SEBCM Georgia Capitol Day Recap: A Powerful Step Forward for Prosthetic & Orthotic Access

SEBCM Georgia Capitol Day Recap

At So Every BODY Can Move, we know that real change happens when communities come together to fight for O&P access and movement as medicine. This month, So Every BODY Can Move Georgia showed the nation what advocacy in action looks like, leading an incredible Capitol Day at the Georgia State Capitol in support of House Bill 87 (HB87)—a critical piece of legislation that would expand prosthetic and orthotic (O&P) coverage across the state.

The energy, passion, and dedication of Georgia’s advocates—from individuals with limb loss and limb difference to Paralympians, O&P professionals, and allies—were nothing short of motivating. Their presence filled the Capitol steps, their voices reached lawmakers, and their collective power is moving Georgia toward greater access and greater mobility for all.

Making Their Voices Heard at the Capitol

Capitol Day wasn’t just about meetings—it was a full-force advocacy rally. Advocates took to the Georgia State Capitol steps in a show of unity, calling for change and making it clear that mobility is right.

Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed. The Georgia House of Representatives honored So Every BODY Can Move Georgia on the House Floor, with special recognition from HB87’s lead sponsor, Representative David Clark. The momentum continued as advocates met with key legislators, including Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns, reinforcing the urgent need for expanded prosthetic and orthotic coverage.

What HB87 Means for Georgia

If passed, HB87 will expand private insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic care in Georgia, ensuring that individuals can:

✅ Complete daily activities and job-related tasks with the right mobility devices
✅ Participate in sports and recreation with activity-specific prosthetics for running, cycling, swimming, and strength training
✅ Improve overall health by maintaining balance, posture, and functional mobility
✅ Access essential care for bathing, self-care, and whole-body well-being

For too long, mobility devices have been seen as a luxury rather than a necessity—and that needs to change. The advocates in Georgia made it clear: everybody deserves access to the prosthetic and orthotic care they need to live fully, move freely, and thrive.

A Milestone Moment for Georgia

Throughout the day, advocates met with legislators, shared their stories, and built critical support for HB87. The message was clear: mobility is right, and access to O&P care is fundamental. Thanks to So Every BODY Can Move Georgia’s leadership and the Georgia Society of Orthotists and Prosthetists (GSOP) partnership, this bill is gaining traction—setting the stage for legislative progress in 2025.

This is exactly So Every BODY Can Move launched as a national movement—because we know that state-by-state, advocate-by-advocate, we can create real, lasting change.

A Special Shoutout

None of this would have been possible without the incredible leadership of Georgia’s state leads, Rachael Auyer and Cristalei Polk, CPO, LPO. Their dedication, hard work, and passion made this event happen, bringing together a powerful coalition of voices to push for real legislative change. Thank you, Rachael and Cristalei, for leading the charge and inspiring advocates across the country!

What’s Next?

The advocacy isn’t over yet! Here’s how we can all help keep the momentum going:

📢 Urge Georgia legislators to pass HB87—make your voice heard!
💪 Amplify the movement by sharing why mobility access matters with your network
📍 Get involved with So Every BODY Can Move efforts in your own state

Georgia, you are leading the way, and your work is an inspiration to advocates across the country. Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke out, and took action—because of you, we are one step closer to a Georgia where So Every BODY Can Move.