OTHER LOCAL AMPUTEE SUPPORT GROUPS
| Fredericsksburg Area
Amputee Support Team (FAAST) Second Tuesday of the month, 7:00-9:00 pm, The disAbility Resource Center, 409 Progress Street, Fredericksburg, VA. Contact Greg Wright, 540-899-2655 or 800-333-4102. |
| Winchester Amputee
Support Group 2nd Tuesday of the month, 5:30-6:30 pm, Conference Rm, 2nd flr, Winchester Rehabilitation Ctr, 333 W. Cork St, Winchester, VA. Contact Christie Augustine, 540-536-5113. |
| Kernan Hospital Amputee Support Group Third Wednesday of the month, 6:00-8:00 pm, Room G604, Kernan Hospital, 2200 Kernan Dr., Gwynn Oak, MD. Contact Mark Senker at 410-581-7027. |
| Washington Amputee
Association (WAA) 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8:30 pm, National Rehabilitation Hospital, 102 Irving Street, NW, Washington, DC, Ground Floor Dining Room (rear section, near the windows and behind the partition). Contact Roy Dwyer, 301-897-2816. |
| Ability With Mobility Last Thursday of the month, 6:00-8:00 pm, 2nd floor, Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of MD, 9909 Medical Center Dr, Rockville, MD. Contact Sandy Shehadeh, 240-864-6200. |
The Roles Support Groups Play Traditionally, amputee support groups fill three needs: support and encouragement, education, and social needs. These roles are not mutually exclusive, but are intertwined and overlapping.
Support and Encouragement are provided through a variety
of means. Merely meeting and observing other apparently happy and
well-adjusted amputees, many of whom may be more severely disabled, can
be a source of encouragement. Getting to know them and learning
that they lead functional and fulfilling lives enhances this
feeling. The thought is inescapable; if they can do it, maybe I
can too. The one-to-one contact that takes place at meetings -
and, as needed, in between - can also be supportive and
encouraging. As new amputees adapt to their situation, go through
the grieving process, and adjust to their new selves, they can begin
to help others. This is very satisfying and also therapeutic.
Education starts with a new amputee's first visit from an
experienced group member. They will meet someone who seems well
adjusted and knowledgeable and will get answers to their
questions. They will receive booklets and other literature they
can read later and refer to as needed. Their education continues
as they attend group meetings and listen to the other members share
what they have learned - how they do things, their successes and
failures, and where they have found strength and resources. This
is augmented by experts in many subjects who come to meetings to speak
about their work. New amputees soon learn that knowledge is power
and the more they know, the more empowered and liberated they feel.
The social advantages of support groups are inseparable
from the rest. Simply coming out into the world where there are
other people and developing new friends is healthy. Seeing other
people having fun at purely social events and realizing that all is not
business and seriousness helps them to learn how to have fun again.