American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association

04/07/2026

AOPA extends our sincere thanks to the sponsors of the 2026 Policy Forum for their commitment to advancing the O&P profession and strengthening our collective voice on Capitol Hill.

A very special thank you to our Capitol Leader Sponsor, Cranial Technologies, for their exceptional support. As part of this premier sponsorship, AOPA is proud to partner with Cranial Technologies on a corporate fly-in, returning to Capitol Hill next Wednesday to advocate for TRICARE coverage of cranial remolding orthoses.

We are also very grateful for the support of our Legislative Ally Sponsor, Allard USA, and our Constituent Partner Sponsors: American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics | Becker Orthopedic | Exton Advisors LLC | Hanger Clinic | International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics | National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP) | OPGA | PROTEOR USA | Trulife | World Insurance Associates LLC.

Their partnership helps make this important event possible and ensures the O&P profession is strongly represented where it matters most.

Alongside our sponsors and the over 120 advocates expected next week, we are making an impact for providers, for manufacturers, for patients, and for the future of O&P.

04/06/2026

AOPA is excited to share that Executive Director Teri Kuffel, JD has joined the Board of the Amputee Coalition. This is a meaningful step forward for continued collaboration across the O&P community.

Teri’s appointment further strengthens the connection between AOPA and the Amputee Coalition, creating new opportunities to align efforts, amplify patient voices, and advance shared priorities that support individuals with limb loss and limb difference.

We are honored to welcome Teri Kuffel to the Amputee Coalition Board of Directors.

Kuffel is a respected leader in the orthotics and prosthetics field, bringing decades of experience in advocacy, policy, and business management. Her work at the national level continues to strengthen the profession and support care for people who rely on orthotic and prosthetic services.

She serves as Executive Director of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and previously spent eight years on its Board of Directors, including serving as President from 2022–2023. She also contributes her leadership as a member of the Amputee Coalition Board of Directors.

Kuffel is a recognized advocate for policy and legislative efforts that support the O&P field. She is the recipient of AOPA’s Ralph R. “Ronney” Snell Legislative Advocacy Award, honoring her leadership in advancing policy change. Her service has included work across committees focused on government relations, veterans affairs, and state-level engagement.

In addition to her national leadership, Kuffel brings more than 25 years of experience as the founding co-owner of Arise Orthotics & Prosthetics in Minnesota. Her expertise spans contracts, compliance, human resources, and organizational leadership. She has also contributed as an educator, teaching ethics, compliance, and business practice management in the Master’s Program in Prosthetics & Orthotics at Concordia University St. Paul.

Kuffel’s commitment to service extends across the community. She has served on the board of the Minnesota Society of Orthotists, Prosthetists and Pedorthists and supported nonprofit work through Wiggle Your Toes. She holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

Through her leadership and long-standing commitment, Kuffel continues to support stronger systems of care and expanded opportunities our community. Please join us in welcoming her.

04/02/2026

A second exciting opportunity from The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research...check it out!

🚨 OPENS TODAY🚨

The ABC Chester Haddan Scholar Award honors the legacy of Chester Haddan, CPO Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics' first President and a champion of professional excellence and leadership in Orthotics & Prosthetics.

This year, the scholarship has doubled to $5,000, supporting educational expenses for a highly motivated, full-time Master’s student in O&P who demonstrates exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to making a transformative impact on the profession.

The ABC Chester Haddan Scholar embodies service, innovation, and dedication to elevating professional standards and improving patient outcomes across O&P.

If you are ready to lead — this opportunity is for YOU.

📆 Accepting applications through May 4th
🔗 Learn More: https://oandpfoundation.org/education/
🗒 Apply TODAY: https://orthoticsandprostheticsfoundation.smapply.us/

04/02/2026

Check out this one of several current funding opportunities from our friends at The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research!

✈️ NCOPE Larry Lange Resident Travel Awards OPEN

We’re proud to partner with the National Commission for Orthotics and Prosthetics Education (NCOPE) to offer two $2,000 tax free travel awards supporting the professional development of O&P residents.

These awards help outstanding residents and recent graduates of NCOPE-accredited O&P Residency Programs attend national conferences that strengthen clinical quality, expand professional networks, and accelerate long-term career growth.

If you are committed to continued learning, leadership, and advancing the O&P profession — this opportunity is for YOU.

🗓 Applications now open through May 4th.
🔗 Learn more: https://oandpfoundation.org/education/
🗒 Apply TODAY: https://orthoticsandprostheticsfoundation.smapply.us/

04/01/2026

Happy Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month!

2026 marks 40 years of honoring a community built on connection, resilience, creativity, and shared experience.

AOPA is proud to join the Amputee Coalition in celebrating all month!

04/01/2026

Advocacy remains one of the most powerful ways AOPA supports its members. As AOPA prepares to bring the voice of the O&P profession to Capitol Hill for the 2026 Policy Forum April 13-14, we’re continuing to advocate on your behalf.

On March 30, AOPA submitted formal comments to CMS in response to the proposed CRUSH Initiative, focused on strengthening program integrity and reducing fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicare.

In our comments, we made it clear: we support efforts to eliminate fraud, but those efforts must also protect access to high-quality, clinically appropriate O&P care and avoid unnecessary burdens on qualified providers.

Key priorities we highlighted:
- Strengthening enrollment screening to prevent bad actors from entering the system
- Expanding prior authorization thoughtfully to reduce fraud while maintaining access
- Moving away from “pay and chase” models toward more proactive solutions
- Improving oversight of Medicare Advantage plans
- Protecting beneficiaries from misleading marketing and inappropriate solicitation
- Ensuring qualified providers deliver custom care
- Advancing the Medicare O&P Patient-Centered Care Act

Read the full letter:https://aopanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AOPA-Comments-on-CMS-CRUSH-Initiaitive-RFI-033026.pdf

Advancing the Medicare O&P Patient-Centered Care Act will be front and center as AOPA members and partners meet with lawmakers during the 2026 Policy Forum

If you’re attending, thank you for stepping forward to advocate. If not, there’s still time to get involved. Learn more and register https://lnkd.in/evP8Vc2H

03/31/2026

🚨 Reminder: AOPA Sponsored Research Grant LOIs Due April 6th!

This program is a one-year research grant of up to $50,000, sponsored by the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), to advance critical work led by the Socket Guidance Workgroup (SGW).

This funding opportunity supports research focused on developing standardized methods to evaluate prosthetic socket structural integrity and quality, including load capacity, fatigue resistance, and failure thresholds.

By helping close key evidence gaps, this work will contribute to the development of validated, industry-recognized socket testing standards, inform future ISO-aligned protocols, strengthen safety and quality assurance, support innovation in socket design performance, and enhance clinical, regulatory, and payer confidence in prosthetic care.

📆 Key Deadlines
Letters of Intent (LOI): April 6th
Proposals Due: May 4th

🔗 Application Portal: https://orthoticsandprostheticsfoundation.smapply.us/
📘 Program Manual & Details: https://oandpfoundation.org/research/

03/31/2026

Congratulations to Elijah Brummond on being named the 2026 George and Dena Breece Fellow by National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP)!

Elijah’s journey in advocacy began at just seven years old, and his passion has only grown stronger over time. Many in the AOPA community may also recognize him from attending AOPA’s Policy Forum at a young age, an early sign of his commitment to advancing the O&P profession and the limb loss and limb difference community. These photos are from when Elijah was seven and met with Representative Erik Paulson and Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Now a sophomore at Drake University studying Business Law, Elijah continues to build on that foundation as a dedicated advocate and emerging leader. His selection as this year’s Breece Fellow is a testament to both his personal journey and his ongoing commitment to making a difference.

We look forward to working with him and seeing the impact he will continue to make in advocacy and public policy. Congratulations, Elijah!

03/30/2026

For many in O&P, the path into the profession is more than a career choice, it’s personal. That’s certainly true for Matt Bulow, CP. His journey into O&P was shaped by a deeply personal experience, one that continues to fuel his passion for O&P.

Please take a few minutes to learn more about Matt, what inspires him, and his fun fact, it’s a good one, in our next Meet the Board series.

03/27/2026

This week, AOPA’s Executive Director Teri Kuffel, JD and Senior Director of External Affairs Ashlie White were in Austin, TX connecting with AOPA members, including Hanger Clinic, Ottobock, BrainRobotics, and Martin Bionics.

These visits were an incredible opportunity not only to discuss how AOPA can continue to support and partner with these members and other organizations across O&P, but also to step inside their facilities and offices to see firsthand how their teams operate day to day.

From innovation and technology to patient care and operations, these conversations and experiences provide valuable insights that help strengthen AOPA’s work on behalf of the entire profession.

Thank you to each organization for the warm welcome and for taking the time to share your expertise, perspectives, and commitment to advancing O&P.

03/25/2026

POP Month is here…and it’s not too late to get involved.

Earlier this week, AOPA Executive Director Teri Kuffel, JD sat down with Jim Lawson from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (the creator of the career awareness What Is POP the host of POP Month) to talk about why POP Month matters and how easy it is to participate.

From sharing patient stories to highlighting your team or simply posting about the work you do every day, it all helps raise awareness and strengthens the O&P profession.

When we all take part, our collective voice becomes more powerful.
Please take a few minutes to watch the video to learn how you can get involved today.

You can visit whatispop.org for resources and ideas

Let’s continue to elevate the impact of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics.

03/25/2026

April is almost here and with it, Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month ( )!

This year marks 40 years of honoring a community built on connection, resilience, creativity, and shared experience.

AOPA is proud to join the Amputee Coalition in celebrating this important month, and we invite our members and the entire O&P profession to be part of it.

Whether you:
- Share your story
- Participate in weekly challenges
- Wear orange
- Take action in your community

Your voice matters. Together, we can continue to raise awareness, strengthen connections, and celebrate the individuals we serve.

Join us in recognizing and the powerful impact of this community.