Giving Wings to Dreams for 10 Years

by Jack Richmond

This month, OPAF celebrates its 10th anniversary of providing opportunities in the O&P community.

OPAF sprang to life one decade ago as the O&P Athletic Fund to provide financial and in-kind support to the 1996 Paralympics. Keeping with the changing times and understanding the full range of activities that individuals with disabilities participate in, OPAF changed its name in 2001 to the O&P Assistance Fund.

Although OPAF has been working in the O&P community for 10 years, many have little idea of who we are and what we do. This is unfortunate indeed, because OPAF has been a key player not only in helping those individuals served by O&P, but also in the important work of raising awareness of orthotics and prosthetics in the medical community and the general public.

What is OPAF?

OPAF is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) public charity. Our primary mission is to enable individuals with physical disabilities—especially those served by members of the O&P community—to enjoy the rewards of personal achievement, physical fitness and social interaction.

OPAF accomplishes its mission through partnerships with individuals and organizations. Together, we raise public awareness of physical disability and the rehabilitative technology available through O&P. The overall goal of our efforts is to improve the quality of rehabilitation medicine, science and technology.

Who directs its mission?

OPAF has an office staff of two: Executive Director Jeffrey S. Reznick, Ph.D., and Director of Operations Julie A. Besaha.

The staff is guided by a 14-person board of directors, which is listed on the “Association Leadership” page of the Almanac every month. 

What does OPAF do?

OPAF’s direct-service programs and initiatives include:

• Washington, D.C. Community Initiative (DCCI) provides regular mentoring and leadership development among youths undergoing physical rehabilitation at the nonprofit HSC Pediatric Center.
• Community Connections is modelled after the DCCI. In their communities, OPAF volunteers help increase awareness of the benefits of assistive technology.
• Internship Program provides opportunities for students to learn about O&P, nonprofit organizations, programs for people with physical disabilities and public service.
• Orthotics and Prosthetics Awareness Initiative offers educational resources to those interested in the past, present and future of O&P.
• Speaker Program gives board, staff and select volunteers the opportunity to speak at public forums about O&P and OPAF.
• Dale Yasukawa Memorial Fund and Scholarship Program provides financial support for O&P students to attend the Midwest Academy chapter meeting.
• Paralympic Support Initiative helps assure the highest quality of care for Paralympic athletes through the practitioner volunteer selection process.
• Grant Program awards modest financial assistance to charities that share OPAF’s commitment to supporting an enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
• Fit for Life provides outreach support to programs that benefit individuals with limited mobility, specifically through the National Amputee Golf Association’s First Swing Clinics.

How can OPAF help me?

The programs listed here are just the start of how OPAF can help. OPAF exists for you, the O&P professional, to help you give back to an industry that has so much to offer those with disabilities.

OPAF welcomes your suggestions and support to help us sustain our current programs and establish new ones. Volunteers are also needed in many areas; everyone can make a difference.

How I can help OPAF?

OPAF’s financial support comes mainly from donations made by corporations and individuals.

There are many levels of giving, and every gift makes a difference in the lives of those individuals who benefit from OPAF’s programs. This year—our 10th year—will be a year of challenges, many of them related to financial support of our programs.

We need your support in order to continue our programs in OPAF. Please resolve this year to support an organization that represents O&P in such positive ways.

For more information on OPAF, visit our Web site, www.opfund.org.

Jack Richmond is the president of OPAF.