RESOURCES

DISCLAIMER: Sunshine Prosthetics and Orthotics provides these links as a service to users. These third-party sites are not under the control of Sunshine Prosthetics and Orthotics, LLC and Sunshine Prosthetics and Orthotics, LLC  is not liable or responsible for any content, products or any other materials available from such third-party sites.

Certifications:

  • ABC – The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) sets the highest standards for quality orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic care. ABC certification, facility accreditation and mandatory continuing education programs represent the profession’s most rigorous professional achievements.
  • American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) – Mission: to establish and promote the highest standards of organizational and clinical performance in the delivery of orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic services.

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Educational Resources:

  • 360 O&P – online Orthotics and Prosthetics Community
  • Abled Amputees of America – The mission of Abled Amputees of America is to assist amputees in achieving optimal wellness in body, mind and spirit through inspiration, support and education. In addition to a supportive community focusing on mind, body and spirit, they offer educational information on different levels of exercise for amputees.
  • American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists (AAOP) – a resource for the latest prosthetic and orthotics information
  • American Association of Diabetes Educators – provides networks by State, members can join discussions, research information on diabetes, find network events.
  • American Diabetes Association – educational information on diabetes basics, food & fitness, community resource, online discussions.
  • American Orthotics & Prosthetics Association (AOPA) –  Mission: to work for favorable treatment of the O&P business in laws, regulation and services; to help members improve their management and marketing skills; and to raise awareness and understanding of the industry and the association.
  • American Physical Therapy Association – This group has a “For the Public” section with podcasts, videos, info for runners, FAQs, Child Development Activities – a great resource.
  • American Stroke Association –  works with the American Heart Association to bring education resources to stroke patients and their caregivers.  They have a free magazine – Stroke Connection – which can be signed up for on their website.
  • Amplitude Media Group (AMG) – AMG recently launched a website and is offering bimonthly e-newsletters to subscribers. Both are geared toward amputees, their families, and their caregivers. It is a sister company to O&P Edge. Amplitude magazine is a free publication available in print of online.  It provides valuable and unbiased news, information, and resources for amputees who want to live more fully, as well as articles and information relevant to their families and their caregivers. It offers content on a wide variety of topics, including peer support, active living, emotional issues, health and wellness, mobility, and adaptive living—anything that will help amputees enjoy all that life has to offer.
  • Amputee Coalition – Mission: to reach out to and empower people affected by limb loss to achieve their full potential through education,support and advocacy, and to promote limb loss prevention.
  • Business Ideas for People with Disabilities –  Start-up ideas, Government incentives,  Franchise ideas – additional resources for small businesses for people with disabilities.
  • Expertise.com – Guide to Home Remodeling for Disability and Special Needs.  A resourceful website with Federal funding information for people with disabilities or special needs who may need financial assistance for making their homes adapted to their needs. Also provides information on how to adapt your living space (flooring, doorways, electricity, etc.) as well as your legal rights,
  • National Multiple Sclerosis Society –  A resource for health and wellness information and research updates for Multiple Sclerosis patients and their families and caregivers. They have a resource section on insurance information, support, employment and chapters in your area.
  • Tuck Sleep Foundation is a community devoted to improving sleep hygiene, health and wellness through the creation and dissemination of comprehensive, unbiased, free web-based resources. Tuck has been featured on NBC News, NPR, Lifehacker, and Radiolab and is referenced by many colleges/universities and sleep organizations across the web.  Multiple Sclerosis and Sleep is their resource on sleeping and fatigue issues common to MS patients.
  • US Department of Health and Human Services, National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse – educational information on diabetes
  • USInsuranceagents.com – Home Remodeling and Modifications for People with Special Needs – Resources, Funding, Planning
  • We Connect Now –  dedicated to uniting college students with disabilities in access to higher education and employment issues.

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Sports/Physical Activities

  • Ability Plus – AbilityPLUS™ is an independent non-profit charitable organization offering adaptive sports programs for people with any type of physical, developmental or intellectual disability. http://abilityplus.org
  • Active Amp – an online community for amputees with an active lifestyle – amputee sports directories and links, resources for adults and children, legislation and technology   http://www.activeamp.org/
  • Adaptive Action Sports – the first adaptive snowboard and skateboard specific non-profit organization, Adaptive Action Sports creates skateboard, snowboard and other action sport camps, events and programs for youth, young adults and wounded veterans living with permanent physical disabilities, TBI and PTSD.  http://adacs.org
  • Adaptive Adventures – provides progressive outdoor sports opportunities to improve quality of life for children, adults and veterans with physical disabilities and their families.  http://adaptiveadventures.org/
  • Adaptive Climbing Group – a community for people with disabilities to have opportunities to inclusively participate in the sport of climbing. Adaptive Climbing is taking the already existing abilities of a person and helping them participate in the sport. They work with the Brooklyn Boulders Foundation, which assists children in local urban areas to have access to affordable climbing and mentorships they work to make sure that children with disabilities are included in this popular initiative. (newsletter) http://www.adaptiveclimbinggroup.org/
  • Adaptive Golfers – Founded by the “One Handed Lady Golfer” Gianna Rojas, Adaptive Golfers is a resource for all differently ABLED Golfers and those who support all things adaptive golf. The organization’s mission is to match golfers with the support, inspiration, and resources to assist them in playing the game of golf to the best of their potential and abilities. https://www.adaptivegolfers.org/
  • Adaptive Sports Center – in Colorado,  enhances the quality of life of people with disabilities through exceptional outdoor adventure activities. The successful programs the ASC provides are inclusive to families and friends, empower our participants in their daily lives and have a positive enduring effect on self-efficacy, health, independence and overall well-being.   http://adaptivesports.org/
  • Amputee Coalition – Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp – Each year, the Amputee Coalition Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp provides fun and exciting sports, recreation and social activities for campers. The camp experience includes a variety of activities such as a fully accessible ropes course where every child can set his or her own personal level of challenge. Peer discussion groups facilitated by older campers and amputee mentors help our young campers learn that they are not alone. Thanks to generous sponsors and donors, they are able to offer camp free of charge to all participants. We cover all travel expenses as well. http://amputee-coalition.org/events-programs/youth-camp/index.html
  • Athletes with Disabilities Network – ADN’s mission is to promote a better quality of life for people with physical disabilities by creating awareness and offering opportunities to get involved with athletic, recreational and educational activities nationwide. http://www.adnpage.org/
  • Athletes with Disabilities Network – Northeast Chapter –  The ADN North East Chapter is a United States Canoe Kayak Club, and 501(c)3 nonprofit. While all persons with physical disabilities are welcome to participate, they take time to recognize our service members, police, first responders, fire and EMS, and the sacrifices they have made through their veterans program/first responder program, and partnerships. These programs foster a culture of people invested in their community and give community members the ability to see their veterans and disabled family members gain increased confidence, and succeed in the goals they set for themselves, which improve self-esteem and confidence. Mission: To promote a better quality of life for people with physical disabilities by creating awareness and offering opportunities to get involved with athletic, recreational and educational activities locally. The innovation that ADN represents is inclusion for people with disabilities to have access to weekly activities. This inclusion can lead to a better quality of life, increased confidence, and self-esteem for people with disabilities, which can then lead to lower depression rates, lower medical costs and improve patient outcomes.
  • Brave Yoga for PTSD –  Bill Amos is a native of Northern New Jersey, diagnosed with PTSD following a traumatic accident.  His early love of nature landed him a kayaking instructor position creating long hours in beautiful places but in cramped conditions, resulting in tingly toes and tight hamstrings. Wanting to enjoy all of his time on the water he took the advice of a friend to try yoga. The healing powers of yoga led him into a yoga practice and he now gives Brave Yoga for PTSD classes at various studios throughout Northern NJ. learn more at billamosyoga.com
  • Camp No Limits – Mission: Camp No Limits is a non-profit organization 501 (c)(3) providing camps for children with limb loss, and education, mentorship, and support to these children and their families.
  • Challenged Athletes Foundation –   In 2011 the Challenged Athletes Foundation® chartered its second chapter in an effort to increase the organization’s national and international presence. CAF-Northeast serves the Northeast United States from Connecticut to Washington, D.C. with the goal of delivering a message of hope, education and inspiration to residents of that region.Funds raised through CAF-Northeast go to help underwrite sports grants distributed to challenged athletes in Northeastern U.S., ensuring individuals with physical challenges are able to participate in athletics and sporting competitions. The Northeast Chapter, working with CAF National, develops regional program offerings including running, swim and paratriathlon clinics and camps, as well as community outreach efforts. CAF provides grants to fund adaptive equipment and mentorship.  http://www.challengedathletes.org/
  • Disabled Sports USA –  Disabled Sports USA provides national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs. They publish Challenge Magazine 3x/year, filled with inspiring and educational articles.  You can sign up for a FREE subscription here.
  • Extremity Games – The Extremity Games is an adaptive sports competition, similar to the X Games, for athletes with amputations and limb differences.   http://www.extremitygames.com/
  • Kula for Karma – Kula for Karma pioneers the integration of therapeutic yoga, meditation, and stress management into mainstream medicine and healthcare. As a nonprofit organization based in the New York metropolitan area, Kula for Karma offers programs at no cost to populations in need who face physical and mental health challenges. Since its inception in 2007, Kula has launched over 600 programs in the Tri-State area, touching the lives of thousands of people. At the heart of Kula for Karma’s success has been a community of dedicated volunteers, including yoga instructors who are passionate about working with different client populations, as well as allied health professionals, business leaders, and many other supporters. http://.kulaforkarma.org      Download brochure
  • National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA) – First Swing Program teaches adaptive golf to people with physical disabilities.
  • National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) is a public health practice and resource center on health promotion for people with disability. NCHPAD seeks to help people with disability and other chronic health conditions achieve health benefits through increased participation in all types of physical and social activities, including fitness and aquatic activities, recreational and sports programs, adaptive equipment usage, and more.
  • Operation Rebound NJ – Team Operation Rebound NJ is comprised of veterans, police officers, first responders and many other people from the community.  This team was formed to help spread awareness how athletics helps to empower our disabled veterans, first responder and police officers to live a healthy and active life after a traumatic event.  They raise money to assist Challenged Athletes Foundation’s Operation Rebound Athletes so they can  achieve their goals not only in sports, but apply that same tenacity and drive to everyday life to succeed
  • Warfighter Engaged – Warfighter Engaged is a 501(C)(3), all-volunteer veteran support organization. Their mission is to improve the lives of severely injured warfighters with custom adapted video game controllers, recreational items and other solutions to provide greater independence.  Their service is performed for wounded veterans; all adapted items are provided at no cost to the warfighter. Download brochure
  • Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team – WWAST athletes are examples of amputees who continue to push the limits of modern prosthetic technology with more and more applications. It is comprised of young competitive, athletic veterans and active duty soldiers who have lost limbs post-9/11, while serving their country in the military/war. The team includes individuals with a variety of amputations of the arm, above knee, below knee, bilateral below knee and foot.   http://www.woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org/

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Non-Profit Assistance Organizations

  • Barr Foundation – Mission:  a non-profit organization established in 1993 to assist amputees with prosthetic rehabilitation. They provide assistance to amputees domestically and internationally who would otherwise have no other financial resources.
  • Camp No Limits – Mission: Camp No Limits is a non-profit organization 501 (c)(3) providing camps for children with limb loss, and education, mentorship, and support to these children and their families.
  • Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) – Mission: to provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.
  • Never Say Never Foundation – The Never Say Never Foundation was formed to help disabled youth overcome adversity with a positive attitude. Focusing on amputee athletes, their goal is to push the limits of adaptive sports and show the world that anything is possible! Mentoring and sponsoring athletes, fund raising, hosting adaptive events and stunt shows, motivational speaking, and providing disabled youth with the necessary tools to compete at the highest level of sports.
  • Orthotic and Prosthetic Activities Foundation – Mission: Enabling individuals served by the orthotic and prosthetic community to enjoy the rewards of personal achievement, physical fitness and social interaction. FIRST Activity clinics available in swimming, diving, horseback riding, rock climbing, golf and more.
  • Wiggle Your Toes – Through personalized support, practical answers, resources and tools, Wiggle Your Toes helps amputees keep looking and moving forward. They offer assistance with Legal issues, Home modifications, Rehab & Physical Therapy, Prosthetics & practitioners, Transportation and mobility equipment.  http://wiggleyourtoes.org    Download Brochure
  • Wounded Warriors Project – Mission: To raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members; to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other; and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

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Legislation, Rights and Advocacy :

  • Amputee Coalition – Mission: to reach out to and empower people affected by limb loss to achieve their full potential through education, support and advocacy, and to promote limb loss prevention. Their website contains information on the latest legislation for the disabled and updates on states which have passed Fair Insurance for Amputees laws. Updates on Federal legislation and resources for discrimination issues.
  • American Orthotic Prosthetic Association – updates on their pending lawsuits and advocacy efforts on behalf of fairness in health insurance coverage for those with orthotics and prosthetics.
  • CMS Ruling on DME Pre-Authorizations – December 2015.  This final rule establishes a prior authorization program for certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) items
  • Expertise.com – Guide to Home Remodeling for Disability and Special Needs.  A resourceful website with Federal funding information for people with disabilities or special needs who may need financial assistance for making their homes adapted to their needs. Also provides information on how to adapt your living space (flooring, doorways, electricity, etc.) as well as your legal rights,
  • The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics is a non-profit trade association dedicated to educating the public and promoting public policy that is in the interest of the O&P patient.

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Peer Support Networks:

AMPUTEE PEER SUPPORT GROUPS

Amputee peer supporters can provide the emotional and educational support needed in addition to family, friends and caregivers.  They can tell you about the various support systems available in your area, products and tools that can help make your life easier, how to deal with financial and insurance difficulties and answer questions.

  • Amputee Coalition – www.amputee-coalition.org/support-groups-peer-support  – Amputee Coalition is a national non-profit organization providing extensive resources, peer support, outreach and education to individual amputees and their caregivers,  Amputee support groups provide an invaluable place for new amputees and their family members to connect with others who have overcome similar challenges. With over 260 support groups registered with the Amputee Coalition, amputees across the country are receiving the support vital for recovery.  In addition to their website, Amputee Coalition has an active Facebook support system – amputees giving support and advice to other amputees, answering questions, providing their own experiences, asking questions.  www.facebook.com/AmputeeUSA  (888-267-5669)
  • Amputee Empowerment Partners – www.empoweringamputees.org  This is a place for amputees to join forums, share photos,  (866-355-9911)
  • Wounded Warrior Project – If your amputation is coincident to your military service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, www.woundedwarriorproject.org provides support for mind, body, financial empowerment and networking with other veterans.  “Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Whether you are newly injured or have been on the path to recovery for a while, WWP is here to support you as you define your new normal.”
  • Amputee Support Group – over 1000 members of this group, discussing their ups and downs, questions and answers by fellow amputees.  amputee.supportgroups.com/
  • Limb-Loss.org – this organization has an online peer support group to find support, share knowledge, ask questions.  Join the group to participate.  www. limb-loss.org/peer-support-post/

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS

  • Well Spouse Support Group – Caregiver support group for those caring for a chronically ill or disabled loved one.1:30 to 3:00pm the second Monday of the month at Chilton Medical Center, Collins Pavilion, 97 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.  .  For information: 973-831-5311/5306

DIABETICS SUPPORT GROUPS

  • Diabetes Education and Support Group – 10:00am – 11:00am the first Thursday of the month and 7:00pm-8:30pm the third Wednesday of the month.    242 West Parkway, Pompton Plains.  For information: 973-970-9250

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Supplier Resources:

Sunshine Prosthetics and Orthotics will custom fit Orthotic and Prosthetic devices for children and adults in our facility. Pediatric Orthotics:  Sunshine Prosthetics and Orthotics specializes in fitting all custom pediatric orthotic devices (DAFO, Sure Step and DMO garments)

  • DAFO –
    •  A Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis (DAFO) is designed to allow movement where the patient has functional control and, at the same time provide support where the patient has weakness or dysfunction.
  • Surestep –
    •  Providing stability to children who pronate when standing and walking, Surestep patented, dynamic system allows children to gain stability, while still allowing normal movement and function.

Scoliosis Bracing (Boston, Charleston, Providence):

      • CBB –
        • Charleston Bending Brace offers a revolutionary approach to the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. While similar to other systems that employ bending to correct adolescent scoliotic curves the Charleston Bending Brace is a nocturnal only treatment.
      • Boston Brace –
        •  For Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Early Onset or Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis, Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis and Neuromuscular Scoliosis.
      • Providence Noctural Scoliosis Orthosis –
        • This bracing system, worn while sleeping,  offers a double curve design which provides an overlapping three-point pressure system approach. This helps to control double curves and allows for treatment of apices as high as T6. It is also very effective for lumbar and thoraco-lumbar curves.

AFO’s:

      • Arizonia Brace
        • Arizona AFO manufactures a line of medical ankle braces for the treatment of foot disorders to increase mobility, avoid pain, avoid surgery, and provide a better quality of life. Arizona AFO developed and patented an ankle brace for PTTD, or Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction.
      • Richie Brace
        •  The Richie Brace® has been prescribed for patients with Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD – “flat foot”). The custom contoured footplate and the orientation of the leg uprights control the abnormal pronation forces occurring with PTTD.
      • Carbon and Custom AFO’s:
        • Allardusa – Custom AFO’s for adults and children.
        • Trulife – Carbon Composite  AFO’s with energy storing composite footplate and strut, custom-fit anterior shell and footplate.

Prosthetics:

      • Upper and lower extremity prosthetics – MPC knees (C-leg) and feet, high activity and water prostheses, pediatrics.
          • Bespoke Innovations Fairings – Bespoke Fairings™ are specialized coverings that surround an existing prosthetic leg, accurately recreating the body form through a process that usesthree-dimensional scanning to capture the unique leg shape. They not only return the lost contour, they invite an expression of personality and individuality that has never before been possible.
      • Ottobock – Prosthetics—including the world famous C-Leg®, Orthotics, Adult Mobility ADL, Pediatric Mobility, Post-surgical CPM, TENS, Cryo and NMES Therapies
        • Ossur – in addition to prosthetics, Ossur’s website offers online exercise and training videos for amputees.
        • Freedom Innovations – develops lower limb solutions in close collaboration with amputees and prosthetists. These solutions encompass technological innovations, service, training and educational resources.
        • Endolite – light, high-strength prosthetic designs focusing on the use of carbon fiber composite materials and smart electronics to provide sophisticated and practical solutions to the needs of lower limb amputees.

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