Amputee Walking School Re-Launch 5/25/22

We did it! A team effort of practitioners, physical therapists, patients and their families, volunteers, and Todd and Dennis made it happen for the first time since September of 2019! Due to COVID, the first session of 2020 had to be cancelled, and then the rest of 2020, and all of 2021 followed. Finally, the time arrived when we could gather together again. We might have been masked, but there was no denying the smiles and fellowship for this long awaited gathering.

It used to be that three or four times a year, Paralympians Todd Schaffhauser and Dennis Oehler packed their bags and left Long Island, New York to head to Baltimore for a day of Amputee Walking School.  Amputee Walking School (Advanced Gait Training for Individuals with Lower Extremity Amputations) is a program co-hosted by Dankmeyer and the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Institute (UM Rehab).

The afternoon started with an educational session presented by Todd and Dennis for professionals attending the (virtual) lecture from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. The topic was “Lower Limb Prosthesis Prescription and Training Considerations: An Update.”

After a short break to regroup and relocate to the facilities at UM Rehab, the evening session began at 5pm. The purpose of the evening session in the gym is for all parties to get hands on practice using skills and exercises discussed in the learning session. Supervised by Todd and Dennis, using a treadmill, steps, balance board, and other exercise equipment, physical therapists and Dankmeyer prosthetists and other volunteers were there to lend a helping hand. Participants went through various exercises to practice their stability and mobility. The evening session was well attended, welcoming some returning participants and some first timers.

Want to see some of the fun?? Check out this video:

While we used to be able to meet as many as four times a year, this year we are hoping for one more session in the fall. When our fall 2022 date is confirmed, we will post all about it right here!

If you want to see picture albums and reports from previous sessions dating back a few years, then please browse through the archives of this blog. You may see yourself, or someone you know!

In the meantime, as the back of Dennis’ jacket says, “Keep Moving Forward”.

Rescheduled Amputee Walking School to May 25, 2022

Due to a medical emergency, we have to reschedule the launch of Amputee Walking School to May 25, 2022.

This includes both the afternoon virtual didactics and the evening program for hands on exercises. We are sorry for the inconvenience, but we look forward to May!

Join us, along with Todd and Dennis, as Dankmeyer co-hosts with the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Institute (UM Rehab).  More formally known as Advanced Gait Training for Individuals with Lower Extremity Amputations, this session of Amputee Walking School features two segments.  The afternoon segment is a learning session for professionals. This is followed by an evening session where those with lower limb loss/limb difference and their families come to work with the pros on various kinds of exercises.  The evening session is FREE, but be sure and register so that we can be ready for you.

Professionals will attend the afternoon session from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. The topic is “Lower Limb Prosthesis Prescription and Training Considerations: An Update.” Our first time back, this session is virtual and free of charge. Click here for registration for the professionals’ session.

The evening session is 5 pm - 7 pm. Click here for registration for the free evening session for those with limb loss/limb difference.

You can read all about prior sessions and see a LOT of pictures by scrolling through our AWS news below. We look forward to seeing you at this first 2022 session!

Registration open for April 20, 2022 Amputee Walking School

Registration is now open for the April 2022 Amputee Walking School! This is the first time we have been able to meet since November 20, 2019. It feels like a very long time has passed. Now is time to get together again.

Join us, along with Todd and Dennis, as Dankmeyer co-hosts with the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Institute (UM Rehab).  More formally known as Advanced Gait Training for Individuals with Lower Extremity Amputations, this session of Amputee Walking School features two segments.  The afternoon segment is a learning session for professionals. This is followed by an evening session where those with lower limb loss/limb difference and their families come to work with the pros on various kinds of exercises.  The evening session is FREE, but be sure and register so that we can be ready for you.

Professionals will attend the afternoon session from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. The topic is “Lower Limb Prosthesis Prescription and Training Considerations: An Update.” Our first time back, this session is virtual and free of charge. Click here for registration for the professionals’ session.

The evening session is 5 pm - 7 pm. Click here for registration for the free evening session for those with limb loss/limb difference.

You can read all about prior sessions and see a LOT of pictures by scrolling through our AWS news below. We look forward to seeing you at this first 2022 session!

AWS Returns on April 20, 2022!

It’s true! We have been on a pause it seems like forever, because - well, you know, COVID! But now we can say plans are firming up for the return of Amputee Walking School.

We are still working on registration, but you need to save the date! Todd and Dennis have booked their flights and we want you to mark your calendar to plan to attend.

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Afternoon Virtual Continuing Education Session from 1pm - 4pm.

Evening at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute (UM Rehab) for hands on, in person, exercises and fellowship from 5pm - 7pm. This is the regularly scheduled monthly support group time.

As soon as we have registration information, we will share that with you. Evening sessions are always free for those with limb loss or limb difference and their families.

AWS COVID PAUSE 'til Spring

We are very disappointed to announce that due to the resurgence of COVID-19, we are going to have to cancel plans for the Amputee Walking School in September 2021.

We had hoped to be able to schedule this event for the first time in what seems like forever, but with the quickly emerging changes in COVID, our plans have to be put on hold again. Keeping everyone’s health and safety in mind, we will have to hope for a better environment come spring.