IPOD 2026 is on 5 November, and the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) has chosen PEOPLE as the theme for International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day. ISPO says the theme recognises users, caregivers, clinicians, technicians, educators, researchers, advocates and volunteers.
When is IPOD 2026 and what is the theme?
International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day is marked each year on 5 November. In its announcement of the 2026 theme, ISPO states that “PEOPLE are at the heart of rehabilitation, mobility, and inclusion.” ISPO announced the theme on 11 May 2026.
Who does the PEOPLE theme include?
The list in ISPO’s announcement is deliberately broad. It names the people who use prostheses and orthoses, the caregivers who support them, the clinicians and technicians who provide care, and the educators, researchers, advocates and volunteers who shape the field. For prosthetists and orthotists, the message is that a device is only one part of a service that depends on many hands.
What is ISPO planning for the IPOD 2026 campaign?
According to ISPO, its 2026 campaign will highlight the stories, connections and contributions that shape the field worldwide. ISPO’s day-specific page describes the purpose of International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day as raising awareness of the importance of prostheses and orthoses for users and calling for more resources to ensure equitable and appropriate access to prosthetic and orthotic services. The announcement does not set out a detailed programme of events, so clinics should check ISPO’s channels for campaign materials.
How can clinics and training schools in IMEA take part?
The following are IMEA CPO suggestions, not ISPO requirements. A clinic could share a short profile of a technician or a long-term patient, with permission. A training school could feature a graduate or a clinical educator. Teams working with volunteers or outreach partners could acknowledge them publicly. Because ISPO’s theme is about stories and contributions, ordinary service stories are likely to fit.
IMEA CPO Perspective
For the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Central Asia, a people-first theme suits a region where workforce, training and access are often the limiting factors in prosthetic and orthotic care. IMEA CPO already profiles practitioners in its CPO of the Week series, and has recently covered ISPO accreditation at Ghana’s BTPOTC Nsawam, the Sudan physical rehabilitation forum and the ISPO World Congress 2027 programme. IPOD 2026 is a low-cost chance for CPOs to make that workforce visible to funders, ministries and the public.
Frequently asked questions
When is International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day 2026? It is on 5 November 2026.
What is the IPOD 2026 theme? ISPO announced PEOPLE, recognising users, caregivers, clinicians, technicians, educators, researchers, advocates and volunteers.
Who announced the theme? ISPO announced it on 11 May 2026.
Suggested hyperlinks / sources
- ISPO: 2026 theme for International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day (IPOD): PEOPLE
- ISPO: International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day
- International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics