Disability Rights Florida Blog

Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month

Monday, April 25, 2022

As days, weeks, and months fly by, we like to stop and share what each period of time may mean to us! When we’re in the month of April, we often think of the community with limb losses and differences. What’s important is to recognize that this community is prominent year-round! We join other advocacy groups across the country in raising awareness around limb loss and limb differences with a specific theme in 2022 of “Your Ordinary is Extraordinary”. This movement is intended to focus on the limb loss and limb difference community and the vital need to support efforts that advance equitable medical access, care, and coverage.

Image: three graphics of people with limb differences. Text reads Disability Rights Florida dot org

Image: In large, orange, capital letters: SUPPORT THE MISSION: The Amputee Coalition is the leading, national nonprofit organization working to support people with limb loss and limb difference. Our mission is to reach out to and empower people affected by limb loss and limb difference to achieve their full potential through education, support and advocacy, and to promote limb loss prevention.

In large, orange, capital letters: LIMB LOSS AND LIMB DIFFERENCE MONTH: In small black text it reads, The Amputee Coalition has designated April as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month to raise awareness about limb loss and limb difference. To learn more, go to amputee-coalition.org.

In large, orange, capital letters: OVERVIEW: In small black text it reads, 2.1 Million people living with limb loss in the U.S. 185,000 people have an amputation each year in the U.S. 507 people lose a limb each day in the U.S. 1,558 military personnel lost a limb as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 3.6 million people will be living with limb loss by 2050. 36% of people living with limb loss experience depression. 85% of lower-limb amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer. Source information can be found at https://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/limb-loss-statistics/

In large, orange, capital letters: FACTS: In light and dark blue boxes with white text and black graphics of money, people, and an ambulance, it reads, Lifetime healthcare costs for people with limb loss is $509,275 compared to $361,200 for people without limb loss. African Americans are 4 times more likely to have an amputation than white Americans. Hospital charges for patients who underwent an amputation totaled $10 billion in 2014.

In large, orange, capital letters: LIMB LOSS COMMUNITY INCIDENCE: Gender of Amputation Patients, 2014: 31% Female, 69% Male. Age at Amputation, 2014: Less than 1, .2%; 1-17, 1%; 18-44, 11%; 45-64, 46%; 65-84, 36%; older than 85, 6%.

In large, orange, capital letters: LIMB LOSS COMMUNITY PREVALENCE: Cause of Amputation: Vascular Disease, 54%; Trauma, 45%; Cancer, 2%. Type of Amputation: Upper Limb, 35%, Lower limb, 65%.

In a small gray banner at the bottom of the infographic: This project was supported, in part, by grant number 90LLRC0001-01-00, from the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

Image: Orange ribbon with text that reads 2022 Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month. April 1-30

There is beauty in individuality which is why Disability Rights Florida promotes the idea that each person’s ordinary, is actually extraordinary. We want to let the limb loss and limb difference community know that they are not alone, and they are recognized and appreciated by many. There is power in unity, and we know that this community possesses strength that can be channeled towards advocacy. Representation is critical in advocacy efforts to achieve more equitable and accessible standards.

Disability Rights Florida is alongside you during any challenges you or a loved one might face as it relates to limb loss awareness! Here are just a few of the ways we can help out:

• Access to assistive technology and devices such as communication devices and power wheelchairs
• Access to mental health and support services that provide individualized treatment
• Employment accommodations, as well as accessing, maintaining or regaining employment, and vocational rehabilitation
• Voting registration, vote casting, and accessible polling places
• Access to services that will enable veterans with service-related injuries a successful transition to civilian life
• Rights to a least restrictive environment, privacy, choice, dignity, and other basic human and civil rights