AE

Above elbow amputee

AFO

Ankle Foot Orthosis. A device that encases the lower leg and foot in order to stabilize or control the motion. Looks like a huge orthotic with a leg component.

AK

Above knee amputee. Sometimes modified with an R or L, to indicate right or left.   [use] He's an RAK.

BE

Below elbow amputee.

Bilateral

Referring to R/L matching injuries or amputations. [use] We're seeing a lot of bi-lateral BKs coming back from Iraq.

Bi-ski

A sit-ski with two parallel skis for stability. Often the ski appears to be a split snowboard. Usually used with two outriggers.

BK

Below knee amputee. Sometimes modified with an R or L, indicating which side the amputation is on. [use] I'm an RBK.

Chair

1. A wheelchair
     
2. A person in a   cheelchair [use] Alright! We got three BKs, one AK and six chairs heading to Vail today.
   

Congenital

A condition present at birth.

Cosmesis

The covering of a prosthesis that makes it look lifelike. Gimps with comeses usually don't want to talk about their amputations.

Disability   Paradox

The discontinuity between the common assumption that disabled persons are crippled and need help, and the reality that we're out there kicking ass.

Disarticulation

An amputation through a joint.

Dual-ski

The most stable and controllable of the sit-skis. Two parallel skis separated by 12" or more with a seat on top.

Gimp

A person with a disability. Used fraternally within the disability crowd but can seem disrespectful when used by normals outside of the disabled community.

Hemiplegic

A person with an impairment in motor and/or sensory function of one side of the body. [use] She's a right hemi'.

Inspiration

Divine guidance or influence exerted   directly on the mind and soul of humankind.

Liner

Rolled onto the stump like a condom, liners are used for suspension, comfort and protection of the stump. Made from gel, urethane or fabric.

Motivate

give an incentive for action

Mono-ski

An advanced sit-ski with a single ski and advanced mono-shock suspension system.  Provides the most maneuverability and speed.  Requires good balance and skill.  Used with two outriggers.

Normal

A person without a disability. [use] She's coming climbing with us today?   Isn't she a normal?

Outrigger

A ski-pole or Canadian crutch modified with a very short ski on the end for lateral stability while using a mono-ski or while three-tracking.

Para

A paraplegic. A person with an impairment in motor and/or sensory function of the lower extremities. It is usually the result of spinal cord injury or a congenital condition.

Poly-trauma

Multiple injuries sustained simultaneously.

Prosthesis

A device used to replicate the function of a missing body part. Synonym =  prosthetic.

PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder  - A psychological disorder affecting individuals who have experienced or witnessed profoundly traumatic events characterized by recurrent flashbacks of the traumatic event, nightmares, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, forgetfulness, and social withdrawal.

Pylon

That portion of the prosthesis which connects the socket to the knee or foot.

Quad

A quadriplegic. A person with an impairment in motor and/or sensory function of all four limbs. It is usually the result of spinal cord injury or a congenital condition.

Residual Limb

See Stump

Renegade   Spontaneity

A rebellious quality of being impulsive and acting on instinctual feelings without constraint- its no b.s., its who we are.

Sit-ski

A ski, or skis, modified with a seat for skiers with lower extremity disabilities. The seat is attached with some sore of shock absorbing suspension system. Also see: bi-ski, dual-ski, mono-ski.

Socket

That portion of prosthesis that fits the stump and to which   prosthetic components are attached.

Stump

What's left attached to your body after an amputation. Normals call this a residual limb. Gimps don't.

Suspension

The method used to attach a limb prosthesis to the stump.

TBI

Traumatic Brain Injury also called Acquired Brain Injury or simply head injury, occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain.

Three-tracking

The name for the method that an AK will use to ski. She uses a single traditional   ski on her real leg and two outriggers, thus leaving 3 tracks.