Date: 5 November 2025
Theme: Products – Advancing Access, Innovation, and Quality
The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) invites the global community to join in celebrating International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day (IPOD) on 5 November 2025 — a day dedicated to raising awareness of the transformative impact of prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) products and the professionals who create and provide them.
About the Day
The International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day (IPOD) is an annual observance initiated by ISPO to celebrate and highlight the importance of the prosthetics and orthotics profession. Each year, IPOD brings together clinicians, researchers, educators, users, and partners worldwide to promote equitable and sustainable access to P&O products and services.
The day serves as a reminder of the vital role that prosthetic and orthotic technologies play in enabling participation, independence, and inclusion for millions of people globally.
Theme 2025: “Products”
This year’s theme, “Products – Advancing Access, Innovation, and Quality,” focuses on the diversity, creativity, and human-centered design behind P&O technologies. From advanced materials and 3D printing to sustainable manufacturing and inclusive product design, 2025 celebrates how innovation in P&O products continues to transform lives.
P&O products are most effective when they meet three essential criteria:
- User-related: safe, comfortable, functional, and suited to local needs.
- Technical: durable, adjustable, and easy to maintain.
- Economic: affordable, sustainable, and efficiently produced.
Together, these qualities ensure that products not only restore mobility and function but also promote dignity and independence.
Key Messages
- Access and Equity: Millions of people still lack access to affordable, high-quality prosthetic and orthotic products. Expanding access requires collaboration among governments, industry, and healthcare providers.
- Innovation and Technology: Digital design, additive manufacturing, and smart materials are redefining how P&O products are created and customized.
- User-Centered Design: The most impactful solutions are developed with users, reflecting their unique needs, lifestyles, and local contexts.
- Sustainability: The sector is embracing greener materials and circular design principles to ensure P&O products are environmentally responsible and accessible for future generations.
How to Participate
Join the movement and help raise awareness this IPOD by:
- Sharing stories, innovations, and local initiatives on social media using #IPOD2025 #ISPOInternational #ProstheticsAndOrthoticsDay.
- Hosting workshops, webinars, or exhibitions that feature P&O technologies and user experiences.
- Partnering with local advocacy groups to highlight the role of prosthetic and orthotic products in rehabilitation and inclusion.
You can also download ISPO’s official IPOD toolkit and materials to support your activities: www.ispoint.staging.celi.co.za/activities/advocacy
