American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association

02/23/2026

Join AOPA and Surestep for a free, live 1-hour sponsored webinar designed to help clinicians confidently create individualized treatment plans using Surestep’s Lower Extremity Solutions.

“Move: Stability in Every Step with Surestep’s Lower Extremity Solutions” will explore SMOs and AFOs with varying levels of control and introduce Surestep’s AFO Decision Tool. Learn how postural control, spasticity, range of motion, weight, and activity level influence AFO design and orthotic selection.

By attending, you will:
- Gain a brief overview of gait development and ambulation goals
- Understand the differences between Dynamic Stability, Functional Support, and Alignment Control
- Learn how to use the AFO Decision Tool to verify or guide orthotic recommendations
- See real-world pediatric case applications

The webinar will end with a live Q&A, giving you the opportunity to engage directly with the experts.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your clinical decision-making and optimize outcomes for pediatric patients.

Register today to secure your spot: https://aopahub.aopanet.org/events/event-registration/?id=df54d7f8-570c-f111-83db-0022484dbfe9

02/23/2026

AOPA President Kimberly Hanson, CPRH is kicking off her video updates by sharing key insights and takeaways from AOPA’s 2026 O&P Leadership Conference and why they matter for the future of O&P.

In this short video, Kimberly reflects on the powerful discussions that brought together leaders from patient care, manufacturing, academia, research, and advocacy. From navigating leadership in complex systems to examining how real-world data, market forces, workforce challenges, and value-based care are shaping O&P, the conference focused on how our profession can lead with clarity and purpose in a rapidly evolving environment.

She also highlights standout moments and meaningful conversations around innovation, quality of care, workforce capacity, and AOPA’s investment in future leaders.

Please take a few minutes to watch the video and to hear these updates as well as what is next for AOPA and for the O&P profession.

02/21/2026

AOPA closed out our time in Nashville with our Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs Joe McTernan presenting the session, Solving the O&P Reimbursement Puzzle. He shared his expertise on how providers can successfully navigate the various reimbursement challenges they face.

Thank you to the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists for a great week! And thank you to everyone who attended!

It was a privilege to be together with the O&P community. AOPA truly enjoyed spending time with colleagues from across the profession to connect, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations. We’re energized by the ideas shared and look forward to building on those discussions as we continue working together to move the profession forward.

02/20/2026

Next up in our Meet the Board series: Rick Riley, Immediate Past President.

Rick has spent 10 years serving on the AOPA Board, helping guide the organization and supporting the O&P profession. Please take a few minutes to learn what he’s enjoyed most about his decade of board service, why giving back to the profession has meant so much to him, and what he is looking forward to most for the profession and personally.

02/19/2026

The AOPA team is excited to be in Nashville for the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists' Annual Meeting!

We’re looking forward to meaningful conversations, connecting with attendees, answering questions, and sharing more about how AOPA supports and strengthens the O&P profession.

Stop by Booth 624 to say hello, meet the team, get your questions answered, and learn more about AOPA, we’d love to see you!

02/18/2026

The AOPA Executive Committee extends their sincere thanks to Manisha Bhaskar for 30 years of dedicated service to the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists and for her unwavering commitment to the O&P profession.

Manisha’s dedication, leadership, and passion for the O&P profession have left a lasting impact on our community and the professionals it serves.

Thank you, Manisha, and best wishes to all the Academy Board and staff for another successful Annual Meeting!

02/17/2026

Another event to attend if you are at the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists' Annual Meeting this week, The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research Networking Fundraiser. Attend to help fuel the future of O&P!

Learn more and register: https://oandpfoundation.networkforgood.com/events/95605-fuel-the-future-the-o-p-foundation-networking-fundraiser?fbclid=IwY2xjawQBvpRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEegq21gSAgL0wjCq2iPz6k0CIXiPhjnM4ueNQzEuebm2SdlvetZxGsdmJtVak_aem_UWDOfqSRDnYnhUUU1lIB7w

Join us for drinks and networking to celebrate Fueling the Future of O&P!

02/17/2026

If you are attending the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists' Annual Meeting this week in Nashville, be sure to join AOPA and attend the So Every Body Can Move Activation Celebration on Thursday night!

It will be an amazing night and is a fantastic way to support the initiative!

Register: https://charity.pledgeit.org/2026AAOPAnnualMeeting

This movement is growing—and we’re just getting started.

Join us in Music City as we mark a major moment for So Every BODY Can Move and build momentum toward our most ambitious legislative year yet.

28 states by LA28.
28×28 | Feb 19 | 7:30 PM | Ga***rd Opryland

02/14/2026

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating what truly connects our community — compassion, care, and commitment.

Every day, orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic professionals help people move, live, and thrive with confidence. Your dedication changes lives, strengthens families, and builds healthier communities — and that’s something worth celebrating.

From all of us at AOPA, thank you for the heart you bring to this profession.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

02/13/2026

Yesterday, AOPA staff Joe McTernan and Morgan Fabber, MPH met with Senator Roger Marshall’s office to discuss the importance of the Medicare O&P Patient-Centered Care Act and other key issues impacting the O&P profession.

These conversations are critical to ensuring patients have access to high-quality, clinically appropriate care and that providers can continue delivering services that improve mobility, independence, and quality of life.

We thank Senator Marshall and his staff for their time, engagement, and support of the O&P community. We look forward to continuing to work together to advance policies that strengthen patient care and access.

02/12/2026

AOPA would like to add our congratulations to our Board Vice President, Shane Wurdeman, PhD, CP, FAAOP(D) for being named to The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research's Legacy Leadership Council!

We’re proud to welcome Shane Wurdeman, PhD, CP, FAAOP(D) to the Legacy Leadership Council of The Orthotics & Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research.

A nationally respected clinician, researcher, and executive leader, Shane is a co-founder of The O&P Foundation and has dedicated his career to advancing evidence-based practice, clinical quality, and outcomes across orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics. His depth of experience, institutional knowledge, and long-standing commitment to the profession make him an invaluable addition to the Council.

The Legacy Leadership Council brings together past board leaders and key contributors to provide strategic insight, mentorship, and continuity as we work to strengthen the OP&P profession and improve patient care nationwide.

We are grateful for Shane’s continued leadership and partnership—and excited for what’s ahead.

🔗 Learn More: https://oandpfoundation.org/wurdeman-joins-legacy-leadership-council/
🔎 Meet the Council: https://oandpfoundation.org/legacy-council/

02/11/2026

AOPA is a proud partner of What Is POP's POP Month, a celebration of the prosthetic, orthotic and pedorthic (POP) profession. It’s an opportunity for our members to recognize, motivate and inspire everyone in the POP community.


Join American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics’ POP Month Planning Pep Rally tomorrow, Thursday, February 12 from 4:30-5:00 pm ET to hear ideas and resources to help your organization host an incredible event.

is a month-long celebration of the prosthetic, orthotic and pedorthic (POP) profession. It recognizes, motivates and inspires professionals across the country.

Join virtual planning pep rally on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 4:30 p.m. ET with the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics to hear ideas and resources to help your organization host an incredible event.

With the help of toolkits, materials and hands-on support, celebrating your team this POP Month is easy. Register: https://ow.ly/Fn0N50YbJHY