overwhelming. For the gym novice, it is easy to become "lost" in a sea of machines. Those who were comfortable in a gym before limb loss often experience frustration and anxiety when attempting to exercise with their prosthetic.
With 2012 starting in a few days, we wanted to take this opportunity to relay a new resource designed to promote amputee fitness. OssurActive is an online workout program that has been specifically designed for the lower extremity amputee. Whether you are a novice to the gym or a casual athlete, this program can be tailored to your abilities.
The program features a series of videos demonstrating exercises for the above knee and below knee amputee. Although the videos were filmed in a gym environment, the exercises can be completed at home. Registration is required for the site, there is no fee and it can be accessed 24 hours a day from the comfort of your home!
In addition to the workout videos, OssurActive features an interactive forum where amputees can share both frustrations and triumphs. A wealth of information has been compiled to help with every level of fitness. From nutrition to strength training, this site has the answers that you need to achieve your fitness goals in 2012.
We wish you health and happiness in the upcoming year. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals in 2012. Happy New Year!
Exercising with limb loss can feel both intimidating and overwhelming. For the gym novice, it is easy to become "lost" in a sea of machines. Those who were comfortable in a gym before limb loss often experience frustration and anxiety when attempting to exercise with their prosthetic.
With 2012 starting in a few days, we wanted to take this opportunity to relay a new resource designed to promote amputee fitness. OssurActive is an online workout program that has been specifically designed for the lower extremity amputee. Whether you are a novice to the gym or a casual athlete, this program can be tailored to your abilities.
The program features a series of videos demonstrating exercises for the above knee and below knee amputee. Although the videos were filmed in a gym environment, the exercises can be completed at home. Registration is required for the site, there is no fee and it can be accessed 24 hours a day from the comfort of your home!
In addition to the workout videos, OssurActive features an interactive forum where amputees can share both frustrations and triumphs. A wealth of information has been compiled to help with every level of fitness. From nutrition to strength training, this site has the answers that you need to achieve your fitness goals in 2012.
We wish you health and happiness in the upcoming year. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals in 2012. Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Our Resolutions
As 2011 comes to a close, our minds are already churning with ways to make 2012 even better. Last year we resolved to connect with our patients through various social media outlets. We are active on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+. We invite you to join us so that you can stay up to date on the latest developments! Simply click on the icons on the sidebar of this blog to join the conversation.
We wanted to take a moment to share two of our resolutions. We are working towards a paperless office in 2012. While we are realistic and know that we aren't going to eliminate paper altogether, we pledge to reduce our usage. Ben is spearheading this effort. When he isn't working on prosthetics he has been busy researching integrated office technologies and methods to computerize our office.
Over the next few months we will be changing some of our office procedures. Our new on-line appointment option is one of our first steps in this process! Have you tried it yet? Simply go to our website (www.opc1.com) and click the blue "schedule an appointment online" button. Enter some basic information and then pick your appointment time. You can receive confirmation via text message, phone call or email.
In 2012 we would like to continue our patient outreach programs. We recognize that our patients are more than the prosthetics that they utilize. Last year we began our monthly "AmpuTea Party" to foster peer sharing. We are exploring other programs to assist our patients, including possibly developing exercise and/ or walking groups. If you have any program ideas, please let us know!
2012 promises to be an exciting year at OPC. We look forward to watching our patients achieve their goals and dreams. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey, and we look forward to working with you in the upcoming year!
We wanted to take a moment to share two of our resolutions. We are working towards a paperless office in 2012. While we are realistic and know that we aren't going to eliminate paper altogether, we pledge to reduce our usage. Ben is spearheading this effort. When he isn't working on prosthetics he has been busy researching integrated office technologies and methods to computerize our office.
Over the next few months we will be changing some of our office procedures. Our new on-line appointment option is one of our first steps in this process! Have you tried it yet? Simply go to our website (www.opc1.com) and click the blue "schedule an appointment online" button. Enter some basic information and then pick your appointment time. You can receive confirmation via text message, phone call or email.
In 2012 we would like to continue our patient outreach programs. We recognize that our patients are more than the prosthetics that they utilize. Last year we began our monthly "AmpuTea Party" to foster peer sharing. We are exploring other programs to assist our patients, including possibly developing exercise and/ or walking groups. If you have any program ideas, please let us know!
2012 promises to be an exciting year at OPC. We look forward to watching our patients achieve their goals and dreams. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey, and we look forward to working with you in the upcoming year!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Cover Shot!
As you walk into our fabrication room, you might notice the pile of component catalogs stacked on the corner desk. Unlike some facilities, our practitioners create custom devices utilizing components from a variety of manufacturers. Because we are an independent facility that is not managed by a corporation, we are only beholden to our patients. We will utilize the components that are most appropriate for our patient regardless of the manufacturer.
Among those catalogs, one is particularly special to the OPC family this year. A photograph of our patient--and Social Media Director--and her son has been selected to grace the cover for the 2012 Ossur prosthetic catalog. We are delighted that our socket design is prominently featured in the photograph!
Peggy became a patient after her amputation in 2003. Elliot, recognizing that she was limiting herself because of her own preconceived notions, pushed her to explore prosthetic technology. He introduced her to a bionic ankle, an event that changed her life.
Prosthetic components only change lives when they are fit on the appropriate patient. The practitioners at OPC make an effort to stay current with the latest technology. Continuing education is not just a professional requirement to maintain board certification, it is an expectation for those working at OPC. Because Elliot learned about the bionic Proprio ankle, he was able to fit Peggy before it was considered a mainstream device.
OPC is proud to provide individualized and state of the art devices for our patients. Our priority is pleasing the patient, not corporate managers. Congratulations Peggy on your cover shot!
Among those catalogs, one is particularly special to the OPC family this year. A photograph of our patient--and Social Media Director--and her son has been selected to grace the cover for the 2012 Ossur prosthetic catalog. We are delighted that our socket design is prominently featured in the photograph!
Peggy became a patient after her amputation in 2003. Elliot, recognizing that she was limiting herself because of her own preconceived notions, pushed her to explore prosthetic technology. He introduced her to a bionic ankle, an event that changed her life.
Prosthetic components only change lives when they are fit on the appropriate patient. The practitioners at OPC make an effort to stay current with the latest technology. Continuing education is not just a professional requirement to maintain board certification, it is an expectation for those working at OPC. Because Elliot learned about the bionic Proprio ankle, he was able to fit Peggy before it was considered a mainstream device.
OPC is proud to provide individualized and state of the art devices for our patients. Our priority is pleasing the patient, not corporate managers. Congratulations Peggy on your cover shot!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Love to Ski?
The thermometer is starting to plunge, hinting at the start of another winter season. While some detest the cold temperatures and spend three long months yearning for warmer weather, there are others who relish the frigid air. If you are a snow lover and an experienced skier, we have an opportunity that may pique your interest!OPC along with Teton Adaptive sports is proud to announce that registration is currently open for this year's Adaptive Steep & Deep Ski Camp in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This adult ski camp has become an anticipated event for experienced amputee skiers from around the country. If you feel comfortable on skis and want to hone your mountain skills, you don't want to miss this opportunity. (It should be noted that this program is not appropriate for the novice skier.)
We are excited to announce the addition of World Champion and Paralympic medalist Chris Devlin-Young to the highly experienced field of instructors. In addition to his skiing accolades, Chris accomplished the 1st unassisted sit ski descent of the infamous Corbet's Couloir. His experience and insight concerning mountain descents is an asset to the program.
If you are an advanced skier who is looking to gain big mountain experience, this program might be for you. Unlike other adapted sports programs, the Steep and Deep Camp is fully inclusive. Skiers are grouped by their skiing abilities, not by the level of disability that may be present. This year's camp will be held from February 29 - March 3, 2012.
The camp has been heralded as the experience of a lifetime for the experienced adaptive skier. If you're itching for snow so that you can hit the slopes, and you feel comfortable with your ski abilities, you don't want to pass up this opportunity. Spaces are limited so don't delay and register today.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Playing Hard!
Elliot is a former Olympic athlete. Ben is an acclaimed steeple chase runner. How do they blow off steam when they get together? They go racing!
Yesterday, the staff at OPC got together for a friendly go-cart race. The competition was high as they suited up and sat behind the wheel. It was revealed that there was a ringer in the group. Jeff, a prosthetic technician, is also an amateur race car driver who travels the mid-Atlantic circuit racing his souped=up Volvo. The fact that he came to the track with his own helmet was an indication that this was not his first time behind the competitive wheel!
Wheels started screeching when the flag dropped. Jeff, Elliot, and Philip (OPC IT consultant) immediately took control of the race. They zoomed around the winding track, touching wheels and exchanging positions throughout the race. Wanza held her own as she bumped and volleyed her way to the leaders. This blogger stayed tucked behind Liz's wheel. I can attest that she was sliding all over the track and took more than a few bumps into the barriers!
The race resulted in a photo finish. Philip was the winner, with Jeff and Elliot coming in as second and third. Ben finished a close fourth, staying on the lead lap. Wanza, Liz, myself, and JonI finished out the field.Everyday the staff at OPC demonstrates that they work hard. Yesterday they proved that they play with just as much gusto.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Mark Your Calendar
Last year the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) announced that it will not be sponsoring a national conference for 2012. In lieu of a single national event, the organization has opted to sponsor a series of local educational opportunities. The hope is that more amputees will be able to participate in local events which would require a limited time commitment.
It has recently been announced that the first event, dubbed "Limb Loss Education Day" has been scheduled for April 21 in Atlanta, Georgia. Gait analysis, various seminars and opportunities to network within the limb loss community will all be offered during this abbreviated program. If you plan on being in the Atlanta area and are interested in expanding your knowledge of prosthetic components or seek to improve your gait, you don't want to miss this opportunity!
The ACA website has promised upcoming programming throughout 2012. Rest assured that we will keep you abreast of these opportunities. At OPC we realize that our job is not limited to building prosthetics. We strive to help our patients live their life to the fullest, and power comes from information.
It has recently been announced that the first event, dubbed "Limb Loss Education Day" has been scheduled for April 21 in Atlanta, Georgia. Gait analysis, various seminars and opportunities to network within the limb loss community will all be offered during this abbreviated program. If you plan on being in the Atlanta area and are interested in expanding your knowledge of prosthetic components or seek to improve your gait, you don't want to miss this opportunity!
The ACA website has promised upcoming programming throughout 2012. Rest assured that we will keep you abreast of these opportunities. At OPC we realize that our job is not limited to building prosthetics. We strive to help our patients live their life to the fullest, and power comes from information.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Want to Change The World?
Living in close proximity to Washington, DC, affords some unique opportunities for many of our patients. We have recently been contacted to assist with recruiting candidates for the 2012 White House Summer Internship program. This year an emphasis has been placed upon involving individuals with disabilities, or those who have a parent with a disability, in the program.
The White House Internship Program is a highly sought-after opportunity for young leaders around the country. Participants work within the White House on a variety of projects and programs tailored to their interests and skill set. Duties include but are not limited to conducting research, writing memos, and assisting with the planning of events.
Basic accessibility continues to be an obstacle for individuals with disabilities around the country. Whether it be securing transportation to work or being forced to enter a restaurant through the loading dock because of limited access for wheelchairs, thousands of Americans struggle because of their handicaps. This summer addressing accessibility issues has been designated as a priority program for Interns.
Research and interviews can bring only limited knowledge to the table. Many times the most compelling arguments for change come from those who have first-hand experience. If you are living with limb loss or have a family member who is an amputee and are interested in working as a White House Intern, you certainly don't want to miss this opportunity.
Applications are currently being accepted for the summer program, which runs from May 29 - August 10, 2012. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a minimum of a GED equivalent diploma. If you have always been interested in being a voice for individuals with disabilities, this is your chance! Good luck, and please let us know if we can help with your application.
The White House Internship Program is a highly sought-after opportunity for young leaders around the country. Participants work within the White House on a variety of projects and programs tailored to their interests and skill set. Duties include but are not limited to conducting research, writing memos, and assisting with the planning of events.
Basic accessibility continues to be an obstacle for individuals with disabilities around the country. Whether it be securing transportation to work or being forced to enter a restaurant through the loading dock because of limited access for wheelchairs, thousands of Americans struggle because of their handicaps. This summer addressing accessibility issues has been designated as a priority program for Interns.
Research and interviews can bring only limited knowledge to the table. Many times the most compelling arguments for change come from those who have first-hand experience. If you are living with limb loss or have a family member who is an amputee and are interested in working as a White House Intern, you certainly don't want to miss this opportunity.
Applications are currently being accepted for the summer program, which runs from May 29 - August 10, 2012. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a minimum of a GED equivalent diploma. If you have always been interested in being a voice for individuals with disabilities, this is your chance! Good luck, and please let us know if we can help with your application.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Because Time Matters
In this age of outsourcing, OPC proudly manufactures all of our prosthetic devices on premises. From casting and measuring the residual limb to molding and configuring the components for the final product, the prosthetic device never needs to leave our facility. The ability to manufacturer our own prosthetic devices ensures that we always produce a high quality product in a timely fashion.
Sending measurements and molds to an off-site manufacturing facility is a trend in the field of prosthetics. Assuming that shipping schedules are adhered, this adds a minimum of one week to the wait time before a device is delivered to the patient. When a patient is waiting for a prosthetic device, OPC realizes that days matter!
Because we handcraft our devices, we are able to deliver prosthetics quickly to our patients. Many times we are able to go from a test socket to a permanent prosthetic within one day. Our patients depend upon their prosthetics in every aspect of their lives, and because of this, we strive to keep their wait time to a minimum.
Our patients are more than molds and measurements. In our office people are not defined by the level of limb loss. As we craft their prosthetics, we never forget the needs of the person who will be wearing and depending upon the device. We put care into every aspect of manufacturing because we know we aren't just making a socket for an amputee: we are making a prosthetic for a person.
Personal care and quality devices are hallmarks of OPC. We are renown for our quick turn-around time, and because we are involved in every stage of prosthetic manufacturing, we are able to maintain our standard of high quality care. In one week we can manufacture comfortable and highly functional prosthetic devices. Give us a week- we can give you the prosthetic for the life you live!
Sending measurements and molds to an off-site manufacturing facility is a trend in the field of prosthetics. Assuming that shipping schedules are adhered, this adds a minimum of one week to the wait time before a device is delivered to the patient. When a patient is waiting for a prosthetic device, OPC realizes that days matter!
Because we handcraft our devices, we are able to deliver prosthetics quickly to our patients. Many times we are able to go from a test socket to a permanent prosthetic within one day. Our patients depend upon their prosthetics in every aspect of their lives, and because of this, we strive to keep their wait time to a minimum.
Our patients are more than molds and measurements. In our office people are not defined by the level of limb loss. As we craft their prosthetics, we never forget the needs of the person who will be wearing and depending upon the device. We put care into every aspect of manufacturing because we know we aren't just making a socket for an amputee: we are making a prosthetic for a person.
Personal care and quality devices are hallmarks of OPC. We are renown for our quick turn-around time, and because we are involved in every stage of prosthetic manufacturing, we are able to maintain our standard of high quality care. In one week we can manufacture comfortable and highly functional prosthetic devices. Give us a week- we can give you the prosthetic for the life you live!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
AmpuCruise
Do you want to meet other amputees? Do you love to cruise and travel to tropical locations? If you answered yes, you might be interested in the AmpuCruise. This event started as a grassroots movement after the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) announced that a national conference would not be held in 2012.
Many amputees were disappointed by the news that a conference was not going to be held. They enjoy reaching out to new amputees and connecting with established friends. In an effort to keep the camaraderie going, the concept of the AmpuCruise was born.
Traveling can feel overwhelming after a limb is lost. From navigating airport security to securing accommodations that are accessible, many amputees choose to stay home rather than counter the obstacles involved. A collaborative effort between Royal Caribbean, the ACA and Easy Access Travel has taken many of the unknown variables out of the travel equation for this event.
Mark your calendars and plan to join other amputees on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Liberty of the Seas ship from December 3-8, 2012. This 5 day cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale Florida and travels through the Western Caribbean. Cabins are priced as low as $107/ night with a portion of each reservation benefiting the ACA. Don't delay, space is filling quickly and you don't want to miss this unique event! Visit here for more information.
Many amputees were disappointed by the news that a conference was not going to be held. They enjoy reaching out to new amputees and connecting with established friends. In an effort to keep the camaraderie going, the concept of the AmpuCruise was born.
Traveling can feel overwhelming after a limb is lost. From navigating airport security to securing accommodations that are accessible, many amputees choose to stay home rather than counter the obstacles involved. A collaborative effort between Royal Caribbean, the ACA and Easy Access Travel has taken many of the unknown variables out of the travel equation for this event.
Mark your calendars and plan to join other amputees on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Liberty of the Seas ship from December 3-8, 2012. This 5 day cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale Florida and travels through the Western Caribbean. Cabins are priced as low as $107/ night with a portion of each reservation benefiting the ACA. Don't delay, space is filling quickly and you don't want to miss this unique event! Visit here for more information.
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