To empower, educate and connect people living without both hands or more |
| Samoana Matagi shares about the Skills for Life Workshops | | |
“It helps you get connected to peers and community in ways you can’t imagine,” Samoana shared. That sense of belonging is what makes Skills for Life stand out—it’s a space where attendees support each other, share insights, and grow together. Reflecting on his own experience, he emphasized the workshop’s life-changing impact. “When I first attended in 2011, it helped unlock a level of confidence, knowledge, and growth in my prosthetics use. It also connected me to a community of new friends.” These friendships aren’t just temporary; they last well beyond the event. “I’ve made lifelong friendships around the country and even the globe because of Skills for Life.”
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When asked about his favorite memory, Samoana couldn’t choose just one. “It’s a tie between playing Cornhole—talking way more trash than I could back up—and the glow party dance." These moments weren’t just about fun; they were about building confidence and camaraderie with others who truly understand the challenges and triumphs of living without limbs. Each workshop provides valuable takeaways—whether it’s adaptive techniques, prosthetic tips, foot skills, or new hobbies. The experience is different for everyone depending on their level of limb difference, family situation, or age- but the common thread is empowerment and support which is what makes it so unique and special. If you’re considering attending Skills for Life 7, take it from someone who has been there: it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and find your people.
*Know someone we should highlight? Please email and introduce us!
| | Message from the Executive Director | | |
Hello Everyone!
April is Limb Loss/Limb Difference Awareness Month. It's a time to share triumphs, challenges, and real life experiences that connect all of us. Show us your Wear Orange Wednesday and please help us make sure ESFL resources and events are shared so that we reach everyone who could benefit or offer their own insights.
April is also Occupational Therapy Month so we also want to send a special shout out to the amazing OT's around the world who help those in our ESFL community return to various levels of independence in their daily life.
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Hands Free: Adaptive Equipment Catalog 2.0
We are excited to be updating our catalog that was released last year. It has been viewed over 3,000 times all over the world! We plan to the revise the catalog annually, so please send us your additions as soon as possible if you have a device that is not already included in the catalog.
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We are less than 200 days away from the next Skills for Life Bilateral Upper Limb Difference workshop. We only hold this event every 3 years so plan to join us this year or mark your calendar for 2028.
Please keep scrolling for all of the latest ESFL news.
Warm regards,
| | | COUNTDOWN TO SKILLS FOR LIFE 7! | | |
Skills for Life 7: Registration and Hotel Info
Skills for Life 7 Bilateral Upper Limb Difference Workshop is taking place October 16-18, 2025 in Houston, TX. if you have questions, reach out anytime. Our mission is to remove barriers, whether physical, financial or otherwise. SFL 7 Scholarship Application
Thank you to our co-chairs, Kristi Turner and Wendy Hill, their planning committee, as well as our event planner, Joyce Tyler who are all working to create a memorable, impactful event!
SFL 7 Workshop Registration
Please use this link to register for Skills for Life 7. Contact us with any questions. SFL 7 Registration
RESERVE ROOMS TODAY!
This is the easiest way to prepare, even if you aren't positive you will attend. We can guarantee rooms will sell out, so your reservation will ensure you have a spot. You can always cancel, but you can't always book at this rate.
Hotel Reservation
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Calling All Sponsors & Exhibitors
Our SPONSORS make Skills for Life 7 exceptional! This one-of-a-kind, personal gathering is unlike any other, created with people living without both hands or all four limbs in mind. Your presence reinforces that you are committed to this unique community.
Check out the sponsorship and exhibiting details in our Skills for Life 7 Prospectus and let us know if you have any questions. Your support makes the workshop and so much more possible. This workshop only happens every three years so you don't want to miss this opportunity!
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Pre-Conference Clinicians Only
We've set aside a half-day on October 15th for clinical education focused on best practices for fitting and training someone who is living without both hands or all four limbs. With the increase in quadruple amputations over the past decade, you won't want to miss the chance to learn how fellow clinicians are creatively removing barriers for their patients. This is a pre-conference workshop for healthcare professionals only and requires you to register to attend. SFL 7 Registration
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ESFL Skills Exchange Sunday:
Been There, Done That: All your burning SFL 7 questions answered
April 27th at 6 pm Central
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Join Samoana and others from the ESFL community who will share how to plan for and what to expect at the upcoming Skills for Life Workshop. If you have been to the workshops, come share your experience and if you have not been, it will be a great place to ask questions!
Login at 6pm Central on Sunday, April 27th using Zoom link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84630193213
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JOIN US ON
Sunday, April 27 @ 6pm central
| | THANK YOU TO OUR SKILLS FOR LIFE 7 SPONSORS! | | Skills for Life 7 Planning Committee | | |
| Co-Chairs:
Kristi Turner & Wendy Hill
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| | Joyce Tyler |
| Danielle Melton | | Eric Nelson | Ana Calvo | Chris Baschuk | | Trish Tully | Craig Jackman | Steve Burrow | | Caesar Gonzales | Rebecca Armenta | Christine Lentz | | Ania Marecka | Kelsey Rohren | Shawn Johnson | | | |
Upcoming Events & Programs (2025) |
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International Society of Prosthetics & Orthotics (ISPO) World Congress
Event for professionals involved in the support of persons in need of prosthetic, orthotic, mobility, and assistive devices.
Website
Stockholm, Sweden
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Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics (ACPOC)
Conference covering pediatric musculoskeletal disorders as well as orthopedic and rehabilitative treatment of children.
Website
Dallas, TX
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Hanger EmpowerFest
EmpowerFest is a place for the limb loss/limb difference community to discover the power of shared experiences.
Website
Phoenix, AZ
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Skills for Life 7 Workshop
Workshop that takes place every 3 years for people living without both hands or all four limbs, their family members & healthcare professionals.
Website
Houston, Texas
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Get Involved!
We are always looking for help, some paid, but mostly volunteering, so let us know if you have time, experience, resources, or referrals/connections to support:
- Development/Fundraising
- Event Planner
- Spanish Translators
- Strategic Planning Committee Members
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Change a Life, Donate Today
The Skills for Life workshop was developed in 2002 with a specific focus on people living without both hands or more and the unique set of circumstances they face on a daily basis. The nonprofit was founded in 2017 to ensure we could continue supporting the members of our community with programs, events, resources, and connections. Please click the Venmo or PayPal donate buttons in this section to donate. PayPal allows you to donate via your account or with a credit card. Venmo requires you to have an account. Donations can also be made via check, payable to Enhancing Skills for Life, 16111 Park Center Dr, Houston, TX 77059.
Any and all donations, large or small, are greatly appreciated!
Enhancing Skills for Life, 501c3 Tax ID: 81-2619137.
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