Honoring Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month
Durrett’s Orthotics and Prosthetics is a family-owned orthotic and prosthetic company. Our prosthetics and orthotics that carefully designed and constructed with the most modern technology. We believe each person’s journey is different, which is why our service and care is individualized to our patients: We provide prosthetics; orthotics; neck, spinal, and body braces; and podiatric services custom to you so you can go forth—without limits.
April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month. According to the Amputee Coalition, Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month aims to recognize the efforts of loss and limb difference community and advocate for respect. Limb loss and limb differences are not uncommon, and the mission of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month is bring the limb loss and limb difference community together and celebrate their endeavors.
Here are seven things about the limb loss and limb difference community Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month aims to teach the wider community:
- Every experience is different. Some were born with limb differences, and others needed amputations later in life. Some label themselves as persons with disabilities; others prefer to consider their limb differences as their own normal.
- “What happened to you?” is an innocent, but sometimes insensitive question. Some people were born with limb differences, and nothing necessarily “happened”. For others, answering what happened means recalling a traumatic time in their life. “What happened” implies that something bad happened in the past—for the curious, a more sensitive question is asking about how an amputee’s prosthetic works!
- Amputation or limb loss does not mean a life limitation. Those with limb loss, or those with limb differences that have opted for amputation, have gone through with the operation to improve their quality of life. Furthermore, not everyone with limb differences will necessarily want an amputation—everyone should be content with who they are.
- Prosthetics and orthotics exist for every lifestyle. For example, there are different lower extremity prosthetics for running, dancing, being around the house—even for wearing high heels!
- Those living with limb loss and limb differences are resilient: that is, it’s better to ask if someone needs help then to automatically assume they need it.
- Not every individual with limb loss or limb difference is looking to become an inspirational figure—though some do, and that should be respected. Those with limb loss or limb differences live lives that are normal for them, the same as anybody else.
Visit the Amputee Coalition website for more resources.
At Durrett’s Orthotics and Prosthetics, we are proud to support this community and help members continue to lead their different—but ordinary—lives. Your goals are our goals, and we are here to provide the best care to you. Contact us today to learn more about our support and services to the limb loss and limb difference community. We are located in Edgewood, Kentucky, and are licensed in both Kentucky and Ohio to serve the Greater Cincinnati area, including Erlanger, Florence, Covington, Fort Thomas, Union, Walton, Edgewood, Oakbrook, Taylorsport, Fort Mitchell, Hebron, Beaverlick, Burlington, Belleview, Independence, Newport, Verona, Elsmere, KY as well as Cincinnati, OH.
