The Impact of HHS Cuts to the ACL on the Limb Loss Community and O&P Industry

Published in Orthotics & Prosthetics on May 01, 2025

As we navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare policy, I want to address a critical issue that directly affects both the limb loss community and the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) industry. The recent announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to eliminate the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and redistribute programs supporting people with disabilities and their caregivers raises significant concerns about continuity and effectiveness in our services.

The National Limb Loss Resource Center (NLLRC), which has been a cornerstone of support for the 5.6 million individuals living with limb loss and limb difference, must remain intact. The NLLRC has played a vital role in improving health, independence, and quality of life for our community. Any disruption to this resource could lead to detrimental consequences for both service delivery and ongoing progress within the limb loss community and the O&P industry.

The NLLRC, in partnership with the Amputee Coalition, has received bipartisan support and funding since 1996. It has been a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, providing essential services that would otherwise be inaccessible to those experiencing amputations or congenital limb differences, as well as their families and caregivers. As Cass Isidro, CEO and President of the Amputee Coalition, aptly stated, “The NLLRC is part of an efficient and effective network of programs and organizations that have been combined in the ACL to ensure collaboration and collective support.” The dismantling of the ACL could lead to costly gaps and redundancies, jeopardizing the holistic support our community relies on.

The services currently offered through the ACL are not just essential; they are life-saving and cost-effective. These include:

• National Limb Loss Resource Center (NLLRC)
• National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC)
• National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
• Community-based services and meal programs
• Developmental Disability councils, University Centers on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and Protection and Advocacy networks
• Centers for Independent Living and Area Agencies on Aging

The restructuring of these services has the potential to disproportionately impact older adults, who often rely on community-based services for their well-being. Secretary Kennedy's commitment that “no American will be left behind” must encompass the lives of mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, and veterans living with limb loss and limb difference.

A vital component of the resources provided by the NLLRC and the Amputee Coalition is peer support and support groups. Research consistently shows that patients who have access to peer support and educational resources experience better outcomes. As someone living with limb loss, I can definitively say that my life would not be the same without the invaluable resources provided to me by the Amputee Coalition early in my limb loss journey. The Amputee Coalition gave me a roadmap through unknown territory that enabled me to navigate my situation and find success. The connections I made through support groups and the education I received were instrumental in my progress, fostering resilience and hope as I faced the challenges of my disabilities.

The NLLRC serves as a lifeline for those affected by limb loss. It provides invaluable support through peer visits, information and referral services, support groups, and events tailored to everyone, including veterans, military retirees, and youth across the nation. Its programs reach individuals in both urban and rural settings, ensuring that no one is left without the support they need.

As we move forward, I urge our community to rally together in advocating for the preservation of these vital services. The impact of losing the NLLRC and related programs would not only affect individuals and families but also the broader O&P industry. The loss of resources would lead to diminished advocacy efforts, reduced educational opportunities, and a significant decline in peer support networks that are crucial for those navigating life after amputation.

Let us work together to preserve the bipartisan policies and programs that make a difference in American lives. I encourage you to reach out to your elected officials, share your stories, and advocate for the resources and support that our community and the O&P industry deserve.

Together, we can ensure that the limb loss community continues to thrive.