Limb Loss and Limb Difference: Turning Awareness into Action
Image: A man with a prosthetic leg sits on an exercise bench while the physical therapist watches to the side.
April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Month. More than 5.6 million Americans live with limb loss or limb difference, including approximately 2.3 million individuals with limb loss and 3.4 million with congenital limb difference. Nearly 45% of those living with limb loss are age 65 or older, and a significant portion are also managing other chronic health conditions. Low-income communities, particularly communities of color, face higher rates of amputation due to limited access to quality preventive care. Each year, approximately 185,000 amputations occur, often due to diabetes, vascular disease, trauma, or cancer.
People with limb loss and limb difference face systemic inequities - there are greater barriers to accessing services, support, medical care, public and private places, the outdoors, jobs, transportation, and much more.
Limb loss changes the lives of people dramatically; they must learn to accept their physical change - physically, psychologically, and emotionally - often let go of former activities, ways of living, and abilities, and learn to live independently. Those with limb differences from birth face a similar challenge, often noticing that they are “different” at a young age and reconciling judgment, barriers to physical performance, possibly bullying, and marginalization. As they grow, they must learn to adapt to places and people in the world that may not understand living with limb difference.
Previously, we published this overview article about the history of limb loss and limb difference, and another article that goes into more depth and features personal stories - please read to further familiarize yourself.
This year, we will talk about some of the current legislation affecting limb loss and limb difference, some actions you can take to make a difference, and where to find important resources and information.
Colorado Paving the Way: House Bill 23-1136
Image: A man with a prosthetic leg runs on a beach
Historically, insurance only covered a single functional prosthetic. These devices are designed for standing or slow walking and are not suitable for recreation. Using a functional prosthetic for recreation, say, hiking or running, for example, could not only damage the prosthetic but also the body. In Colorado, we have an abundance of trails, parks, lakes and recreation, sports and other activities that require a versatile mobility only found in recreational prosthetics
Before the passage of Colorado House Bill 23-1136, insurance companies regularly denied coverage for activity-specific prosthetics—often referred to as “sports prosthetics.” These devices were categorized as elective or unnecessary, despite the fact that they are essential for many people living with limb loss to fully participate in daily life. While a basic prosthetic might support limited mobility, it often falls short of enabling someone to return to work, engage in recreation, or care for their family.
Advocating for coverage of both functional and recreational prosthetics was a way to advocate for more independence, freedom, choice, and fuller participation in life for individuals with limb loss or limb difference.
HB23-1136 was signed into law in 2023, but after several delays, it officially went into effect on March 17, 2025. This landmark legislation expands insurance coverage to include a broader range of prosthetic and orthotic devices for children, shifting the focus from basic functionality to full participation in life.
The bill is the result of years of grassroots advocacy and collaboration between individuals with limb loss, disability organizations, medical professionals, and legislators. It sends a powerful message: every Coloradan deserves access to the tools they need, not just to get by, but to live fully.
And Colorado isn’t alone. A national movement is gaining momentum through campaigns like the So EveryBODY Can Move 28x28 Mobility Challenge, a powerful initiative that combines advocacy with action. Taking place July 1–28 during Disability Pride Month, the challenge invites people across the country to move their bodies for 28 minutes a day for 28 days—all while raising funds and awareness to support prosthetic fairness legislation.
Whether you walk, run, swim, dance, lift weights, or simply stretch, every movement counts. Participants can register as individuals or teams, track their activity through Strava, and even earn prizes from brand partners. With a goal of raising $50,000 to support ongoing advocacy, the 28x28 Challenge allows everyone to get involved. From sharing your efforts on social media to inviting friends and family to donate or join, this is a chance to turn movement into meaningful change.
Colorado’s own legislation has become an example, showing how policy can reflect real-life needs when communities come together. The 28x28 Challenge builds on that momentum and reminds us that no matter where you are or how you move, you can be part of the grassroots push for equity in mobility. Learn more and sign up for the challenge here.
Rallying for Recognition: The Proclamation Challenge
Image: A graphic shows a map of the United States, color-coded to indicate whether each state has submitted a proclamation request.
Alongside legislative advances, a historic nationwide movement is calling for April to be officially recognized as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in all 50 states. The Proclamation Challenge, led by advocates across the country, is a pivotal effort to raise awareness and forge solidarity. It’s a moment to come together, to amplify the voices of those impacted, and to insist that every state acknowledge the importance of supporting this community.
Here’s how you can be a part of this transformative movement:
Take the Pledge: Join the campaign and help secure proclamations in all 50 states. You can go to the Amputee Coalition's webpage about the challenge here and find information specific to your state.
Utilize Ready-Made Resources: Access pre-written proclamation language templates and a state submission guide designed to simplify the process.
Spread the Word: Use the hashtag #LLLDAM2025 on social media to amplify your support and encourage others to join the cause.
Get Involved: If you need guidance, reach out via email at advocacy@amputee-coalition.org.
Every proclamation is a powerful statement of solidarity—a commitment that every voice matters and that every story deserves to be heard.
Resources for People with Limb Loss
Beyond legislation and proclamations, the journey toward a more inclusive future includes practical, on-the-ground resources for those living with limb loss and limb difference. Accessible support can transform lives, and here are some valuable resources:
Prosthetic Limb Donations: Programs exist to help connect individuals in need with donation opportunities, reducing the financial strain of obtaining state-of-the-art prosthetic devices.
Learn more about prosthetic limb donations here.
Home and Community-Based Services: These services are designed to support individuals in maintaining their independence and quality of life, ensuring that care is available where it’s needed most. Explore home and community-based services here.
Image: A golden retriever is pictured outside where a "service dog" vest.
Financial Assistance for Prosthetic Services: Prosthetics can be expensive. Assistance programs help bridge the gap for those facing economic challenges, making it possible to access essential prosthetic care without overwhelming costs. Find financial assistance for prosthetic services here.
Service Animals: For some, a service animal is not just a companion but a core element of daily support and enhanced mobility. Discover resources for service animals here.
Our Collective Responsibility
Every day, we can take steps to bridge the gap between innovative policy and the lived realities of those in our community. By supporting legislative breakthroughs like Colorado House Bill 23-1136, rallying for statewide proclamations, and promoting initiatives like the So EveryBODY Can Move Mobility Challenge, we affirm that every person with limb loss or limb difference deserves respect, opportunity, and equality.
For Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, let’s honor the resilience of the limb loss community by advocating for policies that remove obstacles, celebrating initiatives that elevate their voices, and uniting in a nationwide call for recognition. Together, we can build a more inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.