April marks National Limb Loss Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLLDAM). A time to raise awareness, promote advocacy and celebrate a diverse community of individuals and their supporters. Together let’s explore ways to contribute to this national campaign.
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LLLDAM originated 16 years ago initiated by the Amputee Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the lives of Americans with limb loss and limb difference. Each year during the month of April, the LLLD community comes together to raise awareness for the more than 5.6 million people in the United States living with limb loss and limb difference. Approximately 2.3 million people presently have limb loss with the projected number of amputations to rise given the prevalence of vascular disease and diabetes.
Promoting health education about diabetes prevention, proper skincare, following a healthy diet and participation in routine exercise can help reduce the risk of limb loss from chronic health conditions. Access to resources and support are instrumental for those with LLLD to live their full potential.
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There are a number of amazing organizations who freely support the limb loss and limb difference community. From non-profit organizations to support groups, individuals with LLLD and their family members can gain access to a wealth of information and resources including adaptive sports clinics and education regarding new orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) technology.
Despite the wondrous support from the public and health professionals, there is still room for growth and a need to fill the necessary gaps. One significant area is the lack of access to prosthetic and orthotic care beyond a basic daily-use device. Access to activity-specific O&P devices which enable individuals with LLLD to fully engage in healthy living and participation in their communities are often denied by insurance companies. The So Every BODY Can Move (SEBCM) national campaign aims to rectify this inequity in healthcare provision.
The So Every BODY Can Move campaign is bringing LLLD advocacy to the forefront by seeking legislation state by state. The goal is 28×28 ensuring legislation in 28 states by the 2028 Paralympics. Check out how you can support SEBCM in your state.
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The Amputee Coalition is going big this year celebrating LLLDAM and their 40 year anniversary as a community. There are a number of ways you can join in their celebrations. Try 40 movements big or small, 40 acts of kindness, charitable donations of $40 or create your own movement to #ShowUsYour40.
Check out the next issue in this series to see how The O&P PT shows 40!
Join Ottobock Full Circle Movement as a participant or volunteer. Ottobock promotes #FreedomOfMovement via running and mobility clinics for individuals of all mobility and skill levels. Activities will include engagement with adaptive sports products, guidance from trained clinicians and accessibility to all. Some events even offer continuing education opportunities for O&P professionals.
On Wednesdays, We Wear Orange! Orange, the official color of the LLLD community, was chosen to represent the vibrant energy and strength of each individual and the community as a whole. Join the movement and don some orange. Spread the joy and post your colorful support. #WearOrangeWednesday
The O&P PT looks forward to celebrating LLLDAM with you!
References
- Amputee Coalition. “Welcome to the Amputee Coalition.” Amputee Coalition, https://amputee-coalition.org/
- Ottobock. “Limb Loss & Limb Difference Awareness Month.” 2026, https://www.ottobock.com/en-us/limb-loss-and-limb-difference-awareness
- Avalere Health Advisory. “Prevalence of Limb Loss and Limb Difference in the United States: Implications for Public Policy.” 2024, Feb. 14, https://advisory.avalerehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Prevalence-of-Limb-Loss-and-Limb-Difference-in-the-United-States_Implications-for-Public-Policy.pdf
- American Diabetes Association. “Get smart about risks and diabetes prevention.” 2026, https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/diabetes-prevention
- The O&P PT. “The Skinny on Protecting your Skin.“ 2023, June 7, https://oandp-pt.com/skin-protection-orthosis-prosthesis/
- Amputation Prevention Centers of America. “How Eating Well Keeps Your Feet Healthy.” 2026, https://apcofamerica.com/eating-well-keeps-feet-healthy/
- The O&P PT. “Physical Therapy and Healthy Living.” 2025, October 4, https://oandp-pt.com/physical-therapy-healthy-living/
- The O&P PT. “Strength in Numbers.” 2023, April 28, https://oandp-pt.com/strength-in-numbers/
- Hanger Clinic. ,“Helpful Organizations.” Hanger Clinic, https://hangerclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/helpful-organizations-resources.pdf
- Limb Difference Collective. “Organizations.” Limb Difference Collective, https://limbdifferencecollective.org/organizations
- ”Amputee Coalition. “Adaptive Sports Programs.” Amputee Coalition, https://amputee-coalition.org/resources/adaptive-sports-programs/
- So Every BODY Can Move. “So Every BODY Can Move.” SEBCM, https://soeverybodycanmove.org
- So Every BODY Can Move. “Our Goal: 28×28.” SEBCM, https://soeverybodycanmove.org/28-x-28/
- So Every BODY Can Move. “Be a State Advocate.” SEBCM, https://soeverybodycanmove.org/work/#become-an-advocate
- Amputee Coalition. “40 years.” 2026, https://40years.amputee-coalition.org/
- Amputee Coalition. “Join the 40 Challenge!” 2026, https://40years.amputee-coalition.org/join-the-40-challenge/
- Ottobock. “A Celebration of Inclusion and Mobility.” 2026, https://www.ottobock.com/en-us/adaptive-sports/full-circle-movement
- Ottobock. “Celebrating Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month.” 2026, https://www.ottobockcare.us/en-us/blog/limb-loss-and-limb-difference-awareness-month-2026