American Amputee Foundation Support Library

This is a library of documents the AAF has provided which can provide additional information to you about disabilities.

Personal Information

Information for Above Knee Amputees
From www.abovekneeamputee.com. Helpful hints about residual limb swelling and shrinkage. Not just for above knee amputees!

Organizing a Self-Help Group
Information about what is involved in starting a basic self-help group, whether or not to become a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization through the IRS, and the work involved in getting starting and maintaining the group.

Plain Talk About Self-Help Groups
A National Institute of Mental Health publication about what are self-help groups, what are their purpose, why do we need them, what happens at meetings, and how to find the right group for you.

Publications For Adults and Children
A compilation of amputee resources. This list is by no means a complete list of all publications available to amputees and their families.

The Walk Back
One person's view of what happens and what to expect when you lose a limb.

Medical Information

Amputation Glossary of Terms
A list of terms used by physicians, prosthetists, and care providers and what they mean.

Choosing a Prosthetist

How to Choose a Prosthetist
Two handouts prepared by the Mutual Amputee Aid Foundation offering advice on how to choose a prosthetist, what questions to ask, how to pay for prosthetics, and what to expect in the way of service.

Phantom Limb Pain
An article from The Amp written by Gustav Rubin, MD, FACS. Gives a definition of phantom pain and talks about suggested treatments.

Legal Information

Consumer Bill of Rights
Written by the Amputee Coalition of America. Outlines the rights and responsibilities of the amputee in the health care arena.

Disability Laws Guide
A booklet from the Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Justice. Gives a brief overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability laws.

FAQ about Personal Injury
Frequently asked questions about what to do if you are hurt in an accident through no fault of your own.

What Is Medicare?
Basic answers to questions frequently asked about Medicare, Part A and Part B. Gives contacts for more information.

Your Rights As An Individual With A Disability
Another publication from the US Department of Justice that summarizes laws affecting individuals with disabilities.