OPAF O&P SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING

OPAF O&P SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING

Julie Besaha

3/11/2004

ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC ASSISTANCE FUND (OPAF) PRESS RELEASE FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 11, 2004
Contact: Julie Besaha
OPAF Program Coordinator
(202) 223-2878

OPAF O&P SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING

Washington, DC - Applications to the OPAF O&P Scholarship Program, part
of the OPAF Dale Yasukawa Memorial Fund, are due April 15, 2004.

This scholarship program is currently open to all full-time certificate
candidates enrolled in Northwestern University's Prosthetic Orthotic
Center (NUPOC) during the fall 2003 and spring 2004 terms. The chief
purpose of the scholarship is to encourage student participation in the
annual meeting of the Midwest Chapter of the American Academy of
Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP). It is expected that the award will
be used specifically to defray Midwest Chapter meeting registration fees
and assist in the purchasing of books, supplies, and equipment needed
for ongoing studies at NUPOC.

OPAF will award one $500 scholarship each fiscal year. The 2004
application cycle has begun. The deadline is April 15, 2004, as
indicated below, with the successful candidate to be announced shortly
thereafter at the 2004 annual meeting of the Midwest Chapter.

As the Memorial Fund grows through future contributions, its associated
scholarship program will expand to recognize the continued support of
OPAF's founders: the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
(AAOP), American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics
(ABC), and American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA). The
future scholarship program will be open to all full-time students
enrolled in O&P Programs accredited by the National Commission on
Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) and the Commission on
Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Scholarship
recipients will be expected to use their awards to defray fees incurred
toward:

- AAOP Annual Meeting registration;
- AOPA National Assembly registration;
- Registration for annual meetings of state and regional AAOP chapters
and AOPA associations and societies; and
- Registration for the ABC certification examinations.

Complete information about the program and all application details are
available on the OPAF web site at:
<URL Redacted>

For more information about this initiative, and/or or make a donation
that supports OPAF's work in this area, please contact:

Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. (OPAF)
1666 K Street NW, Suite 440
Washington, DC 20006
Tel (202) 223-2878
Email <Email Address Redacted>

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OPAF is a 501(c)(3) public charity, the official philanthropy of the
U.S. orthotics and prosthetics community, established in 1995 by the
Orthotic and Prosthetic National Office. Dedicated initially to
providing financial and in-kind support to the 1996 Paralympics, OPAF
now generates its own initiatives through partnerships with individuals,
organizations and institutions engaged in raising public awareness of
disability and improving the quality of rehabilitation medicine, science
and technology.

As a community-focused nonprofit organization, OPAF aims primarily to
enable individuals with physical disabilities-especially those served by
members of the orthotics and prosthetics community-to enjoy the rewards
of personal achievement, physical fitness, and social interaction.

All contributions to OPAF are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of
U.S. law, and annual sponsorships of OPAF, its programs, and its
fundraisers are available to every individual, institution, and company
inside and beyond the O&P community. For more information about
sponsorship opportunities contact OPAF at 1666 K Street NW, Suite 440,
Washington, DC 20006, Tel. (202) 223-2878, email <Email Address Redacted> , or
visit <URL Redacted>

For complete information about current OPAF programs, please visit
www.opfund.org.