The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) represents a vast majority of the orthotics and prosthetics profession who aim to better the lives of individuals with limb loss and difference and those whose lives are improved by orthotic devices. As such, AOPA affirms that discrimination in all forms is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This includes racism, sexism, agism, ableism, and all other forms of discrimination and unequal treatment.
Given that Black Americans lose limbs at higher rates than non-Hispanic white Americans , it is only right and appropriate that our profession ensures safe, fair, and equal treatment for these individuals. It is also right and appropriate that these and all individuals are fairly represented within our profession, ensuring patients see themselves reflected in those who care for them.
In the coming year, AOPA will launch our Defining Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, taking genuine, meaningful action to look inward and identify, define, and rectify points of inequality and discrimination and resolve to address racism and increase diversity in the profession.
The Initiative will begin with the hosting of dedicated roundtables, these will provide members an opportunity to discuss what actions they have in place, their feelings on how to further diversity and inclusion as well as what AOPA can do to better support them, the profession, and patients in order to take meaningful action.
To express interest in participating in a roundtable, please complete this form by next Friday, October 9. We will follow up with specifics on the roundtables, including dates and times.
Thank you for all you do for AOPA, the profession, and more importantly the patients. We look forward to working with you to address racism and increase diversity in the profession. Together we will make a difference.
If you have any questions please contact Joy Burwell at jburwell@AOPAnet.org.