Far be it from us to declare that the COVID pandemic is over. While infection rates have fallen far from their Omicron peaks, millions of people remain at risk due to age, underlying health conditions, and other factors. So we’re not popping any champagne corks just yet.
But we are celebrating the wholesale return of in-person summer events. Amputee gatherings large and small are reverting from virtual to actual, bringing us out of hibernation and back into face-to-face contact for the first time this decade.
Here are five events we’re especially happy to see back on the calendar.
Amputee Coalition National Conference
Dates: August 10-13
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Info: amputee-coalition.org/events-programs/national-conference
This year’s conference theme is “Growing Our Community to Shape the Future.” The event will emphasize health equity, diversity/inclusion, and youth engagement.
Camp No Limits
Dates: Multiple
Locations: Multiple
Info: nolimitsfoundation.org/sign-up-for-camp
Serving youngsters with limb difference and their families, the No Limits camps focus on physical fitness and peer mentorship.
Disability Pride Parade
Dates: July 23-26
Locations: Chicago, Boston, New York, San Francisco, and other cities
Info: disabilityprideparade.org
Held nationwide to mark the anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, pride parades make a high-visibility statement that disability is a natural, normal aspect of humanity.
Angel City Games
Dates: June TBD
Location: Los Angeles
Info: angelcitygames.org
One of the biggest parties of the year, the Angel City Games bring people together for sports, music, education, and above all fun.
Skills for Life
Dates: October 5-9
Location: Houston
Info: enhancingskillsforlife.org/skills-for-life-6
This one-of-a-kind event features workshops, presentations, and conversations focused on the unique challenges faced by bilateral upper-limb amputees.
