American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association

05/28/2026

ICYMI, take a minute to read the latest post and see all that has been accomplished by So Every Body Can Move and the passionate advocates across the country so far this year...it is impressive!

If you are looking to get involved and support the initiative, plan to take part in the third annual 28x28 Mobility Challenge this July. Registration opens next Monday, June 1st. Stay tuned for more details and how to register!

Hey y’all! Nicole Ver Kuilen , SEBCM National Campaign Lead, and Kyle Stepp , SEBCM National Strategic Partnerships Lead here to give a massive shout out and kudos to all of our incredible advocates across the country for this 2026 legislative session! 👏

This year’s legislative activity has been one marked with mobilization like we’ve never seen before, culminating in some massive wins for our community.

Being recognized this past week by the Accessibility 200 is just one accolade of many that belong to our entire grassroots movement. We are so proud of this now 46 state coalition strong network (welcoming most recently North Dakota and West Virginia)!

Because of our advocates who believe and that all people deserve freedom, dignity, and access to wellbeing, our teams are pushing the needle on what’s possible and not settling for the status quo.

This year we’ve seen:

- A movement record: 26 state introductions!
- Enactment in our 13th state: Kentucky (SB 97) - bringing us closer to our goal 1️⃣3️⃣
- New Mexico (HB 38) becoming the first state in the country to enact coverage for Complex Rehab Tech (CRT) and sports wheelchairs, elevating our model legislation to a new gold standard 🏅♿️
- Georgia (SB 503) strengthening their law to include Public Employee Plans, with advocates like and boldly sharing their stories
- New Hampshire (SB 408) raising the bar of their law from just kids to all ages thanks to Senator Bill Gannon, a member of the limb loss community himself
- Maryland (SB 276/HB 445) being the first in the country to present a winning argument on an orthotics only bill, impacting communities with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, drop foot and more
- Oregon (HB 4040) strengthening its medical necessity language so that insurers can’t deny access to orthotic and prosthetic care based on “comfort or convenience”

Our advocates are proving what’s possible when lived experience leads the way. This is only a small sliver of the impact, and we couldn’t be prouder of each and every advocate! So much more to come this year! 🦾🚀

- Nicole & Kyle

05/27/2026

Summer is almost here, and before schedules fill up with vacations and plans, now is the perfect time to check one important thing off your list…registering for AOPA’s 2026 National Assembly!

Join the O&P profession September 9–12 in Las Vegas for four days of:
- Cutting-edge education
- Innovative technology and solutions
- Networking with colleagues from across the country
- Expert-led clinical, business, technical, pedorthic, and digital O&P care sessions
- Valuable CE opportunities
- A dynamic Exhibit Hall
- An Opening General Session keynote from internationally renowned biomechatronics pioneer Dr. Hugh Herr

After registering, be sure to reserve your room at Mandalay Bay through AOPA’s discounted hotel block before rooms become limited.

Visit www.AOPAassembly.org to learn more, register, and book your hotel!

Take one thing off your plate before summer gets busy and secure your spot today. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!

05/26/2026

After a brief pause for OTWorld 2026, we’re excited to continue our Get to Know the AOPA Staff series!

Today, we’re spotlighting Akilah Williams, MBA, SHRM-CP, AOPA’s Director of Finance & Strategic Operations. Akilah plays a vital role in helping keep AOPA running smoothly by overseeing the organization’s finances and human resources while supporting the association’s long-term success and impact.

Take a few minutes to learn more about Akilah, what inspires her work, and the difference she hopes to make for AOPA and the O&P profession.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, AOPA honors and remembers the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

As we pause to reflect, we thank all who have served and remember those who gave their lives protecting our freedoms.

05/23/2026

As AOPA staff and leadership head home from OTWorld 2026, we want to extend a sincere thank you to the planners, organizers, hosts, exhibitors, and attendees who made this event such an incredible experience.

OTWorld was truly an impressive gathering of the global O&P community. The level of collaboration, innovation, education, and engagement throughout the week was remarkable, and it was clear how much hard work and planning went into making the event a success. We are grateful for the warm welcome, meaningful conversations, new connections, and valuable insights gained over the last several days.

We leave energized and inspired by the momentum across the profession and hopeful that we can continue building on it at AOPA’s 2026 National Assembly in Las Vegas.

We look forward to seeing everyone again in September!

05/22/2026

As OTWorld 2026 came to a close and the exhibit hall wrapped up, AOPA staff took a few moments to reflect on the experience, the connections made, and what stood out most during this global gathering of the O&P community.

Hear from Teri Kuffel, JD, Executive Director; Ashlie White, Senior Director of External Affairs; Ashley Vande Bunte, Director of Meetings and Education; and Kelly O’Neill, Assistant Director, Meetings and Exhibitions as they share what they appreciated most about their time at OTWorld and the inspiration they’re bringing home from the event.

They were incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many AOPA members, partners, innovators, and leaders from across the profession. Watch the video to hear their reflections and highlights from an unforgettable week.

05/22/2026

AOPA staff and leadership are making the most of the final two days at OTWorld 2026 by continuing to connect with members, partners, and innovators from across the global O&P community.

From meaningful conversations and collaboration opportunities to sharing ideas and exploring the latest advancements in O&P care, OTWorld continues to highlight the strength and impact of our profession worldwide.

AOPA is grateful for the opportunity to strengthen relationships, build new connections, and bring fresh ideas back to continue supporting the O&P community in the U.S.

05/21/2026

Take a few minutes to hear from AOPA President Kimberly Hanson and President-Elect Matt Swiggum as they share highlights from OTWorld 2026, what has stood out most during the event, and why they’re excited for the O&P community to come together again this September at AOPA’s 2026 National Assembly in Las Vegas.

Watch the video to hear their insights and why you should join AOPA in Vegas!

05/21/2026

AOPA leadership including AOPA President Kimberly Hanson, President Elect Matt Swiggum, Vice-President Shane Wurdeman, PhD, CP, FAAOP(D), Executive Director Teri Kuffel, JD, and Senior Director of External Affairs Ashlie White continue to have a wonderful time connecting with AOPA members, partners, and O&P leaders from around the world this week at OTWorld 2026. The conversations, collaboration, and shared passion for advancing O&P care have made this an incredibly valuable and energizing experience.

A special thank you to Ottobock and Thuasne for graciously hosting the AOPA team for dinners during the week. We truly appreciate the hospitality and the opportunity to continue building strong relationships across the global O&P community.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and collaborations both in the remaining days of OTWorld and in the future!

05/20/2026

What a fantastic day 2 at OTWorld 2026! AOPA’s workshop, Break into the U.S. Market: Key Insights for Entry – A Leipzig Preview of Las Vegas, and our networking reception in the AOPA U.S. Pavilion were a huge success. It was incredible to see so much engagement, collaboration, and excitement from companies and leaders across the global O&P community looking to expand into the U.S. market.

The conversations don’t stop here. Continue the momentum at AOPA’s 2026 National Assembly in Las Vegas by joining our pre-show workshop: Breaking into the U.S. O&P Market: An Immersive Workshop for Successful Commercialization taking place September 9 from 9am – 5pm.

You’ll hear directly from experts in regulatory, reimbursement, logistics, and commercialization strategy while gaining practical insights to help successfully navigate the U.S. O&P market. Plus, take advantage of one-on-one discussions designed to help accelerate your launch.

Pre-registration is required and space is limited, so register soon for that and then stay for the 2026 National Assembly. Learn more and register at www.AOPAassembly.org

We look forward to continuing these important conversations in Las Vegas!

05/20/2026

One of the highlights of OTWorld 2026 has been the opportunity for AOPA leadership, Teri Kuffel, JD and Ashlie White to connect with AOPA members and fellow O&P leaders from around the world.

From sharing ideas and discussing challenges to exploring innovations and future opportunities, these conversations continue to reinforce the strength and collaboration within the global O&P community.

AOPA is grateful for the chance to build relationships, exchange insights, and help advance the future of O&P together.