American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association

02/02/2026

AOPA is excited to launch “Meet the AOPA Board of Directors”, a series designed to help our members, and the broader O&P community get to know the dedicated volunteer leaders helping guide AOPA’s strategic priorities and the future of the profession.

Today, we’re kicking things off with AOPA President Kimberly Hanson, CPRH whose commitment to advocacy, innovation, collaboration, and strengthening the O&P community continues to move our mission forward.

Stay tuned as we introduce the rest of the board members working on behalf of O&P professionals nationwide.

01/29/2026

Be part of one of the largest and most influential gatherings in O&P. AOPA’s National Assembly brings together more than 2,000 clinicians, technicians, business leaders, researchers, educators, manufacturers, and students from across the country and around the world.

Our Call for Presentations for the 2026 National Assembly taking place September 9-12 in Las Vegas is now open, and we want to hear from you.

In this short video, members of AOPA’s National Assembly Planning Committee Digital O&P Care Workgroup share what they’re looking for in 2026 and why your voice and expertise are so important to this year’s program.

Learn more and submit your presentation https://www.abstractscorecard.com/cfp/submit/login.asp?EventKey=OJBDBRZU

01/28/2026

AOPA’s Executive Director, Teri Kuffel, JD and Senior Director of External Affairs, Ashlie White attended the Hanger Global Partner Summit and Hanger LIVE this past week.

Participating in these events provides AOPA leadership the chance to engage in meaningful conversations alongside other leaders and partners from across the O&P community who like us, are focused on innovation, collaboration, and advancing the future of the profession and patient care.

As the national association representing the profession, AOPA values opportunities to collaborate with stakeholders who share a commitment to advocacy, education, and ensuring that O&P providers and the patients they serve remain at the center of our efforts.

Thank you and congratulations to the entire Hanger Clinic team for their outstanding leadership in convening such an impactful gathering and for fostering an environment of shared learning and progress, especially while navigating the winter weather. AOPA is grateful to be included in these conversations and looks forward to continued partnership in support of the O&P community.

01/27/2026

Registration is OPEN for AOPA’s 2026 Policy Forum!

Join us April 13–14 in Washington, DC at the Washington Marriott Capitol Hill as we come together under this year’s theme: Advocating Together, Advancing O&P.

The Policy Forum is where the O&P profession’s voice is heard. It brings clinicians, leaders, and patient advocates face to face with federal policymakers to:
• Champion patient access and fair coverage
• Strengthen relationships on Capitol Hill
• Protect and advance the future of O&P

Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or stepping into advocacy for the first time, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact for your patients, your practice, and our profession.

Let’s advocate together.

Registration is now open! https://aopahub.aopanet.org/events/event-registration/?id=70da454f-f4f2-f011-92b9-7c1e529e7d82

01/26/2026

Back with the first AOPA's Take of 2026, Joe McTernan, AOPA's Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs discusses how Medicare is now covering orthotic treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. Please take a few minutes to hear about the L-codes that are covered, the coverage criteria, and the documentation needed to support coverage.

01/23/2026

Take the stage at AOPA’s 2026 National Assembly!

Join us September 9–12 in Las Vegas as we build on the momentum of a highly successful 2025 National Assembly and deliver one of our most dynamic, engaging programs yet.

The National Assembly is the largest and most influential gathering in orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics. It brings together 2,000+ clinicians, technicians, business leaders, researchers, educators, manufacturers, and students from around the world. Presenting is your opportunity to get in front of them and help shape the future of O&P.

We are now accepting presentation proposals across five tracks:
• Clinical – Case studies, research, techniques, patient-centered care
• Business – Operations, leadership, reimbursement, compliance, strategy
• Technical – Fabrication methods, materials, tools, hands-on innovation
• Digital – Data, AI, outcomes, remote care, emerging technologies
• Pedorthic – Foot care, footwear, orthoses, patient outcomes

We’re looking for content that’s innovative, engaging, and immediately actionable

Why present?
• Showcase your expertise and leadership
• Earn CE credit for presenting
• Expand your professional network
• Help elevate and advance the O&P profession

Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or presenting for the first time, we encourage you to share your insights and experience.

Submission Deadline: March 4

Learn more and submit your proposal and be part of the conversation shaping O&P’s future in Vegas!
https://aopaassembly26.eventscribe.net/aaStatic.asp?SFP=UVJNUEhaQUJAMjQ2MTlAQ2FsbCBmb3IgUHJlc2VudGF0aW9ucyA

01/21/2026

Yesterday, AOPA staff, Ashlie White, Morgan Fabber, and Joe McTernan met with Representatives Rulli and Fitzpatrick to discuss the importance of the Medicare O&P Patient-Centered Care Act and how this legislation can improve access to timely, appropriate patient-centered O&P care.

AOPA appreciates the Representatives and their staff for taking the time to engage on issues that matter to the O&P profession and the limb loss and limb difference community. AOPA continues to work diligently to build support for this legislation and advocate for policies that strengthen the profession and patient care.

01/20/2026

While in California for the 2026 O&P Leadership Conference, AOPA leadership and staff had the opportunity to visit the California State University, Dominguez Hills O&P program and tour its new facilities. It was a pleasure to see the space where future O&P professionals will learn, train, and grow as well as to connect with the faculty and team who are helping shape the next generation of clinicians.

Thank you to the CSUDH O&P program for the warm welcome and hospitality. We wish you all the best as classes begin and students arrive for the new academic term. We’re excited to see the impact this new facility will have on O&P education and the profession’s future!

01/16/2026

Congratulations to the Amputee Coalition on a truly outstanding conference celebrating 40 years of your impact, advocacy, and community.

This milestone event honored four decades of empowering individuals with limb loss and limb difference while bringing together advocates, professionals, and partners who are shaping a more inclusive future.

AOPA leadership (Kimberly Hanson, President; Shane Wurdeman, PhD, Vice President; Arlene Gillis, Clinician Director; Adrienne Hill, MHA, CPO(L), FAAOP, Board Member; Teri Kuffel, JD, Executive Director; and Ashlie White, Senior Director of External Affairs) was proud to be out in full force, supporting the Amputee Coalition, connecting with the limb loss and limb difference community, and celebrating the powerful partnerships that strengthen access, care, and outcomes.

Thank you to the Amputee Coalition for your leadership, collaboration, and unwavering commitment over the past 40 years. Here’s to continued partnership and progress in the years ahead!

01/15/2026

The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP) is now accepting applications for the George and Dena Breece Health Policy and Advocacy Fellowship a paid, 10-week summer fellowship in Washington, DC.

This highly competitive program offers hands-on exposure to federal O&P policy and advocacy, giving Fellows the opportunity to work alongside national organizations dedicated to improving access to O&P care for both patients and providers.

What the Fellowship Offers:
• Immersive experience in federal O&P advocacy and policy
• Exposure to O&P clinical and business environments
• Insight into disability and rehabilitation policy
• State-level advocacy experience
• Travel expenses covered by NAAOP

The Fellowship will run late May through early August 2026 and is based in Washington, DC. One Fellow will be selected through a competitive application and interview process.

If you’re passionate about advocacy, policy, and shaping the future of the O&P profession, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Applications are due January 20, 2026.

Learn more and apply on NAAOP’s website:

A Psychology graduate from UMass Amherst, Annika brings both lived experience and infectious enthusiasm to her role as User Experience Specialist at PSYONIC Inc., a startup creating advanced bionic hands. Born with a limb difference, she works closely with individuals throughout their prosthetic jou...

01/13/2026

Mark your calendar for AOPA’s 2026 Policy Forum! This premier advocacy event will be back to in-person and will bring AOPA members, leaders, partners, and individuals living with limb loss and limb difference together to engage directly with policymakers, strengthen relationships, and advance priorities critical to the O&P profession and the individuals we serve.

More details, including agenda, hotel and registration information, will be shared soon. Until then, save the date!

01/13/2026

We were proud to honor the inaugural class of AOPA’s O&P Rising Stars at the 2026 O&P Leadership Conference!

Janine Albrecht, MSOP, CPO, WillowWood
Cassandra Delgado, MSPO, CPO, Coyote Prosthetics & Orthotics
Graci Finco, PhD, CPO, TCU – Texas Christian University

This new recognition celebrates professionals under 35 whose leadership, innovation, and dedication are helping shape the future of O&P. It was especially meaningful to have this first class actively participating throughout the conference. Their insights, questions, and engagement enriched the conversations, and reinforced just how bright the future of O&P truly is.

Congratulations to our O&P Rising Stars, and thank you for the energy, perspective, and leadership you bring to our profession. We can’t wait to see what you do next.