American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association

12/09/2025

The Call for Presentations for AOPA’s 2026 National Assembly is NOW OPEN!

We’re gearing up for one of our most impactful National Assemblies yet—and we’re inviting YOU to help shape the program.

Whether your expertise lies in clinical innovation, business strategy, digital transformation, technical excellence, or pedorthic practice, there’s a place for your voice on the 2026 stage, September 9-12 in Las Vegas.

Submit a presentation for one of our five education tracks: Clinical, Business, Digital O&P, Technical, and Pedorthic.

Why present?
- Amplify your leadership and share emerging insights
- Connect with colleagues and industry leaders across the O&P ecosystem
- Influence the future of care, technology, and professional practice
- Inspire your O&P colleagues—first-time presenters welcome!

We’re looking for sessions that are:
- Innovative and evidence-based
- Practical & ready to implement
- Engaging, relevant, and forward-focused

Submission Deadline: March 4, 2026

Excitement is already building for Vegas—be part of the momentum and help us deliver an unforgettable program.

Submit Your Proposal: https://www.abstractscorecard.com/cfp/submit/login.asp?EventKey=OJBDBRZU

12/08/2025

ICYMI...the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics' Match Campaign for The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research raised $1,255,624!

What a great accomplishment!

🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! 🚨

Together, We Raised $1,255,624! 🎉

The ABC Match campaign has officially concluded, and thanks to YOU, the orthotics, prosthetics and pedorthics community, we reached $1.255M in total support (including the full match from ABC)!

💡 The match may be over, but our mission is not.

Why we can't stop now, the challenges facing OP&P are growing fast:

⚠️ Federal research funding cuts
⚠️ Rising tuition and student loan caps
⚠️ Clinical attrition and burnout
⚠️ Workforce shortages across all roles
⚠️ Increased demand for professional development and quality standards

All of these pressures lead to reduced patient access — and that’s what’s at stake.

Thank you to everyone who mobilized to make this milestone possible. Let’s keep going because patients are counting on us.

🔎 Learn More: https://oandpfoundation.org/together-we-raised-1255624/

🔥 Fuel the Future: https://oandpfoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/258946-fuel-the-future

🎁 Give TODAY: https://oandpfoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/250266-website-donations

12/08/2025

AOPA would like to add our congratulations to the recipients of The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research's inaugural 2025 Fuel the Future of O&P Scholarships.

We love seeing love the innovation and dedication each of these individuals brings to their work. The future of the profession is bright!

🎉 Congratulations to our 2025 Fuel the Future of O&P Scholarship Recipients

We are proud to recognize an inspiring group of emerging professionals who were selected for their academic excellence, dedication to O&P, and potential for transformative impact in the profession.

These scholars represent the future of our profession - innovators who will advance clinical practice, improve outcomes, and strengthen the O&P workforce through dedication, compassion, and lifelong learning.

💡 Each scholarship is an investment in their growth as clinicians and patient advocates. And as they step forward, they will serve hundreds of patients each year, contribute to interdisciplinary care, and drive meaningful change across the O&P community.

Please join us in celebrating this outstanding cohort, we can’t wait to see the impact they will make.

🔎 Learn More: https://oandpfoundation.org/2025-fuel-the-future-of-op-scholarships/

💙 Support Education Programs: https://oandpfoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/250266-website-donations

12/05/2025

AOPA’s Executive Director, Teri Kuffel, JD, and Senior Director of External Affairs, Ashlie White, MSHLS, MA, had a productive meeting with leadership teams from AOPA members, Hanger Clinic and Ottobock.

They had the opportunity to connect with Shane Wurdeman, PhD, CP, FAAOP(D), Hanger’s Chief Clinical Officer; Michael Oros, CPO, FAAOP, President of Hanger Clinic, and Pete Stoy, CEO of Hanger, as well as Cali Solorio, Head of Product Business Ottobock North America.

These conversations were incredibly valuable, filled with thoughtful strategic discussion, shared priorities, and a mutual commitment to strengthening the O&P profession.

AOPA sincerely thanks our colleagues at Hanger and Ottobock for their time, partnership, and continued membership. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to work together to advance O&P care for the communities we serve.

12/03/2025

On Friday, November 28th, CMS published Final Rule CMS-1828-F which included provisions that outlined updates to Medicare DMEPOS competitive bidding programs, Medicare DMEPOS accreditation requirements, Medicare provider enrollment processes, and Medicare prior authorization programs.

AOPA has done additional review and analysis of the final rule since the e-mail sent last weekend. Please, see our latest post for additional information on the provisions of the final rule and their potential impact on the O&P community: https://aopanet.org/additional-analysis-on-the-cms-final-rule-regarding-supplier-enrollment-accreditation-requirements-dmepos-competitive-bidding-and-medicare-prior-authorization/

12/03/2025

Today, we honor International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

This global observance celebrates the strength, resilience, and contributions of more than 1 billion people worldwide living with disabilities—and reaffirms our shared responsibility to build a more accessible world.

In the O&P profession, we see every day how mobility, independence, and opportunity can transform a life. Our care empowers individuals to move, work, play, and participate fully in their lives and communities.

At AOPA, we are proud to champion policies, innovation, research, and education that advance access to high-quality O&P care—because mobility is essential, and everyone deserves the tools and care that help them thrive.

To all individuals with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility challenges, your determination drives our purpose.

To the clinicians, technicians, researchers, educators, manufacturers, and advocates in O&P, thank you the work you do every day.

12/02/2025

Big news…beginning Fall 2026, the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics will become the new partner for AOPA’s Business Certificate Program!

Since 2021, this program has helped strengthen the business and leadership skills of O&P professionals—supporting clinicians, owners, managers, manufacturers, distributors, and administrative staff.

This next chapter brings even greater opportunity.

“AOPA is thrilled to partner with IIOP to expand and enhance this important program,” said Teri Kuffel, JD, AOPA Executive Director. “Strong business leadership is essential to the future of O&P. This partnership ensures professionals gain the strategic knowledge needed to thrive.”

IIOP Founder Arlene Gillis, CP, LPO, M.Ed., added: “Business education is vital to the long-term success of our profession. Together with AOPA, we’re committed to a high-quality, accessible learning experience that empowers O&P leaders at every stage.”

This partnership brings expanded expertise, fresh perspectives, and strengthened leadership training for the entire O&P profession.

More details on registration, courses, and timelines will be released in early 2026. Stay tuned!

12/01/2025

Consider joining the Amputee Coalition's AC 40 Challenge to help them continue to support the limb loss and limb difference community.

Your $40 may feel small, but together it creates something powerful.
Through the AC 40 Challenge, your gift helps:

Connect people to Peer Support

Support youth engagement

Expand resources and advocacy

Give $40 for 40 years and help sustain a full year of support:
https://okt.to/koS3wg

12/01/2025

Today, AOPA welcomes its 2026 Board of Directors.

AOPA's Board of Directors provide guidance, leadership, and insights to advance our mission.

The 2026 Board of Directors are:
President: Kimberly Hanson, CPRH
Immediate Past President: Rick Riley
President-Elect: Matt Swiggum
Vice President: Shane Wurdeman, PhD, CP, FAAOP(D)
Treasurer: Chris Nolan
Matt Bulow, CP
Jeff Erenstone, CPO
Deanna Fish, MS, CPO
Adrienne Hill, MHA, CPO(L), FAAOP
Shane Kelly
Jim Kingsley
Andy Steele, MBA, CPO
Clinician Director: Arlene Gillis, CP, LPO, M.Ed.
Executive Director/Secretary: Teri Kuffel, JD

Learn more: https://aopanet.org/aopa-announces-2026-board-of-directors/

11/29/2025

Policy Update: 2026 DMEPOS/Home Health Final Rule

Published yesterday, November 28 in the Federal Register, AOPA is actively reviewing the 2026 DMEPOS/Home Health Final Rule and what it means for the O&P profession, suppliers, businesses, and patients.

Here are some key finalized provisions so far:
- Annual DMEPOS supplier surveys & reaccreditation (vs. 3-year cycle)
- More detailed Accrediting Organization reporting requirements to CMS
- New processes for granting or removing prior auth exemptions
- Preparations for future Medicare Competitive Bidding rounds

AOPA will share more details, analysis, and insights by Tuesday, December 3.

Please see additional details and how to connect with AOPA in this post

The 2026 DMEPOS/Home Health Final Rule was published in the Federal Register yesterday, November 28th. AOPA is still reviewing the rule and will be providing additional details as well as […]

11/29/2025

There is still time to double your impact!

Every gift made before tomorrow, November 30, 2025 counts toward the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics $1 Million Match Challenge, supporting The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research's education, research, and professional development programs to advance patient care.

🎁 Counting Down | Giving Tuesday is just 7 days away!

Don’t wait for Giving Tuesday to make your impact— double it today — every gift made before November 30, 2025 counts toward the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics $1 Million Match Challenge, supporting OP&P education, research, and professional development programs to advance patient care.

💙 Make your Giving Tuesday gift TODAY and help us reach the finish line before time runs out!
https://oandpfoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/250266-website-donations

🌟 Keep making an impact and Fuel the Future with us:
https://oandpfoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/258946-fuel-the-future

11/26/2025

Please take a moment to listen to Rick Riley’s final remarks as AOPA President. In this heartfelt farewell, Rick reflects on a year of progress, partnership, and advocacy—and shares his deep gratitude for the members, volunteers, colleagues, fellow Board members, and staff who make this profession so exceptional.

He also offers a warm welcome to Kimberly Hanson, CPRH, who will assume the role of AOPA President on December 1.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving!