WEBVTT 00:00:03.000 --> 00:00:33.000 Welcome, everyone. Thank you for attending today's Amputee Coalition Winter Town Hall. We will get started momentarily. Thank you for joining us. 00:00:37.000 --> 00:00:43.000 Welcome, everyone. Thank you for joining the Amputee Coalition Winter Town Hall. 00:00:43.000 --> 00:00:49.000 My name is Patrice Dyshell. I serve as the Strategy Executive to our president and CEO. 00:00:49.000 --> 00:00:52.000 I use she, her pronouns. 00:00:52.000 --> 00:01:00.000 I am an African-American woman with dark brown hair below my shoulders and I'm wearing a purple dress and a big smile. We're excited to see you all tonight. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:05.000 I will be moderating tonight's session, starting with a few housekeeping notes. 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:13.000 Before we begin, I'd like to take a moment to go over accessibility features available on Zoom to ensure everyone can fully participate. 00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:18.000 For those who prefer to read along, we also have a live transcript feature. 00:01:18.000 --> 00:01:27.000 You can access this by clicking on the live transcript button, which will display a running text of the entire conversation tonight. 00:01:27.000 --> 00:01:33.000 To enhance accessibility during our town hall, we have enabled closed captions and live translation. 00:01:33.000 --> 00:01:38.000 for our desktop and laptop users, you can click your CC closed caption button 00:01:38.000 --> 00:01:41.000 Located on the Zoom toolbar 00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:50.000 on the bottom of the screen. You will then select show original translation to view the options and captions directly on your screen. 00:01:50.000 --> 00:01:52.000 You may now need to 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:55.000 select your caption language. 00:01:55.000 --> 00:02:05.000 For those who prefer to read along, we also have a live transcript feature. 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We will post several links. 00:03:02.000 --> 00:03:08.000 direct contacts and resources in the chat, so please take time to reference and take for your future use. 00:03:08.000 --> 00:03:12.000 Only the presenters and the moderators tonight are unmuted. 00:03:12.000 --> 00:03:21.000 We will take questions and live questions for a portion of our time today. We ask guests to submit questions in advance of this event. We thank you for those that did so. 00:03:21.000 --> 00:03:25.000 We will be providing the most accurate, productive, and thoughtful responses. 00:03:25.000 --> 00:03:30.000 Some of these questions have been already answered in advance and some will be answered tonight. 00:03:30.000 --> 00:03:39.000 During our Q&A, we will start with questions submitted in advance and then go into questions posted in the chat feature, then to our live questions. 00:03:39.000 --> 00:03:45.000 Please put all questions you would like answered in the Q&A and put your name in the chat if you would like to speak live. 00:03:45.000 --> 00:03:52.000 at the portion of live questions, we kindly do ask and request that you maintain a respectful and professional tone during the town hall. 00:03:52.000 --> 00:04:00.000 any disrespectful language or profanity will result in immediate muting and the remainder of your time will be forfeited. 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:07.000 We welcome constructive questions and look forward to creating a positive and inclusive environment for everyone tonight. 00:04:07.000 --> 00:04:13.000 Thank you for respecting that. If you have any concerns, you can reach out to the Amputee coalition staff 00:04:13.000 --> 00:04:21.000 through the chat by messaging the host or the panelists for any questions during today's public forum, please use the Q&A feature. 00:04:21.000 --> 00:04:25.000 We will answer as many questions as possible during the allotted time. 00:04:25.000 --> 00:04:27.000 Zoom also offers screen reader 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:36.000 support for those of you who use screen readers. Make sure your screen is enabled and the Zoom will work seamlessly with what you want to provide. 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:38.000 in the audio descriptions of the interface. 00:04:38.000 --> 00:04:43.000 Now, for anyone who needs to adjust the font size of the chat or captions, you can do this. 00:04:43.000 --> 00:04:50.000 by going into your Zoom settings under subtitle settings on your desktop and accessibility. 00:04:50.000 --> 00:04:56.000 Under meeting settings on your mobile device. This allows you to customize the text size to your preference. 00:04:56.000 --> 00:05:05.000 If you're experiencing any technical difficulties, please let us know in the chat. One of the Amputee Coalition staff members will be in touch and will assist you. 00:05:05.000 --> 00:05:13.000 You can find that chat button, which looks like a word bubble in the same menu bar. If you would like to turn the chat feature off, you can do so by pressing Alt 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:17.000 plus h and muting the notifications under chat options. 00:05:17.000 --> 00:05:29.000 We ask for your patience as we respond to technical issues. Now at this time, it's my pleasure to introduce and turn things over for our opening remarks to the Amputee Coalition 2024 00:05:29.000 --> 00:05:32.000 Board Chair William Pernault. 00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:43.000 Thank you, Patrice. Oh, I appreciate your introductions this morning, this evening, excuse me, as well as all the instructions. I learned something new every time we have a town hall together. So thank you. 00:05:43.000 --> 00:05:53.000 Welcome to the Coalition's Winter Town Hall. This is an event of major communication that allows us to really stay connected to our community. 00:05:53.000 --> 00:06:08.000 And another purpose of these meetings is us we want to be able to share important information and updates that you'll hear from our senior team this evening. So thank you for making time to join us live. And remember, the playback option is a perfect way 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:14.000 to attend at a later time and watch this event in another moment. 00:06:14.000 --> 00:06:25.000 But I want to just say special thanks. The Amputee Coalition staff and the senior team for not just working behind the scenes to ensure that all your questions are answered during the town hall. 00:06:25.000 --> 00:06:34.000 But there's also this question, why do we have a town hall? Some might ask. It's simple. The coalition cannot meet our vision of a 00:06:34.000 --> 00:06:40.000 world where our community thrives with equity and inclusion without being connected to its community. 00:06:40.000 --> 00:06:50.000 So as your 2024 board chair and coming into my eighth year of service with the coalition, I have known and experienced this vision 00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:51.000 is driving change in our community. 00:06:51.000 --> 00:06:59.000 a community represented by over 5.6 million people plus with limb loss and limb difference. 00:06:59.000 --> 00:07:10.000 Now, let's look back at 2024 as it comes to a close. Let's not forget the great year that we've had and celebrate a handful of successes about our mission in action. 00:07:10.000 --> 00:07:16.000 One of five things at top of my mind are one, our national conference in Atlanta 00:07:16.000 --> 00:07:18.000 back in August, incredible event. 00:07:18.000 --> 00:07:24.000 Our Patty Rossback Youth Camp back to a traditional camp setting this year? 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:27.000 Number three, a whole new cohort. 00:07:27.000 --> 00:07:31.000 of certified peer visitors for 2024. 00:07:31.000 --> 00:07:35.000 Also, the MT Coalition was awarded the 2024 00:07:35.000 --> 00:07:40.000 TSA disability multicultural Coalition Award. 00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:46.000 And finally, fresh off the presses was a study from the US Government Accountability Office 00:07:46.000 --> 00:07:52.000 Proving that our advocacy is working and making a difference on a national level. 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:56.000 Now, those are all great successes in 2024. 00:07:56.000 --> 00:08:00.000 But our success could not be possible without the critical partnerships 00:08:00.000 --> 00:08:05.000 that are central and essential to our mission. 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:10.000 our partners like Autobach, Hanger Clinic, a longtime supporter, Patty Rossback. 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:14.000 youth camp. OSER, another longtime supporter. 00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:17.000 Proteier, Intergram, out. 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:21.000 And so many more of our partners aligning with our mission, which 00:08:21.000 --> 00:08:24.000 all of them make it possible. And I thank each one of them. 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:30.000 The last point I want to bring up this evening as we launch into our town hall is 00:08:30.000 --> 00:08:32.000 I'd like to close on this thought. Now. 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:38.000 the success around the 2024 National Conference was really want to highlight 00:08:38.000 --> 00:08:42.000 our community support that we have for our scholarship fund. 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:47.000 This fund allowed community members living with limb loss or limb difference to attend 00:08:47.000 --> 00:08:54.000 And not being held back from that unique and special experience due to financial circumstances was paramount this year. 00:08:54.000 --> 00:09:01.000 So I want to personally thank the community members who made that financial gift in 2024. 00:09:01.000 --> 00:09:04.000 Allowing so many to experience conference. 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:07.000 So in 2025, 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:17.000 When conference registration opens, look for that scholarship application link because these opportunities will even be stronger in 2025. 00:09:17.000 --> 00:09:28.000 Now, community partnerships is how the MT Coalition will continue to thrive. And we thank all our supporters and individual donors across the country, the whole entire globe. 00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:30.000 And who have joined us 00:09:30.000 --> 00:09:37.000 tonight's town hall especially. So I thank you on behalf of the 2024 Board of Directors, which I serve. 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:47.000 I now would like to introduce Amputee Coalition President and Chief Executive Officer Cass Cedro. 00:09:47.000 --> 00:09:53.000 Thank you, Bill, and thank you for your commitment and leadership. And we look forward to 00:09:53.000 --> 00:10:00.000 So much more in 2025. It's been terrific to work with you and your longtime volunteer commitment to the organization is just paramount. 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:06.000 My name is Cassie Cedro and I use she, her pronouns. I have short 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:13.000 Salt and pepper, white, whatever you call it hair. I have on an orange sweater today and a green shirt in the AC colors tonight. 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:22.000 Greetings, advocates, family members, caregivers, supporters, board members, and most importantly, friends of the Amputee Coalition. It is so great 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:29.000 to have you join us this evening and to the many others that will watch this video recording as we share it later. 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:37.000 We appreciate your time showing up and we know that together in community, showing up and taking action is how we move all of our programs, services. 00:10:37.000 --> 00:10:42.000 and advocacy forward. Many of you have continued to show up for the organization. 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:45.000 You shared your experiences on our platforms. 00:10:45.000 --> 00:10:48.000 And you have stood by our side as we've taken the lead 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:51.000 And it's because of your trust and willingness to share 00:10:51.000 --> 00:10:54.000 And your ideas that have fueled our day-to-day work 00:10:54.000 --> 00:10:59.000 Our work to support, educate, and advocate for the limb loss and limb difference community. 00:10:59.000 --> 00:11:06.000 And together, I am so happy to say as we close out this year, we are back and we are gaining momentum. 00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:12.000 And with that, I want to introduce you to our senior team, who I'm so proud to join with daily in the work. 00:11:12.000 --> 00:11:15.000 They'll be answering some of the questions that we'll come to later. 00:11:15.000 --> 00:11:22.000 And they really exemplify what it means to continue to be committed to vision through the hard work every day. 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:31.000 We've had to make difficult choices. We've had to make changes. We've had to start things anew. And this team has kept the vision in mind as they've done this day to day. 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:37.000 So if you'll just wave and smile when I announce your name and then later everyone will speak in answering questions. 00:11:37.000 --> 00:11:43.000 Maurice Henson, who is our Director of Youth and Workforce Development. Maurice, thank you. 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:47.000 Lucas DeLuca, our Director of Education and Resources. 00:11:47.000 --> 00:11:49.000 I feel like you should be tipping your hat there, Lucas. 00:11:49.000 --> 00:11:54.000 Sri Thakar, our Director of Communications and Partnerships. 00:11:54.000 --> 00:12:01.000 Whitney Doyle in a new position as our Director of Operations and Capacity Building. 00:12:01.000 --> 00:12:06.000 Patrice Dichel, Strategy Executive in the executive office with me. 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:10.000 Ashley White will be coming in a minute. Ashley, you want to say hello? 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:19.000 There you go. And we also have a new staff member who has literally hit the ground running, is en route to DC for a meeting tomorrow. 00:12:19.000 --> 00:12:23.000 Nicole Verkelen is our new director of impact campaigns 00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:26.000 And the lead for the So Everybody Can Move initiative. 00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:29.000 So we all welcome you here tonight. 00:12:29.000 --> 00:12:38.000 As you've heard me say before, as an organization, we aim to serve more and we aim to do better and lean into partnerships to allow us to do this. 00:12:38.000 --> 00:12:46.000 Bill talked about the vision and the leadership that the board has put forward for the organization. And tonight, I want to take you through some of the day by day. 00:12:46.000 --> 00:12:53.000 I want to bring numbers in front of you that let you know how things are going, how many people we're serving. 00:12:53.000 --> 00:12:57.000 Because day to day, we continue to execute the work of supporting community 00:12:57.000 --> 00:13:05.000 In advocating, educating, and representing more than 5 million people living with limb loss and limb difference. 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:10.000 A core area of our work is in implementing the National Limb Loss Resource Center. 00:13:10.000 --> 00:13:13.000 And our information and referral team 00:13:13.000 --> 00:13:20.000 has received 6,544 cases from January to the end of October this year. 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:24.000 Averaging more than 30 cases per workday. 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:27.000 consistently over and over week after week 00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:36.000 These numbers also do not include the engagement on our social channels. And those of you who have been on AC Connect or have been on Instagram, you know those are quite chatty places. 00:13:36.000 --> 00:13:41.000 or direct contacts with our advocacy team members. 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:47.000 From January to date, we have matched 926 people for peer visits. 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:51.000 And that's just the initial match. Many of you know these relationships go on for years. 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:56.000 And we've added 6,600 people to our database. 00:13:56.000 --> 00:14:03.000 These are folks who signed up for newsletters, who've signed up for InMotion, who've had a contact with us and joined community. 00:14:03.000 --> 00:14:08.000 Our team is working hard for community members, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. 00:14:08.000 --> 00:14:11.000 Ensuring no one faces their journey alone. 00:14:11.000 --> 00:14:14.000 Creating and delivering vital resources and support 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:19.000 which often include providing information, fact sheets, referrals. 00:14:19.000 --> 00:14:23.000 Patient navigation, which can go on for days, sometimes weeks. 00:14:23.000 --> 00:14:26.000 Peer visits, support groups, and so much more. 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:41.000 And our support services, as was mentioned a little bit earlier, we've actually trained 251 new certified peer visitors this year. I can imagine if we were in person, we would hear this little applause echoing because people get so excited about that. 00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:46.000 And we recertified 250 peer visitor volunteers. 00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:51.000 And next week, we have a training in California where we will actually reinforce that 00:14:51.000 --> 00:15:00.000 by training nine more certified peer visitor trainers. So these are the folks that actually train the people that get the work done. 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:08.000 Our recurring virtual support groups are another foundation of the organization and are really the lifeblood of connection day in and day out. 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:15.000 The virtual support groups meet on the first, second, third, fourth, Thursday of each month in their respective time zones. 00:15:15.000 --> 00:15:17.000 As well as our caregiver support group. 00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:20.000 Are Black, Indigenous people of color support group 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:22.000 and our young adults report group. 00:15:22.000 --> 00:15:29.000 We also provide support to more than 200 support groups across the nation, giving them advice, resources. 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:33.000 And helping ensure that they can continue in their mission as well. 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:39.000 In 2024, our hospital partnerships grew to 155 partners. 00:15:39.000 --> 00:15:43.000 And we added 23 just this year alone. 00:15:43.000 --> 00:15:47.000 We also welcome, I see Whitney smiling. I think she knows what's next. 00:15:47.000 --> 00:15:54.000 48 new certified lead advocates through two training courses that were created and delivered this year. 00:15:54.000 --> 00:16:01.000 And finally, in the workforce development program, we have 130 adults, veterans, and youth ages 15 to 17 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:04.000 registered for the program. 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:07.000 Exciting as well that our youth are building their own programs. 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:14.000 The Amputee Coalition Youth Leadership Council is currently working on their youth-led annual service project 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:18.000 They are working in Ohio, Texas, and New Hampshire 00:16:18.000 --> 00:16:22.000 As advocates to elevate youth voices and so everybody can move 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:26.000 And they're also organizing, recruiting, and mobilizing other youth 00:16:26.000 --> 00:16:32.000 to get involved in recycling of durable medical equipment with ROMP's components for a cause initiative. 00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:36.000 So here's to giving the youth something to do and connect with each other. 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:40.000 As you can appreciate, 2024 has been a busy year. 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:48.000 And this is a reminder not only of what we're doing, but in the impact that all of you have in helping us connect to others and sharing resources. 00:16:48.000 --> 00:16:51.000 And telling people about the programs and services. 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:58.000 There's many opportunities to join any of these support groups, to connect with resources, to join town halls. 00:16:58.000 --> 00:17:01.000 And get more things to more people. 00:17:01.000 --> 00:17:05.000 I sincerely thank our senior team, our entire staff, our volunteers. 00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:08.000 for their energy, their motivation, and their commitment. 00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:11.000 to bringing the amputee coalition back. 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:18.000 We're also coming off, Bill mentioned, our success of our annual conference where we had more than 700 people in attendance. 00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:22.000 And nearly 50% of those for the second year in a row 00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:25.000 were attending the event for the first time. 00:17:25.000 --> 00:17:30.000 I think one of the most exciting things about the event is knowing that 80% of the people who were there 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:34.000 So that it changed their life. It gave them a feeling of being included. 00:17:34.000 --> 00:17:38.000 And it gave them an awareness of the community to which they belong. 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:45.000 The conference highlights, as many of you know, included our clinics, our programming sessions, amazing keynotes. 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:53.000 And I know there are at least three of you who submitted questions tonight that are asking about the next conference. So I will just tackle that now. 00:17:53.000 --> 00:18:00.000 Yes, we are trying to keep the conference super affordable. Yes, we are committed to trying to move it across the nation 00:18:00.000 --> 00:18:02.000 And yes, we will be announcing not tonight. 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:05.000 But very soon when the next conference is. 00:18:05.000 --> 00:18:12.000 We intentionally stepped back and tried to take a different look at this conference in trying to make it more affordable. 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:17.000 And ensuring we checked all the boxes for accessibility that are so important at the hotel and the city. 00:18:17.000 --> 00:18:21.000 And we intentionally looked at the best locations to get in and out of. 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:23.000 That's taking a little bit longer. 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:28.000 But we hope within the next 60 days to have an announcement for where the next conference is. 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:32.000 And you can start planning those dates. 00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:36.000 I've shared many updates and highlights on our programs and how we serve and advocate. 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:42.000 And as many of you know, the National Limb Loss Resource Center is the centerpiece of our Amputee Coalition's work. 00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:50.000 Through the Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Community Living, we are funded to provide some of those services. 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:56.000 But our funding, the need for the services extend way beyond what that funding actually provides. 00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:59.000 And we still deliver resources day in and day out. 00:18:59.000 --> 00:19:03.000 with donations and other support that we can put together. 00:19:03.000 --> 00:19:11.000 All of our activities in the need extend far beyond, and as we close out 2024, I'd be remiss if I didn't give all of you an opportunity 00:19:11.000 --> 00:19:14.000 to support the work of the Amputee Coalition. 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:19.000 You can give a meaningful gift by visiting our website. There's a donation button. 00:19:19.000 --> 00:19:26.000 You can contact me directly if you want to talk about special ideas, matching gifts, planned giving, any of the things. 00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:32.000 But we're really looking to expand programs and services and supports, and we need your help to do that. 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:40.000 Before I turn things over, I want to express my deepest gratitude for all of you in continuing to support and uphold the mission in the organization. 00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:44.000 There have been more than a few conversations where you've told me what we did wrong. 00:19:44.000 --> 00:19:51.000 You shared where we could do better, and we continue to step forward every day to do that. And this is the team doing it. 00:19:51.000 --> 00:20:01.000 For now, I'm going to introduce Ashley White, our Chief Strategy and Programs Officer. And Ashley is going to dig into a little bit deeper on some of the highlights in our programs. 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:03.000 Ashley, over to you. 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:12.000 Thank you so much, Cass. Hi, I'm Ashley White. I'm the Chief Strategy and Programs Officer. I'm a white woman with strawberry blonde hair, not real. 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:14.000 That is… 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:20.000 In our Amputee coalition headquarters office here in Washington, DC. 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:27.000 And I'm excited to be able to share some details about the GAO report, the Government Accountability 00:20:27.000 --> 00:20:32.000 office report that Bill mentioned in his introduction tonight. 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:43.000 Cass shared a lot of like great numbers about all the services and supports that the Amputee Coalition has the opportunity to provide members of the limb loss and limb difference community. 00:20:43.000 --> 00:20:50.000 And the reality is the reason that the need is still not met is because 00:20:50.000 --> 00:21:02.000 Unfortunately, there are systems in place that provide care to individuals who experience an amputation or those who are born with limb differences 00:21:02.000 --> 00:21:07.000 that operate through government entities and those government entities 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:17.000 that oversee health systems have a responsibility to report on how well they do their work. So the Government Accountability Office looks 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:24.000 at systems across the US and says, hey, are our government organizations doing well? 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:27.000 at what they at the services that they support 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:29.000 provide to American citizens. 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:34.000 And that's what the government accountability office is responsible for doing. 00:21:34.000 --> 00:21:37.000 So the way that the report that we just 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:43.000 shared with the community through our various communications channels came to be. 00:21:43.000 --> 00:21:55.000 was actually through a piece of legislation that was introduced back in the 116th Congress. So every Congress is numbered where we're currently in the 118th, about to go in the 119th. 00:21:55.000 --> 00:21:58.000 Every Congress is two years. 00:21:58.000 --> 00:22:04.000 So back in the 116th Congress, we had some champions on Capitol that said. 00:22:04.000 --> 00:22:14.000 We really want to look at how government payers, so Medicare and Medicaid and the VA and DOD, that are responsible for providing health care 00:22:14.000 --> 00:22:24.000 to individuals who have limb loss or limb difference, how they're doing. Are they providing good support services or is there a good continuum of care? 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:37.000 Do people get rehabilitation? That's what the requesters, so our champions in Congress, wanted to see information on. And they introduced a piece of legislation called the Triple A Study Act. 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:44.000 So I know that many of you who have been following us for years and been in the community for a while, you've heard us talk about the triple A Study Act. 00:22:44.000 --> 00:22:48.000 That was the genesis of this GAO report. 00:22:48.000 --> 00:23:00.000 Fast forward to Congress's later, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Senator Marsha Blackburn, as well as Senator Casey. 00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:07.000 And Congress members at the time, Butterfield, who's no longer in Congress, but has always been a 00:23:07.000 --> 00:23:15.000 fantastic supporter of our organization, as well as Congressman Brett Guthrie. They all came together and put a report letter 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:24.000 request letter to the GAO to have this report created. And that was really to look at the care, the health care that's provided to individuals who 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:29.000 have amputations or who were born with limb differences in the US. 00:23:29.000 --> 00:23:33.000 Now, what this report says, what it really says 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:39.000 is what does it look like for a person who has amputation who's on Medicare? That's what came out. 00:23:39.000 --> 00:23:46.000 So, you know, it doesn't say all the things that we hoped to see in the legislation or in the 00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:48.000 in the formal request. 00:23:48.000 --> 00:23:54.000 But it does do an incredible job at looking at how Medicare provides 00:23:54.000 --> 00:24:00.000 services to individuals who have amputations in the system. 00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:06.000 And the reason that that's so important is because it highlights some significant 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:12.000 challenges, some positives as well, but it looks at 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:19.000 you know where an individual may not receive all of the services that they need to live 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:21.000 a healthy life after an amputation. 00:24:21.000 --> 00:24:26.000 And some of those statistics can seem scary. So I will say upfront. 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:33.000 that it's really important for you to take it into the context that this is Medicare and this is healthcare data claims analysis. 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:40.000 But one of the most striking data points in this survey is that 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:42.000 In 2016, 00:24:42.000 --> 00:24:46.000 For all Medicare beneficiaries who received an amputation. 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:51.000 By 2019, 61% of them had died. 00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:54.000 And I think that's such a 00:24:54.000 --> 00:24:58.000 stark data point statistic. 00:24:58.000 --> 00:25:05.000 But it really, it represents a community of individuals that have challenging healthcare. 00:25:05.000 --> 00:25:17.000 conditions and need support services. So if you want to look at anything that we do at this organization and the value that it has, it's the opportunity to 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:19.000 provide support services. 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:25.000 through that journey, in that journey. So if 61% of those individuals 00:25:25.000 --> 00:25:33.000 passed away before 2019. What we know is that they may not have been receiving the coordinated care 00:25:33.000 --> 00:25:38.000 We hope that everyone who has an amputation in the United States receives. 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:49.000 And so this is why it matters, right? Understanding the data points that are in this report will help us as an organization understand how to position 00:25:49.000 --> 00:26:03.000 ourselves in terms of policy, healthcare policy, as well as other opportunities. The report also shared some disparities like the fact that only 30% of Medicare beneficiaries who receive amputations 00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:06.000 receive prosthetic care. 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:14.000 It also pointed to some race, rurality, and regionality disparities. We already know that 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:23.000 that individuals who are black receive amputations at higher rates than individuals who are white for any reason. 00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:29.000 We also know that in rural America, so 20% of Medicare beneficiaries live in rural America. 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:35.000 But 28% of the people who had amputations were in rural America. 00:26:35.000 --> 00:26:45.000 That 8% discrepancy is something that we really should be looking at. Is it because they don't have enough health care access pre-amputation? 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:51.000 What happens after they receive their amputation? Do they have enough access to rehabilitation? 00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:55.000 And services that will help them 00:26:55.000 --> 00:27:00.000 regain function and mobility in their lives so 00:27:00.000 --> 00:27:12.000 These data points really do matter, and we hope that you will take this journey with us as we begin our advocacy efforts around some health policy initiatives associated with what we learned in this GAO report. 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:19.000 And know that we take the responsibility we have very seriously to be the organization 00:27:19.000 --> 00:27:27.000 that's out there and fighting for better for you all. So thank you so much for the opportunity to do that work. 00:27:27.000 --> 00:27:31.000 And if you have any questions, we'll be sharing lots of 00:27:31.000 --> 00:27:38.000 We'll have blog posts, we'll have some engagement sessions coming up, opportunities for us 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:42.000 to answer more questions, happy to answer as many of them today as we can. 00:27:42.000 --> 00:27:46.000 On a super positive note. 00:27:46.000 --> 00:27:56.000 We do have a really fun update about the National Lim Loss Resource Center and what we call community connections. This is our database 00:27:56.000 --> 00:28:04.000 zip code database search feature on our website. It allows you to look for all of the resources that are within a certain 00:28:04.000 --> 00:28:13.000 distance within your own community, including now your support groups. So support groups are finally migrated in 00:28:13.000 --> 00:28:19.000 to the resource database. This also has a back end feature that allows us 00:28:19.000 --> 00:28:27.000 to coordinate in real time with those support groups to add some additional information to their profiles. 00:28:27.000 --> 00:28:32.000 So you can learn as much as possible. Like if they have virtual meetings or if they have in-person meetings. 00:28:32.000 --> 00:28:38.000 And those types of things. So it's a really great addition to our community connections. 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:42.000 And more updates to come in the future for that feature. 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:48.000 And also, we heard you all. You asked that we 00:28:48.000 --> 00:28:55.000 return a physical presence back into the community, into those regional locations. 00:28:55.000 --> 00:29:00.000 where you may all remember we used to have limb loss and limb difference education days. 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:03.000 And we heard you and we are bringing them back. 00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:13.000 And they have a new brand. So we are announcing our return to limb loss and limb difference education days as the Amputee Coalition's 00:29:13.000 --> 00:29:28.000 community days. And we're very excited for the first quarter of 2024 to be having those in Memphis and the Mississippi Delta. You'll see announcements about these next week. 00:29:28.000 --> 00:29:36.000 And also, along with this relaunch of our community day events, our regional and in-community events. 00:29:36.000 --> 00:29:41.000 We'll be publishing an RFP. This is a request for proposals. 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:51.000 That RFP will include several features. And I know that we'll be talking a little bit more in detail, but when we announce these days, you'll see that 00:29:51.000 --> 00:29:59.000 You can say, okay, you know what? I really want the Amputee Coalition to come to my community and put a community day on in my neighborhood. And I have this 00:29:59.000 --> 00:30:05.000 robust support group and we all want to come together and we want to have one of these events in our community. 00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:11.000 There is a request form as that's part of this RFP that allows you to say, all right. 00:30:11.000 --> 00:30:15.000 AC, come to my community, like do one of these community days 00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:22.000 In my hometown. So we're very excited that that will be part of the request proposal process. 00:30:22.000 --> 00:30:28.000 Also, we will be asking you for nominations for speakers. 00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:33.000 And for like keynote speakers or session speakers. 00:30:33.000 --> 00:30:39.000 And also, this is an opportunity for you to submit proposals about educational opportunities 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:51.000 For any event, whether that's national conference or whether that's our community days or just a webinar that not just, but a webinar that you want to bring to the community. 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:57.000 those opportunities will all be included in that RFP process. So we're very excited 00:30:57.000 --> 00:31:02.000 about the return of our community days and the opportunities for you all to get engaged early. 00:31:02.000 --> 00:31:05.000 In the planning process. 00:31:05.000 --> 00:31:12.000 And then Bill mentioned this disability and multicultural Coalition Community Partnership Award. That's a mouthful. 00:31:12.000 --> 00:31:20.000 But I wanted to give a little more detail about that because there's some team members on this screen that I really want to 00:31:20.000 --> 00:31:24.000 share celebration with. 00:31:24.000 --> 00:31:31.000 a few months back, there was a conference and everyone was leaving the conference. Many members of the community were part of this 00:31:31.000 --> 00:31:35.000 And they were headed through the airport and there were some 00:31:35.000 --> 00:31:41.000 fortunate experiences with TSA at this airport. 00:31:41.000 --> 00:31:47.000 And as a result of that, we saw a huge 00:31:47.000 --> 00:31:52.000 sort of outreach to us. I mean, it was we were receiving messages in real time 00:31:52.000 --> 00:31:58.000 messages the next day and they were saying like, we have to do something about this the community 00:31:58.000 --> 00:32:03.000 came together and they asked the Amputee coalition to step in and do something about it. 00:32:03.000 --> 00:32:05.000 And in response to that. 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:11.000 Whitney Doyle and Sri Thaker jumped in and said, all right, let's do this. We're going to hold 00:32:11.000 --> 00:32:13.000 a town hall um 00:32:13.000 --> 00:32:20.000 public forum where we invite individuals from the community to share their experiences with TSA. 00:32:20.000 --> 00:32:25.000 And we invited TSA. We actually had seven members from the tsa 00:32:25.000 --> 00:32:32.000 team, we had people from Homeland Security. We had Hill staffers from congressional offices. 00:32:32.000 --> 00:32:37.000 who were all on that public forum, live public forum call. 00:32:37.000 --> 00:32:43.000 And as a result of that, the Amputee Coalition was recognized for that effort 00:32:43.000 --> 00:32:51.000 and receive the disability and multicultural Coalition Community Partnership Award from the TSA, which Sri is holding up right now. 00:32:51.000 --> 00:32:57.000 And the reality is like we just stepped in and did what you all asked us to do. 00:32:57.000 --> 00:33:05.000 And I'm not saying that we wouldn't have done it if you hadn't have spoken up, but it is your voices that led the charge. It is your 00:33:05.000 --> 00:33:15.000 experiences and sharing those experiences with us that allowed us to coordinate all of the right people to come together to hear the experiences 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:21.000 that you all have traveling through airports every day. So please continue to do that. 00:33:21.000 --> 00:33:30.000 call on us when it's time to step up and make a stink every now and then, because sometimes those 00:33:30.000 --> 00:33:38.000 those outspoken voices are the ones that lead to really great partnerships and opportunities for improvements in our community. 00:33:38.000 --> 00:33:46.000 So thank you so much and I will kick it back over to Patrice. 00:33:46.000 --> 00:33:51.000 Thank you, Ashley. Thank you, Bill and Cass, as well for your updates. 00:33:51.000 --> 00:33:54.000 We are now going to go to our community questions 00:33:54.000 --> 00:34:01.000 that we received before tonight's session. Just as a reminder, if you'd like to ask a question live, please do. 00:34:01.000 --> 00:34:06.000 Let our team members know in the chat, we will add you to the list and prompt you when you are next in line. 00:34:06.000 --> 00:34:12.000 Our first community question, we're actually going to kick this back to Ashley. The question asks. 00:34:12.000 --> 00:34:16.000 Will you please touch upon above the knee osteointegration current status 00:34:16.000 --> 00:34:19.000 and utilization. 00:34:19.000 --> 00:34:33.000 Thank you for the question, Patrice, and to the community member who asked it. So, you know, this is an interesting and innovative space, and we're excited to see how many members of the community are engaging with us. 00:34:33.000 --> 00:34:41.000 On OSEO integration. Currently, there is only one approved osteointegration device. 00:34:41.000 --> 00:34:51.000 the Oprah system is approved through the FDA, but there are ongoing research studies as well that are happening in hospitals across the US. 00:34:51.000 --> 00:34:58.000 And within research institutions across the US. And so there are different types of osteo integration 00:34:58.000 --> 00:35:08.000 surgeries that you will hear about and different individuals may share their specific type of osteointegration surgery. 00:35:08.000 --> 00:35:13.000 But at present, there is only one FDA approved for the market. 00:35:13.000 --> 00:35:18.000 osteo integration system, and that's the Oprah system 00:35:18.000 --> 00:35:24.000 Thank you, Ashley. Our next question says, when planning for the next 00:35:24.000 --> 00:35:33.000 few national conferences. Can it be moved around the country? Thank you in advance. 00:35:33.000 --> 00:35:35.000 Yes. 00:35:35.000 --> 00:35:40.000 That's it. Yes, we're trying to move her down. We have no desire to stay in one place. 00:35:40.000 --> 00:35:44.000 We want many people to access the conference as possible. 00:35:44.000 --> 00:35:57.000 Perfect. This question came in the chat. Medicare eligibility is limited to those 65 or older or those who qualify for disability insurance benefits through SSA. 00:35:57.000 --> 00:36:04.000 It is a small cross section. Should we expect a similar report for Medicaid and or expanded Medicaid? 00:36:04.000 --> 00:36:07.000 Fantastic question. So they did 00:36:07.000 --> 00:36:09.000 take some effort. 00:36:09.000 --> 00:36:14.000 to look at the Medicaid population they shared 00:36:14.000 --> 00:36:18.000 information about individuals born with limb differences. 00:36:18.000 --> 00:36:24.000 In the report, but it was more of like a snapshot of how 00:36:24.000 --> 00:36:28.000 Medicaid works and how individuals access Medicaid benefits. 00:36:28.000 --> 00:36:34.000 through the system as opposed to actually looking at 00:36:34.000 --> 00:36:40.000 the type in full scope, the type of coverage that they have through those 00:36:40.000 --> 00:36:45.000 through those entities. And that's primarily because 00:36:45.000 --> 00:36:48.000 there are so many 00:36:48.000 --> 00:36:49.000 There are so many state 00:36:49.000 --> 00:36:54.000 specific options there. So the states have 00:36:54.000 --> 00:37:00.000 some autonomy in the way that they manage their Medicaid programs. And any of those of you who know 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:03.000 who have used medicaid um 00:37:03.000 --> 00:37:08.000 coverage will know that every state is different and that 00:37:08.000 --> 00:37:15.000 there is there is from year to year even some variation in what can be covered and so 00:37:15.000 --> 00:37:17.000 We… 00:37:17.000 --> 00:37:20.000 you know, what we are hopeful to see 00:37:20.000 --> 00:37:27.000 is a recognition that these systems actually like work together. If a person is on disability. 00:37:27.000 --> 00:37:32.000 they may actually be duly eligible. So they may be a Medicare, Medicaid 00:37:32.000 --> 00:37:35.000 have Medicare and Medicaid coverage and 00:37:35.000 --> 00:37:40.000 They made a note in the report about that population as well. 00:37:40.000 --> 00:37:46.000 And highlighted the percentages of those who utilize both Medicare and Medicaid. 00:37:46.000 --> 00:37:51.000 I don't anticipate seeing a similar report to this in a holistic way. 00:37:51.000 --> 00:37:57.000 But as we continue to work on some of our insurance coverage issues in each state. 00:37:57.000 --> 00:38:04.000 Certainly through the So Everybody Can Move effort, you will start to see reports come out about Medicaid coverage because in fact. 00:38:04.000 --> 00:38:11.000 some Medicaids are in states are actually starting to cover activity specific prostheses. So we're seeing some 00:38:11.000 --> 00:38:19.000 tremendous activity at the state level, and I only expect that to lend opportunity to get additional data 00:38:19.000 --> 00:38:23.000 from the states directly. 00:38:23.000 --> 00:38:34.000 Good things. Okay, our next question says this is a concrete suggestion for work and volunteer opportunities that make use of my background to assist 00:38:34.000 --> 00:38:36.000 amputees. 00:38:36.000 --> 00:38:43.000 Great question. Thank you for that question. I would say the first entry point, probably the most important one. 00:38:43.000 --> 00:38:48.000 is to become a workforce development volunteer through our workforce development program. 00:38:48.000 --> 00:38:50.000 you're able to you know you're able to 00:38:50.000 --> 00:38:56.000 utilize those skills if you're looking to reentry reentry to work, if you're looking to um 00:38:56.000 --> 00:39:02.000 just enter the workforce for the first time. I mean, there's seven different training sessions you can take part in. 00:39:02.000 --> 00:39:05.000 There's the one-on-one 00:39:05.000 --> 00:39:09.000 planning meeting that you and our program manager, Trenea Reid have. 00:39:09.000 --> 00:39:13.000 And then really just working on professional resume creation 00:39:13.000 --> 00:39:15.000 On the volunteer side. 00:39:15.000 --> 00:39:18.000 If you're looking just to volunteer, getting involved 00:39:18.000 --> 00:39:27.000 As a workforce development volunteer will definitely be an avenue to pursue in order to get involved with like our amputee coalition 00:39:27.000 --> 00:39:35.000 workforce development employment council. Our workforce development and employment council is made up of 21 00:39:35.000 --> 00:39:41.000 Fortune 100, 500 companies, colleges, universities, organizations, and businesses 00:39:41.000 --> 00:39:43.000 a really 00:39:43.000 --> 00:39:48.000 continue to keep the conversation about disability awareness in the workplace. 00:39:48.000 --> 00:39:57.000 and hiring practices in the workplace at the forefront of the conversation. So I would say on the work side of things, just really going through the workforce development program. 00:39:57.000 --> 00:40:00.000 on a volunteerism side. 00:40:00.000 --> 00:40:02.000 really go um 00:40:02.000 --> 00:40:08.000 get involved in our workforce development volunteerism would be a great avenue. 00:40:08.000 --> 00:40:17.000 Lots of opportunities. All right. This next community member says, I'm in Atlanta or Alabama, sorry, and working on prosthetic and orthopedic 00:40:17.000 --> 00:40:21.000 orthotics parity legislation. 00:40:21.000 --> 00:40:26.000 I need ideas on forming an AL coalition. 00:40:26.000 --> 00:40:33.000 Well, thank you first for wanting to be engaged in prosthetic and orthotic access in your state. 00:40:33.000 --> 00:40:41.000 That is the first step. So you're already over the hard part. You want to act, right? You want to do something. Thank you so much. 00:40:41.000 --> 00:40:48.000 I really do wish Nicole was on tonight because, you know, not only does the So Everybody Can Move movement. 00:40:48.000 --> 00:40:59.000 expand access to physical activity, but most of the legislation in states that's been introduced where there wasn't already a parity law or an insurance fairness 00:40:59.000 --> 00:41:03.000 has included the full scope of orthotic and prosthetic coverage. 00:41:03.000 --> 00:41:09.000 So everybody can move movement is absolutely increasing access 00:41:09.000 --> 00:41:19.000 to prosthetic and orthotic care. If your state is one of the states that is reluctant or concerned about introducing a so everybody can move law right now and you really want to just look at 00:41:19.000 --> 00:41:22.000 prosthetic and orthotic access. 00:41:22.000 --> 00:41:29.000 You know, that doesn't change the fact that your coalitions are already being 00:41:29.000 --> 00:41:36.000 gathering together in this so everybody can move movement. And I guarantee you there is somebody from Alabama 00:41:36.000 --> 00:41:42.000 that we will be able to introduce you to tomorrow. So if you want to share your information with us. 00:41:42.000 --> 00:41:46.000 Please feel free to email advocacy at 00:41:46.000 --> 00:41:51.000 amputee hyphen coalition.org, and we will get you connected to the other advocates 00:41:51.000 --> 00:41:59.000 Additionally, Whitney just finished, as was shared earlier, training 40 new certified lead advocates. 00:41:59.000 --> 00:42:03.000 And each of them are, you know. 00:42:03.000 --> 00:42:12.000 tackling these same challenges in their communities. And so we would encourage you to continue to engage with us in all advocacy. 00:42:12.000 --> 00:42:19.000 opportunities at the organization because you'll continue to meet people there as well. 00:42:19.000 --> 00:42:29.000 Thank you, Ashley. Our next question, what volunteer training opportunities are there for 2025? 00:42:29.000 --> 00:42:41.000 Hi, Trace, this is Whitney. I'm going to take that question. In my role as Director of Operations and Capacity Building, I get to oversee our volunteer management services. 00:42:41.000 --> 00:42:47.000 with that crew that comes with our peer support team, as well as our lead advocates. 00:42:47.000 --> 00:42:50.000 All of our certification trainings so 00:42:50.000 --> 00:42:58.000 And I apologize if I'm a little laggy. My computer, it's after five o'clock. It's ready to be done today. 00:42:58.000 --> 00:43:08.000 So we just wrapped up a lead advocate certification training in 2025. We are slated to do two a year again. So one will be 00:43:08.000 --> 00:43:17.000 And one will be in the fall, September, October timeframe, maybe even August, but those dates will be published and we have them confirmed. 00:43:17.000 --> 00:43:20.000 the lead training is 00:43:20.000 --> 00:43:25.000 an online virtual training. 00:43:25.000 --> 00:43:28.000 And then our other certified 00:43:28.000 --> 00:43:38.000 volunteer trainings that are coming are our peer visitors. So to become a certified peer visitor. 00:43:38.000 --> 00:43:44.000 It is inversions of that training. So we're very excited to say that those 00:43:44.000 --> 00:43:48.000 two in January and February will each have a 00:43:48.000 --> 00:43:51.000 Peer visitor certification training component 00:43:51.000 --> 00:44:01.000 We also always have one tied to our national conference, so you can become a certified peer visitor there. We also have them online. 00:44:01.000 --> 00:44:06.000 Currently, you go online and you fill out the application to become a certified peer visitor. 00:44:06.000 --> 00:44:13.000 And we will add you to the list and let you know when the next training will be. Typically, they are four hours and four hours online. 00:44:13.000 --> 00:44:17.000 We will be posting dates. 00:44:17.000 --> 00:44:22.000 In the next, well, before the end of the calendar year for 2025 for those set virtual events for 00:44:22.000 --> 00:44:24.000 certified peer visitors. 00:44:24.000 --> 00:44:27.000 And let's see, what else? 00:44:27.000 --> 00:44:39.000 And that training will be coming to ACLearn, which is our online learning management system. So right now it's a live virtual training, but it will become one where you can do part of it 00:44:39.000 --> 00:44:46.000 at your own pace on ACLearn, which is our online learning management software, which is really exciting so 00:44:46.000 --> 00:44:52.000 If you have absolutely any interest in becoming either a certified peer visitor or a certified lead advocate. 00:44:52.000 --> 00:44:59.000 please reach out. I will drop the emails in the chat if they're not already being dropped already. 00:44:59.000 --> 00:45:11.000 Looks like they are. So please reach out. We definitely want to engage as many people as possible. I see some of our new certified lead advocates as attendees today. So 00:45:11.000 --> 00:45:24.000 Shout out to, oh my gosh, Karen and Sean and Scott. I know, Bill, we talked about we had no certified lead advocates in West Virginia and Scott is on the call and he is our new certified lead advocate in West Virginia. 00:45:24.000 --> 00:45:30.000 And in March, we didn't have any in Delaware and Sean is on the call and he's in Delaware. So we are really 00:45:30.000 --> 00:45:36.000 having some wonderful, incredible people becoming certified lead advocates for the MBT Coalition. 00:45:36.000 --> 00:45:44.000 Please reach out. We'd love to get you trained up to go and spread the word and do good work. 00:45:44.000 --> 00:45:51.000 Thank you, Whitney. Next question. How are decisions made on which topics and speakers are chosen for conferences? 00:45:51.000 --> 00:45:56.000 Would there be smaller and more individualized opportunities? 00:45:56.000 --> 00:46:08.000 Thanks, Patrice. If it's all right, I'll take that one. And also, I think there was a question about how do I request a community day in my town? And I feel like all of those kind of just go together. So I'm going to 00:46:08.000 --> 00:46:15.000 Try to tackle them all at once. What I'm excited to say is that the requesting of a community day 00:46:15.000 --> 00:46:17.000 the request for proposals 00:46:17.000 --> 00:46:33.000 and the nominations for speakers, if you know someone who would be a great speaker, all three of those forms are going to be coming out next week. And I am looking to have a webinar in the first second week of December, sometime around there to walk everybody through this process on 00:46:33.000 --> 00:46:42.000 If I want to go through the form, what do I need to fill out? If I want to be a presenter, but maybe I'm not confident yet, can you help me with that? 00:46:42.000 --> 00:46:45.000 Or what topic should I look at speaking about that I'm passionate about? 00:46:45.000 --> 00:46:53.000 All those things I'd love to do. I want to take a moment to say that we're looking for exciting disability content, exciting speakers. 00:46:53.000 --> 00:47:00.000 And just reaching out to the community and really just empowering all of you to express interest in doing these things. 00:47:00.000 --> 00:47:06.000 So what I will say, if you're interested in a community day, that second part of that question. 00:47:06.000 --> 00:47:15.000 please reach out, fill out the form. Same with being a presenter or with nominating someone who you know is going to be an amazing speaker. All of those are great. 00:47:15.000 --> 00:47:24.000 When it comes to the decisions that we make on the topics and the speakers for conferences, it really boils down to a few different 00:47:24.000 --> 00:47:30.000 I would think pieces. So the first is the number of sessions. So we only have so many hours in a day. 00:47:30.000 --> 00:47:35.000 So this last conference, I think we had 25 educational sessions 00:47:35.000 --> 00:47:39.000 We had room for maybe five different clinics. 00:47:39.000 --> 00:47:46.000 And so we start there and then we go, okay, what are educational pathways? And we look at community living. 00:47:46.000 --> 00:47:52.000 health and wellness, you know, things of that nature. And we start to grow out from there what's going to be the best 00:47:52.000 --> 00:47:57.000 space to have the most diverse program around. 00:47:57.000 --> 00:48:06.000 So that's just how we get the ball rolling. We do have a kind of an assessment sheet and we look at that. It looks at things like. 00:48:06.000 --> 00:48:23.000 How relevant is the topic that somebody's presenting on? How applicable is it to our community? What is the individual's background? What experience do they have? We also look at like if you're a member of the community and what that plays into in sharing your experience. 00:48:23.000 --> 00:48:30.000 how relevant that is. We always think that's so powerful. And so all of that comes into play. And we also lean on the 00:48:30.000 --> 00:48:40.000 the backs and the minds of our science and medical advisory committee. We've got an incredible group of really smart people who really get to provide feedback, thoughts. 00:48:40.000 --> 00:48:45.000 And direction sometimes if we need it in regards to how 00:48:45.000 --> 00:48:53.000 presentations and how topics can be grown and expanded to really affect and 00:48:53.000 --> 00:49:00.000 really inspire more people around the topics that are being presented on. So that's a little bit about how we make those decisions 00:49:00.000 --> 00:49:08.000 I am really excited to be hosting that webinar in December. I hope many of you will drop in. If you have people who want to present. 00:49:08.000 --> 00:49:15.000 Please, please, please let them know that this is happening. We're really looking forward to finding amazing presenters. 00:49:15.000 --> 00:49:24.000 to hit on those community days, to come out to conference and to do anything in between. I'm looking forward to hosting more webinars. And so if you have a 00:49:24.000 --> 00:49:32.000 a passion, but maybe don't want to travel, you can do it from your home and we'd love to have you. So that's all I'll share today in regards to 00:49:32.000 --> 00:49:36.000 conference and community days. I hope that was helpful. 00:49:36.000 --> 00:49:46.000 Thank you, Lucas. Our next question, how do I as a member help support and spread the word in my community? 00:49:46.000 --> 00:49:51.000 Hey, I'll take this question. I'm Sheree, the Director of Communications Partnerships. I use she, her pronouns. 00:49:51.000 --> 00:49:58.000 And I've got a light blue sweater on with some very colorful toucans and a black and white wallpaper behind me. 00:49:58.000 --> 00:50:10.000 I share all that because we need some fun. So there's a few links that I'll drop into the chat in a second, but the best ways of sharing the word will always be through social media on any and all platforms that you may be active on. 00:50:10.000 --> 00:50:17.000 AC Connect, as it's a wonderful space to continue spreading the message amongst our community itself, which also includes 00:50:17.000 --> 00:50:22.000 The support members of our world, such as family caregivers. 00:50:22.000 --> 00:50:28.000 And of course, clinicians, providers, et cetera, as well, kind of as that community develops. 00:50:28.000 --> 00:50:36.000 And of course, it's through getting involved in reading the materials and sharing your stories as well. 00:50:36.000 --> 00:50:46.000 So that would be for InMotion, the magazine that publishes six times a year, and the Thrive blog, as well as Thrive Newsletter, which comes out every week. 00:50:46.000 --> 00:50:50.000 So there's a couple different ways in communicating 00:50:50.000 --> 00:50:56.000 amongst the community and then it would be through programs like becoming a CLA, so Certified Lead Advocate. 00:50:56.000 --> 00:51:07.000 And signing up for being an advocate and getting involved with your legislators and sharing your story and advocating for what the needs are. 00:51:07.000 --> 00:51:14.000 So I'll be dropping a bunch of those links into the chat. And if you have any additional questions, let us know. 00:51:14.000 --> 00:51:20.000 Thank you, Sri. All right, our next question. Can I request my state's proclamation yet? 00:51:20.000 --> 00:51:25.000 Absolutely. Not all of them, but a lot of them you can. The best 00:51:25.000 --> 00:51:30.000 way to know. I mean, you can actually just Google your state name and proclamation and 00:51:30.000 --> 00:51:45.000 should pop up some information about your timelines. I know I'm from North Carolina. The process for North Carolina is already underway and due in November, actually. So you have to get those requests in early in the state of North Carolina. 00:51:45.000 --> 00:51:54.000 Our team member, Ryan Getty, who many of you know, he is overseeing our efforts to collect as many state procure 00:51:54.000 --> 00:52:09.000 proclamations as possible this year. We want to beat the number that we got last year. So we're competing with ourselves a little bit here. So we're hoping the community will come along and join us in that effort. Mini State Proclamation requests lines are open currently. 00:52:09.000 --> 00:52:18.000 But every state has a different date. So please look it up for your individual state or reach out to Ryan Getty or to our advocacy team. 00:52:18.000 --> 00:52:31.000 Thank you, Ashley. Next question. How can we become trained in the workforce volunteer section? And when can we expect the 2025 Patty Rosback Yep Youth Camp information to be released? 00:52:31.000 --> 00:52:39.000 Yeah, if you go to the empty coalition website and go to the workforce development section webpage. 00:52:39.000 --> 00:52:46.000 You can register for workforce development updates. And then Chernair Reid, our program manager of the workforce development 00:52:46.000 --> 00:52:50.000 We'll contact you and set up a one-on-one and then you can 00:52:50.000 --> 00:52:57.000 Then set up a training to become trained to be a workforce development volunteer. 00:52:57.000 --> 00:53:00.000 And get any other workforce development support you will need. 00:53:00.000 --> 00:53:09.000 The Patty Rosvak Yep Youth Camp information will be released and ready the week of November 25th. 00:53:09.000 --> 00:53:16.000 you can expect the flyer registration information, not only for campers, for our leaders in training. 00:53:16.000 --> 00:53:22.000 And our camp counselors. So I'm really excited. We'll be back in Rockport, Texas at Camp Baranza Zoo. 00:53:22.000 --> 00:53:25.000 July 27th through um 00:53:25.000 --> 00:53:31.000 August 1. And so really excited about that. Really excited again to be back in a traditional camp style setting. 00:53:31.000 --> 00:53:37.000 And really look forward to having our community members take part in that initiative. 00:53:37.000 --> 00:53:45.000 Thank you. Next question. Are there presently any new bills being looked at by Congress for amputees? 00:53:45.000 --> 00:53:52.000 It's a great question. There are several pieces of legislation. They're not new. Many of you have heard us talk about them. 00:53:52.000 --> 00:53:57.000 But that directly impact the lives of individuals living with limb loss or limb difference. 00:53:57.000 --> 00:54:05.000 You may recall the OMP, the orthotic and prosthetic Patient-Centered Care Act. That is a 00:54:05.000 --> 00:54:11.000 a piece of legislation, bilateral by bicameral, bipartisan 00:54:11.000 --> 00:54:17.000 legislation that's being led by our partners over at the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. 00:54:17.000 --> 00:54:19.000 That legislation 00:54:19.000 --> 00:54:22.000 is still active in Congress. 00:54:22.000 --> 00:54:30.000 But the reality is that as we speed very quickly into the end of this congressional session. 00:54:30.000 --> 00:54:34.000 We have a new Congress starting in January. 00:54:34.000 --> 00:54:39.000 What we will likely see move at the end of the year is a skinny health care package 00:54:39.000 --> 00:54:44.000 that has an amalgamation of different pieces of legislation together. 00:54:44.000 --> 00:54:52.000 that may or may pass towards the end of the year. And it's always very hard to get 00:54:52.000 --> 00:54:56.000 To get your items onto that 00:54:56.000 --> 00:55:02.000 Bill, we had several pieces of legislation that we've supported throughout this Congress over the past two years. 00:55:02.000 --> 00:55:08.000 including the AHRQ Act, which is for peripheral arterial disease screenings. 00:55:08.000 --> 00:55:14.000 We've weighed in on the Restore Act, which is access to dialysis treatments for individuals. 00:55:14.000 --> 00:55:20.000 We've weighed in on TROA, which is about weight bias and obesity care access. 00:55:20.000 --> 00:55:26.000 And we've weighed in on protecting the innovation pipeline. 00:55:26.000 --> 00:55:34.000 for genetically targeted technologies. But those are all pieces of legislation that include 00:55:34.000 --> 00:55:40.000 things that are relevant and important to this community, but also impact broader communities as well. 00:55:40.000 --> 00:55:43.000 So it's hard to 00:55:43.000 --> 00:55:49.000 prognosticate whether any of those pieces will move. We certainly hope so. 00:55:49.000 --> 00:55:55.000 And we'll continue to add our voices to the conversation. But there have been no new, new, new 00:55:55.000 --> 00:56:04.000 pieces of legislation introduced. Stay tuned for 2025 when we will absolutely be introducing new legislation. 00:56:04.000 --> 00:56:14.000 Exciting. Thank you, Ashley. How do I request a community day in my town? 00:56:14.000 --> 00:56:24.000 I think we tackled this one in with the other one, but it was just about finding those forms when they come out next week, making sure that you can find it there and then let us know. 00:56:24.000 --> 00:56:32.000 Thank you, Lucas. Next question. When can we expect the 2025 limb loss and limb difference awareness month toolkit? 00:56:32.000 --> 00:56:42.000 I am really excited to say that limb loss and limb difference awareness month being in April of every year means that this time we will be having the toolkit out in the month of January. 00:56:42.000 --> 00:56:51.000 So just about two months away. 00:56:51.000 --> 00:56:54.000 Thank you, Sri. 00:56:54.000 --> 00:56:58.000 Oh. 00:56:58.000 --> 00:57:00.000 What is the AC doing to help prepare 00:57:00.000 --> 00:57:07.000 patients and clinicians for the next wave of emerging technologies in the O&P industry. 00:57:07.000 --> 00:57:14.000 I'll take this one and I will encourage those in the community who are a part of the OMP industry or field or profession 00:57:14.000 --> 00:57:22.000 to share their ideas about ways that you think we should be engaging individuals, but 00:57:22.000 --> 00:57:30.000 Our first and foremost, we are concerned about access. We want to make sure that individuals have access to emerging technology. 00:57:30.000 --> 00:57:39.000 We want to be able to advocate for individuals to get the health care services and technology, orthotic and prosthetic technologies that they need. 00:57:39.000 --> 00:57:44.000 to live fulfilled, engaged, functional, and mobile lives. 00:57:44.000 --> 00:57:52.000 And so we always look at access as our primary responsibility as an advocacy organization. 00:57:52.000 --> 00:57:59.000 But there are a lot of other ways that we want to engage the community with emerging technologies and our conference 00:57:59.000 --> 00:58:04.000 The exhibit hall at our conference is an opportunity for individuals to experience 00:58:04.000 --> 00:58:12.000 those technologies in real time in ways that they might not be able to when they're in their prostitus office and their process is trying to 00:58:12.000 --> 00:58:25.000 to guide them in the clinical, the most clinical best practice, right, that creates a whole dynamic. But in our, but people can just explore what's out there. 00:58:25.000 --> 00:58:35.000 And that happens in our exhibit hall. So I would encourage companies to continue to engage with the Amputee Coalition. We welcome other ideas again. 00:58:35.000 --> 00:58:46.000 from those of you out there in the world who are innovating and bringing new technologies to the space. 00:58:46.000 --> 00:58:51.000 Thank you, Ashley. And we are going to have one more question before we wrap up. 00:58:51.000 --> 00:59:00.000 With the new administration and the plan to possibly prioritize Medicaid, how will the AC address these changes to government programs? 00:59:00.000 --> 00:59:01.000 Okay. 00:59:01.000 --> 00:59:03.000 Cassie, you want to take this one? 00:59:03.000 --> 00:59:14.000 Yes, I will. The day after the election news, we were receiving questions, what about my health care? What will happen to me? What about my life? All the things. 00:59:14.000 --> 00:59:22.000 What we want to say from the Amputee Coalition is hearing from us tonight, whether it's the GA report, whether it's the policies that Ashley is talking about. 00:59:22.000 --> 00:59:29.000 Everything is done from a bipartisan lens and it's done from the needs of communities. So we will continue to support 00:59:29.000 --> 00:59:35.000 to advocate for insurance fairness for all of the things that you've heard us talk about, regardless of the administration. 00:59:35.000 --> 00:59:42.000 And with supporters on both sides of the aisle, and that's the commitment moving forward, I would encourage all of you to stay engaged. 00:59:42.000 --> 00:59:48.000 Because if there are changes, if there is anything threatened, if we need to join together. 00:59:48.000 --> 00:59:53.000 We will need you. So tune into our newsletters, tune into these town hall 00:59:53.000 --> 01:00:05.000 stay engaged and listen to what we're sharing and seeing, and we will let you know if we all need to rally around anything. But we stand committed, same as we were in October. 01:00:05.000 --> 01:00:16.000 Before we came to this point on all of the policies and advocacy things that we want to move forward. So that is our commitment with that. I will put it back to you, Patrice and Bill, to close this out. Thank you. 01:00:16.000 --> 01:00:27.000 Great. Thank you so much, Cass. Well said. And thank you everyone for your intentional questions, your participation. Thank you to our senior staff for your feedback and your questions to our audience. 01:00:27.000 --> 01:00:33.000 At this time, I'd like to hand it over for our winter town hall closing to the Amputee Coalition 2024 01:00:33.000 --> 01:00:40.000 Board Chair William Perno. 01:00:40.000 --> 01:00:47.000 Oh, Bill, we, yes, there we go. Perfect. 01:00:47.000 --> 01:00:51.000 Still muted. 01:00:51.000 --> 01:00:52.000 Thank you. 01:00:52.000 --> 01:00:53.000 Thank you, Patrice. 01:00:53.000 --> 01:00:57.000 Well, let me first say it's good to work with such a fabulous team. 01:00:57.000 --> 01:01:03.000 We have another opportunity that we close the books on tonight, a time of connection. 01:01:03.000 --> 01:01:11.000 in our winter town hall. I'm so energized when I hear this team speak about our community and things that we're looking forward in 2025. 01:01:11.000 --> 01:01:14.000 It is a very exciting time of the year for us. 01:01:14.000 --> 01:01:16.000 So whether you're a member of the community. 01:01:16.000 --> 01:01:24.000 or a partner or a member of the board of directors or a part of the dedicated amputee coalition staff 01:01:24.000 --> 01:01:28.000 showing up is always important and it's invaluable to our mission. 01:01:28.000 --> 01:01:33.000 I want to especially thank our president, CEO, Cassidro, and 01:01:33.000 --> 01:01:35.000 our senior team members. 01:01:35.000 --> 01:01:44.000 every day they work together at the coalition to bring our mission out front, alive, and a clear reality every day. 01:01:44.000 --> 01:01:51.000 Basically, today we are blessed to hear about the incredible mission work happening within our organization. 01:01:51.000 --> 01:01:55.000 It's the new resources that they've talked about. It's the program updates. 01:01:55.000 --> 01:02:04.000 that you heard. Overall, my hope is that you're reminded of the progress we've made in the last year and the progress we've made is together. 01:02:04.000 --> 01:02:07.000 And so much more we have coming in the future. 01:02:07.000 --> 01:02:13.000 together. The Amputee Coalition Board of Directors and the entire staff are dedicated 01:02:13.000 --> 01:02:16.000 and committed to making sure that no one 01:02:16.000 --> 01:02:19.000 has to face their journey alone. 01:02:19.000 --> 01:02:25.000 Please stay connected with our team throughout all the contacts we've shared in the chat. Be safe, be well. 01:02:25.000 --> 01:02:28.000 And thank you for joining us this evening. 01:02:28.000 --> 01:02:39.000 Have a great week.