Introduction
The Amputee Coalition of Canada
The Amputee Coalition of Canada (ACC) was established in 2008 as a nonprofit organization. Its goal is to improve and advance the quality of life of persons with limb loss. After recovery from limb loss, a person must learn to regain their independence not just in their own homes but also to reintegrate into their community. The rehabilitation phase following amputation focuses on providing immediate care for the individual and often teaches them new physical skills to facilitate their adaptation to their physical deficits such as learning to walk with an artificial leg or learning to use a wheelchair. However, when a person with limb loss returns home they often feel isolated and alone. The Amputee Coalition of Canada was created to improve the quality of life of persons with limb loss in their communities by providing education and opportunities to gain skills, lessons, and coping techniques that increase confidence, connectedness, and sense of belonging. Through the ACC, persons with limb loss are educated on how to best engage in social and physical activities following amputation and how to incorporate these activities into their lives.
You can learn more about the Amputee Coalition of Canada by visiting their website.
Peer Visitor Program and Peer Visitor Training
One of the most monumental events to a person who has just undergone an amputation is meeting a person with limb loss who has successfully recovered and is back to living a productive and enjoyable life. Out of this was borne the peer visitor program.