Celebrating the teams behind orthotics and prosthetics care
Each year on Sept.19, National Orthotics and Prosthetics Day recognize the professionals and patients whose lives are transformed through orthotic and prosthetic care.
At the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre in Regina, the Orthotics and Prosthetics Department helps people achieve greater mobility, independence and quality of life through custom-designed devices and personalized care.
The team serves residents across the province, designing and building devices for people of all ages. Their work ranges from artificial limbs and supportive braces to specialized equipment tailored to each patient's needs and goals.
Personalization is an important part of care. This year, the team partnered with a Cree artist to create a custom brace design and designed a brace that includes sparkles on the inside.
For para swimmer Leo Zheng, a longtime patient of the department, that support has helped him compete with Team Saskatchewan and Team Canada, and pursue varsity swimming at the University of Victoria.
“They have always been focused on helping me stay independent, active and comfortable,” Zheng said. “The team and custom equipment have been the backbone of my athletic journey, and I can always count on them when I need quick repairs.”
“Every device is an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Elizabeth Herod, manager of the department.
This National Orthotics and Prosthetics Day, we celebrate and thank the team and our partners at Sask. Abilities, who also provide these services for patients, for the lasting difference they make in the lives of patients across Saskatchewan.
