HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO GO INTO DETAIL ABOUT IMPORTANT TOPICS

You can gain a broad base of knowledge when you attend the Amputee Coalition National Conference. Whether you are interested in technology, prosthetic devices, career opportunities, volunteering, or a myriad of other topics, you can learn what you need to know and meet people who will help you on your journey.

Some subjects are more complex. They require a deeper foundation of understanding. Some examples: mental health, diversity and inclusion, growing awareness of the limb loss and limb difference community, and career advancement for people with disabilities. Over the years, we have realized the importance of offering you the chance to go into greater detail.

That’s why we will have a new offering when we get together Aug. 2-5 in Orlando, Florida. And it’s right there in the name.

Deeper Dive sessions.

These are highly interactive panel discussions that will provide timely learning experiences to highlight new ways to reach more people living with limb loss and limb difference, ensuring no one is left alone.

There are four Deeper Dives on the agenda for the National Conference. They are scheduled in pairs, so you can attend one or two on your trip to Florida.

Here is a look at each.

Thursday, Aug. 3, 1-2:30 p.m.

Elevate Mental Health in the Limb Loss and Limb Difference Community

Your mental health affects literally every part of your life. It impacts how you feel, think, and act, and how you handle stress. It includes your emotional, social, and psychological well-being, and members of our community experience a range of emotions as they strive to rehabilitate their bodies and adapt to a new way of life. Join panelists Stephen Wegener, Ph.D., of the Johns Hopkins University, Marni Stahlman of the Mental Health Association of Central Florida, Regina Story of Ailm Medical, and others for this dive into strategies for maintaining positive mental health. One in 4 people experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, and this is an opportunity to learn from leading experts how to manage and treat these issues.

Thursday, Aug. 3, 1-2:30 p.m.

Elevate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Limb Loss and Limb Difference

Regardless of our backgrounds and abilities, everyone has a unique and valuable contribution to make. It is these differences that allow us to learn from each other and should be celebrated. The Amputee Coalition is dedicated and committed to an inclusive community for people with limb loss and limb difference and remains a welcoming environment for all. Hear from Danielle Green of Wounded Warrior Project, Matthew Dietz of Shepard Broad College of Law, Taushima Nixon of Hanger Clinic, and other experienced panelists about how to effectively elevate diversity, equity and inclusion in the limb loss and limb difference community.

Friday, Aug. 4, 1-2:30 p.m.

Elevate Limb Loss and Limb Difference Through a Wider Lens

We can accomplish a great deal as a united community. We can do even more when we join other disability groups to impact change. Kayleigh McCauley-Sayer of Move United, Henry Iseman of Penta Prosthetics, Billy Brimblecom of Steps to Faith, Elizabeth Howe of the Center for Independent Living, and Bill Redmon of Removing the Barriers will dive into the importance of collaborating to grow awareness and address significant challenges aff ecting the disability community nationally and internationally. The many intersections of limb loss and limb difference with other disability needs make this subject imperative. You can make a difference.

Friday, Aug. 4, 1-2:30 p.m.

Elevate Your Career in the Workplace

Sifting through voluminous job descriptions. Writing resumes and cover letters. Preparing for interviews. Answering interview questions out of left field. Who doesn’t find this stressful? And having a limb loss or limb difference makes it even more complex because you don’t know how potential employers perceive you. Harleen Gupt, an expert in this area, joins Anupa Geevarghese of the U.S. Department of Labor, Kery Gray of Keri Gray Consulting Group, and Lauren Eversole of Disability Rights Florida as this panel dives into how to navigate disability employment, promote inclusive work environments, and grow your career. Imagine what finding the right path can do in your life.

We encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity. The chance to meet with multiple experts on such important and wide-ranging topics, especially in an interactive format, is rare. You are sure to come away with innovative and inspiring ideas.