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Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month

Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month April 1 - 30. Three Veterans performing rehab with prosthetics.
By Gloria Hairston, Director of Public Affairs

April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, offering an opportunity to spotlight the many services provided to Veterans who receive care through the DC VA Medical Center’s Amputee Rehabilitation Program.

The skilled physical therapy team members are honored to guide Veterans through the challenges associated with amputation. With the Veteran at the center of the care plan, goals are established collaboratively and the pathway forward to healing and independence is paved.

Jaisie I. Stevens is the Amputee Rehabilitation Coordinator at Washington DC VA Medical Center. The rehabilitation process begins with Veterans writing their “goals, even those that feel unattainable,” Stevens shares.

 "The rehabilitation process begins with Veterans writing their goals, even those that feel unattainable,” according to Jaisie Stevens, Amputee Rehabilitation Coordinator, at the Washington DC VA Medical Center.

The practice of writing goals is a way for Veterans to track their reintegration process, which is the central focus of the program.  Reintegration includes staying connected to the amputee community through outreach events and actively engaging in clinic. 

"We found much success among Veterans who stay connected to their community," Stevens shared. Therefore, the DC VAMC Amputee Rehabilitation Program includes taking Veterans to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture and hosting cycling clinics where they can engage with other Veterans while naturally moving their bodies. 

When asked what advice program coordinator Stevens has for recent amputees, she shared about the importance of taking it one step at a time. Amputee rehabilitation is a marathon not a sprint, but with an individualized rehabilitation plan and consistent dedication to therapy, Veterans will see a huge impact.

In addition to offering adaptive sports and cycling clinics, the DC VAMC Amputee Rehabilitation Program offers the following services to help amputees thrive:

  • Amputee Clinic​
  • Inpatient Boot Camp for new amputees​
  • Prosthetic fabrication​
  • Wheelchair Clinic​
  • Driver’s Rehab​
  • Home Evaluation​
  • Physical & Occupational Therapy​
  • Integrated Health & Wellness​
  • Adaptive Sports​
  • Support Group (In-person & Virtual)​
  • Peer Support ​
  • Caregiver Support​
  • Community outings​
  • Amputee Case Management services​

 

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