Live in Motion is taking applications for its Access to Practice Awards through November 2

Live in Motion is accepting applications for its Access to Practice Awards through November 2. The award provides up to $2,000 for eligible O&P assistants, technicians, and pedorthists to attend a national professional conference.

Recipients attending conferences hosted by the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association, or the Pedorthic Footcare Association may also receive complimentary registration through those partner organizations. That means the $2,000 can go toward travel, lodging, or other costs rather than registration alone, depending on the conference.

Why this tier of the workforce is targeted

O&P assistants, technicians, and pedorthists do much of the direct fabrication and bench work in prosthetics and orthotics clinics. They fit liners, modify sockets, apply finishes, and carry out the adjustments that shape how a device actually fits and functions day to day. When a prosthetist specifies a fit change, it is often the technician who executes it.

Conference funding tends to flow toward licensed prosthetists, orthotists, and researchers. Assistants and technicians have fewer programs dedicated to them, which limits their exposure to updated materials, fitting techniques, and equipment entering the field. The Access to Practice Awards target that gap.

Applications are open now at the Live in Motion website. The deadline is November 2.

What this means

For patients: the training and current-awareness of the technician or assistant who works on your device matters. A clinic where technicians attend national meetings is more likely to have access to newer materials and current fitting methods. This award is one of the few programs that directly targets that layer of care infrastructure.