Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month

Summary

LLLDAM.

LLLDAM stands for Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month. It takes place every April and uses the orange ribbon as a global symbol of visibility and support.

LLLDAM aims to raise awareness of limb loss and limb difference, promote equal opportunities, and encourage inclusion and participation in everyday life. It highlights the experiences, achievements, and needs of people with limb loss or limb difference and supports open dialog across communities.

How the LLLDAM movement started.

The initiative was launched by the American Amputee Coalition in 2010 and is now recognized worldwide. It focuses on education, awareness, and inclusion for people living with limb loss or limb difference. Organizations, communities, healthcare professionals, and companies around the world use this time to share knowledge, personal stories, resources, and opportunities for connection.

How Ottobock supports LLLDAM.

During April, more than any other month, we give our users a voice - highlighting what matters to them and why they consider LLLDAM so important. They share inspiring and moving stories and offer practical tips on everyday life with a prosthesis. In collaboration with the online platform Movao, we support and strengthen the community.

We also aim to encourage and support exchange among O&P professionals.

A man and a woman with prosthetic arms and a camera in her hand sit at a table set for summer.

How the LLLDAM movement started.

The initiative was launched by the American Amputee Coalition in 2010 and is now recognized worldwide. It focuses on education, awareness, and inclusion for people living with limb loss or limb difference. Organizations, communities, healthcare professionals, and companies around the world use this time to share knowledge, personal stories, resources, and opportunities for connection.

What LLLDAM means to Ottobock.

April is a special opportunity to spotlight the strength of our community and celebrate remarkable individuals. Around the world, millions of people are on a limb loss or limb difference journey, representing a rich diversity of backgrounds, ages, genders, races, and lived experiences. Supporting this community is at the heart of what we do at Ottobock every day - and this month allows that passion to shine even brighter.

Two girls and a man with a prosthetic leg sit next to each other on the sofa with joysticks in their hands.

How Ottobock supports LLLDAM.

During April, more than any other month, we give our users a voice - highlighting what matters to them and why they consider LLLDAM so important. They share inspiring and moving stories and offer practical tips on everyday life with a prosthesis. In collaboration with the online platform Movao, we support and strengthen the community.

We also aim to encourage and support exchange among O&P professionals.

How the LLLDAM movement started.

The initiative was launched by the American Amputee Coalition in 2010 and is now recognized worldwide. It focuses on education, awareness, and inclusion for people living with limb loss or limb difference. Organizations, communities, healthcare professionals, and companies around the world use this time to share knowledge, personal stories, resources, and opportunities for connection.

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User voices

Why LLLDAM matters to users.

Natálie.

"Life is full of moments of struggle and lots of figuring things out along the way. Strength isn’t always about what we have, but what we make of what’s missing. With the LLLDAM we celebrate resilience, community, and the beauty of moving forward. Because every step – no matter how it is taken – is a step forward of celebrating."

A woman with a prosthetic leg walks around a room.

Shaholly.

"Being part of the Limb Loss Limb Difference Awareness Month is about empowerment, it’s about representation, it’s about showing the world that our differences don’t define us, we’re stronger because of them."

A woman with a prosthetic arm holds a spoon.

Juan Pablo.

"For me it was a life-changing experience. First, I didn‘t think I’d be able to walk again. But now I can do a lot of things, now I can play tennis. I’m amazed by all the opportunities I have. My family has always supported me to see the love that was so important, so beautiful; I’ll keep on showing all the things we can do with a prosthetic leg. LLLDAM is a good reminder."

A man with a prosthetic leg stands in front of a window.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions.

Limb loss refers to the absence of a limb. This can result from medical conditions, injury, or surgical intervention. Limb loss may affect arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, or toes and can occur at any stage of life.

Limb difference refers to a limb that develops or functions differently due to congenital or neurological conditions. It can include partial or complete absence, shortened limbs, or differences in structure or function.

Limb loss can have different causes, including:

Circulatory diseases (such as vascular disease or complications related to diabetes)
Severe injuries or trauma
Infections
Cancer or tumors
Other serious medical conditions

In some cases, limb loss can be reduced through preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, injury prevention, and chronic disease management. Access to medical care and education plays an important role.

There are many ways to get involved: For example, you can use your social media profiles to raise awareness about the month and tell your family, friends and colleagues about it. Feel also free to like, comment, and share social media posts from other amputees and manufacturers. Some support groups have also planned special activities that you can join. The more people know about it, the more we can achieve together.

Contact

You want to be part of the LLLDAM?

Join us for Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month. Get involved, share your story, or request more information. Together we raise awareness and support a stronger community.

April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month.

LLLDAM.

How the LLLDAM movement started.

How Ottobock supports LLLDAM.

How the LLLDAM movement started.

What LLLDAM means to Ottobock.

How Ottobock supports LLLDAM.

How the LLLDAM movement started.

Why LLLDAM matters to users.

Natálie.

Shaholly.

Juan Pablo.

Frequently asked questions.

You want to be part of the LLLDAM?