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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Team River Runner

Living in the Washington, DC area affords residents a variety of unique recreation activities. Hiking and biking trails abound through a network of National and State parks. Kayaking and paddling opportunities are plentiful along the Potomac river.

Of course, OPC is biased towards paddling sports. Elliot Weintrob, OPC President and CPO, was a member of the 1992 US Olympic canoe team. Paddling sports are a fantastic activity to develop physical fitness as it can be easily tailored to the individual's current endurance and strength abilities. A proponent of paddling sports, Elliot professes, "10 miles outside of DC, when you're on the water, you might as well be 10,000 miles away. It's a great reality check."

Founded in 1994, Team River Runner is a non-profit organization that provides kayaking opportunities for injured active duty and retired military. Taught through the generosity of volunteers, the participant does not have to hold previous kayaking or paddling experience. All that is required is an adventurous spirit and a willingness to try.

Kayaking experiences are provided at no charge to the participant. The organization is funded through a combination of charitable donations and the sale of select merchandise. Paddling lessons are provided in a pool before the participant is transitioned to a natural setting. Supervision is provided throughout the experience.

Team River Runner conducts classes and kayaking trips across our region, including along the Potomac and Virginia Beach. If you are interested in participating or want to learn more about Team River Runner, click here.

Amputee Awareness Day!

Although the ACA has designated April to be "Limb Loss Awareness Month," we would be remiss if we failed to acknowledge that Amputee Awareness week runs from October 4-11. This week designation is recognized internationally and was created provide a global platform for limb loss issues, ranging from landmine placement and access to prosthetic devices.

This week holds historical significance for the amputee community. It was during this week in 1846 that the first patent was awarded for a prosthetic device. The patent marks what is accepted to be the beginning of the modern age of prosthetics. The actual patent was awarded on October 7 which has become recognized as Amputee Awareness Day worldwide.

We hope that you will consider honoring this day by educating peers or co-workers about living with limb loss. If your dress code permits (and only if you feel comfortable), consider wearing shorts to "Strut your Stuff." Let's bring amputee issues out of the shadows and utilize this global platform. Change occurs only after a dialog is established.

However you choose to celebrate, we are honored to be part of your journey. Happy Amputee Awareness Day!