SAOPA

🌍 International Assistive Technology Day – 4 June 2026 🌍

Today, we join the global campaign in celebrating the power of assistive technology to transform lives.

Assistive products such as prosthetic limbs, orthotic devices, wheelchairs, hearing aids, communication devices, and screen readers help millions of people participate more fully in education, employment, family life, sport, and their communities. They unlock opportunities that many of us experience every day.

Yet globally, billions of people require assistive technology, while access remains limited for many, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Improving access to appropriate, affordable, and quality assistive products is essential to achieving greater inclusion, independence, dignity, and quality of life for all.

As the South African Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (SAOPA), we are proud to represent the Orthotic and Prosthetic professionals who work every day to help unlock mobility, function, participation, and independence for the people they serve.

How can you get involved?
✅ Share a story about how assistive technology has made a difference in your life or community.
✅ Highlight an assistive product that helps you, a loved one, or a patient achieve their goals.
✅ Join the global conversation using and .
✅ Help raise awareness about the importance of equitable access to assistive technology for everyone who needs it.

Together, we can unlock everyday opportunities and create a more inclusive world.

Registration Now Open – SAOPA Congress & Exhibition 2026

📍 Stellenbosch
📅 8–10 October 2026

Join orthotists, prosthetists, researchers and industry partners from across South Africa for the SAOPA Congress & Exhibition 2026 under the theme:

Access. Innovation. Quality.
Shaping Outcomes of O&P in South Africa

Delegates can look forward to:
✔ CPD-accredited sessions
✔ Clinical and ethical presentations
✔ Research and abstract sessions
✔ Industry exhibition & networking
✔ Guest keynote by Joey Evans

🕒 Early Bird Rates available until 31 July 2026

📄 Download the Congress Flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PW8FlZwolEtC63QgHtAiqAkPu1RMxN9v/view?usp=sharing

🌐 Visit the Congress Website
https://saopa.co.za/congress-2026/

📝 Register Online Today
https://form.jotform.com/261022716765557

We look forward to welcoming you to Stellenbosch this October!

& Prosthetics

Call for Abstracts – SAOPA Congress 2026

📍 Stellenbosch
📅 8–10 October 2026

SAOPA invites clinicians, researchers and industry partners to submit abstracts for presentation at the SAOPA Congress & Exhibition 2026.

Under the theme:
Access. Innovation. Quality. Shaping Outcomes of O&P in South Africa

We welcome submissions that contribute to advancing clinical practice, research, innovation and patient outcomes within orthotic and prosthetic care or within the inter-professional rehab environment.

Share your work. Contribute to the conversation. Shape the future of O&P.

More information on our website: https://saopa.co.za/congress-2026/

📄 View Guidelines
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t7Ja6-WgN2a6Z68PmVKdPZiaklxFHjTL/view
📝 View Flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18gcYR8uIiaR4H84QlWVSrhT7Nf4Xpwo1/view?usp=sharing

SAOPA Congress & Exhibition 2026 is your opportunity to connect with South Africa’s orthotic and prosthetic community.

📍 Stellenbosch
📅 8–10 October 2026

We invite industry partners to participate as sponsors and exhibitors at this premier national event, bringing together clinicians, researchers, educators and decision-makers from across the country.

Showcase your products, services and innovations while engaging directly with professionals shaping the future of O&P in South Africa.

Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

More information on our website: https://saopa.co.za/congress-2026/

📄 View the Prospectus https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uYyAN3_fcTNpvT9VtnuPLo_5mJp3c0D6/view
📝 Apply now
https://form.jotform.com/260604716057556

- Paid Advert -

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Access. Innovation. Quality.
Shaping Outcomes of O&P in South Africa

🔹 Call for Abstracts
🔹 Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities Available

Join clinicians, researchers, specialist and industry partners at South Africa’s leading O&P event.

Delegate registration opens May 2026.
More information to follow, or can be found on our congress website page: www.saopa.co.za

Paid Advert

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/318551-calve/ #/
🌟CALVE 2026 Bookings Are Now Open! 🌟
We’re thrilled to announce that registrations for the Comprehensive Approach on Lymphatic and Venous Edema are officially open!
Join us on March 28, 2026, at the Country Club Johannesburg for an inspiring workshop:
The Comprehensive Approach on Lymphatic and Venous Edema (CALVE) was designed by Prof Nicos Labropoulos PhD – Stony Brook University Hospital, USA.
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Paid Advert

🌍 World Lymphoedema Day 2026 🌍

Join us for a powerful day of learning, connection, and collaboration as we bring together leading experts to share insights on the past, present and future of Lymphoedema Management!

📍 Venue: Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town
🎟 Tickets: R999 per person
👩‍⚕️ Who should attend: Anyone who is interested in lymphoedema Awareness

Expect a diverse lineup of expert speakers, practical knowledge, and meaningful discussions that support better outcomes for patients living with lymphoedema.

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Paid Advert
🌍 World Lymphoedema Day 2026 🌍

Join us for a powerful day of learning, connection, and collaboration as we bring together leading experts to share insights on the past, present and future of Lymphoedema Management!

📍 Venue: Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town
🎟 Tickets: R999 per person
👩‍⚕️ Who should attend: Anyone who is interested in lymphoedema Awareness

Expect a diverse lineup of expert speakers, practical knowledge, and meaningful discussions that support better outcomes for patients living with lymphoedema.

✨ Whether you’re new to lymphoedema care or experienced in the field, this event is for you.

🔗 Secure your spot today – limited tickets available!
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As we approach the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, ISPO highlights an urgent truth: Affordability begins with more equitable product development and production.

High costs are often driven by the price of components and materials. We need stronger international collaboration to ensure:
• locally appropriate materials
• efficient production processes
• sustainable and scalable technologies

Together, we can make high-quality P&O devices accessible for every user, everywhere.