So Every BODY Can Move

On July 26th, 2022,  AOPA, along with our partner organizations – the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP), the Amputee Coalition, and the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) – launched the groundbreaking policy and advocacy initiative, So Kids Can Move.  

During this year, we’ve seen unprecedented legislative success. Three states – Arkansas, Colorado, and New Mexico – have now joined Maine in enacting legislation that creates coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care necessary for physical activity for all ages. Illinois is soon to follow as the bill awaits the governor’s signature. In addition, four states – Indiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and New Jersey – have joined the movement, introducing legislation in 2023, and we’re proud to share that over 20 states are working to bring this legislation to their states. At this point, expect a dozen bills to be introduced in 2024. 

What started as a focus on children has successfully expanded with the majority of states pursuing legislation for all ages. With that, we are excited to officially announce an evolution and reenvisioning of the initiative, now called So Every BODY Can Move. 

Through So Every BODY Can Move, we aim to continue to disrupt healthcare inequity with a policy solution rooted in dignity and justice: by empowering state-by-state legislative action, expanding access to medically necessary orthotic and prosthetic care for physical activity. Our ultimate goal: 28×28. To enact this legislation in 28 states by the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, sparking a national movement for change and creating the opportunity to pursue federal, nationwide reform. 

The success of this initiative would not be possible without AOPA’s members, who work tirelessly every day for a world where orthotic and prosthetic care transforms lives. Thanks to our generous partners, NAAOP, the Amputee Coalition, and AAOP, as well as the advocates and our supporters, who have all contributed to the initiative’s success. Interested in sponsoring or bringing So Every BODY Can Move to your state? Contact Advocacy@AOPAnet.org. 

THE BILLS:

Legislation Enacted: 

Legislation Introduced: 

Learn more, checkout these FAQs.

To support, make a donation here.

SURVEY:

You are invited to participate in a survey on physical activity in people with limb loss, limb difference, or limb impairment.

In this survey, you will be asked questions about your participation in physical activity and your experiences using assistive devices like prosthetics or orthotics.

Results from this survey will be used to support So Every BODY Can Move, an initiative to create equitable and life-changing access to orthotic and prosthetic care necessary for physical activity for individuals with limb loss and limb difference.

You are eligible to participate in this survey if:

  1. You have limb loss, limb difference, or limb impairment OR you are a parent responding on behalf of your child with limb loss, limb difference, or limb impairment
  2. You live in the United States or a United States territory

It will take about 10 minutes to complete the survey. If you complete the survey, you can enter a raffle to win a $10 Amazon gift card.

Please use this link to access the survey:

Questions? Contact Dr. Susannah Engdahl at sengdahl@aopanet.org or (571) 431-0843.

*Survey may be completed verbally over the phone upon request.

EVENTS:

We launched So Kids Can Move in Oregon at the renowned 40th annual Hood to Coast Relay Race (Aug 26-27, 2022) with the help of 12 athletes with disabilities on Team Forrest Stump.

To help promote and raise funds for the initiative, we once again have an all-adaptive team of athlete-advocates competing at the renowned Hood To Coast Relay this August 25-26 (2023). Last year, the team was featured in Outside Magazine and raised close to $40,000. This year’s team is sponsored by On’s Right To Run social impact program and includes 12 athletes with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments along with a full support crew including a prosthetist/orthotist, two drivers, a guide, and dedicated volunteers. They will attempt to complete the 198-miles in 36 hours with the goal to raise $50,000 for So Every BODY Can Move. Want to meet the athletes and help support their efforts? Read more here. 

Photos from 2022:

Credit @patpressphoto

We launched So Kids Can Move nationally in September at AOPA’s National Assembly in San Antonio during a fundraising event at The Alamo. We hosted over 100 attendees and raised $11,250 for this initiative. Here are some photos.

MEDIA:

PARTNERS: