Out on a Limb

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of ableism.

Limb difference describes the condition in which a person’s arms, legs, fingers, or toes may be missing, not fully developed, or developed outside of typical growth patterns. Limb difference may be congenital—present from birth—or acquired. Limb loss refers to the removal of all or part of a limb. According to the Hanger Clinic, the top three causes of limb loss in the United States are vascular conditions (which affect the circulation of blood), trauma, and cancer (“Limb Loss and Limb Difference: Facts, Statistics, & Resources.” Hanger Clinic). The Amputee Coalition reports that around 5.5 million people in the US live with limb difference or limb loss (Caruso, Megan, and Shelby Harrington. “Prevalence of Limb Loss and Limb Difference in the United States: Implications for Public Policy.” Amputee Coalition, 14 Feb. 2024). Individuals vary in the accommodations they may choose for mobility, including wheelchairs or prostheses, and in the language they prefer to use to describe their circumstances. “Able-bodied” describes individuals with typical limbs and range of motion, while “ableism” refers to prejudice toward or failure to accommodate those who possess a physical, mental, or invisible disability.