About ISPO
For over 50 years, the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) has served as the premier global, multidisciplinary non-governmental organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life for people who need prosthetic, orthotic, mobility, and assistive devices.
ISPO is sometimes misunderstood as representing only prosthetists and orthotists, but, in fact, it is far more inclusive than that. ‘P’ and ‘O’ stands for Prosthetics and Orthotics and, for more than 55 years, ISPO has provided an effective platform for the exchange and communication on all aspects of the science and practice associated with the provision of mobility products (prostheses, orthoses, wheelchairs) rehabilitation engineering, wheelchairs and related areas, such as therapy.
Our Vision
A world where all people have equal opportunity for full participation in society.
Our Mission
To improve the quality of life for persons at risk of or with limb impairment, or other mobility challenges, through high-quality, evidence-based prosthetic and orthotic care.
Who We Are
We are a global network of over 3,000 professionals from more than 100 countries, including surgeons, prosthetists, orthotists, therapists, engineers, and educators.
Membership is open to all individuals, associations, organizations, and institutions with an interest in prosthetics, orthotics, wheelchairs, assistive devices, rehabilitation engineering and related subjects.
Our Purpose and Principles
We are guided by a clear strategy, strong values, and a constitution that unites our global community. Explore our core pillars below to understand how we work to achieve our mission.
Our Strategic Objectives
To guide our mission for the years ahead, our 2024-2030 strategic plan is built upon four foundational pillars. Our strategy begins with our People, focusing on fostering a diverse and growing global community. We empower this community through high-quality Education and uphold the integrity of the profession by promoting rigorous ethical and professional Standards. Finally, we amplify our impact through global Engagement, advocating for P&O care and collaborating with key partners to ensure our work creates lasting change.
Our Strategy
ISPO implements its strategy through a coordinated, global approach focused on several key areas of action:
- Building a Global Network: We connect professionals and organisations to foster the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
- Consensus Building: We convene experts to develop international standards and guidelines for care.
- Training & Certification: We establish and support recognised training programmes and pathways for prosthetists/orthotists.
- World Congresses & Events: We organise premier international events that showcase the latest scientific research, technology, and clinical best practices.
- Partnerships: We work closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), other NGOs, and industry partners to advance our shared goals.
Our Core Principles & Values
Our work is built on a foundation of core principles that define who we are and how we act:
- Impartiality: We are an independent and impartial professional body.
- Collaboration: We believe in the power of working together to achieve more.
- Multidisciplinarity: We value the contributions of all professions involved in patient care.
- Global Community: We are united in our commitment to serve people worldwide.
- Evidence-Based: We are dedicated to promoting care that is proven to be effective.
- People-Centred: Our ultimate focus is always on the individuals and communities we serve.
Our Constitution
ISPO is a registered charity based in Belgium and governed by its Constitution and By-Laws. The society is politically neutral and maintains a policy of non-discrimination. All activities are overseen by an elected Executive Board, which works on behalf of our members to ensure the organisation fulfils its mission in a transparent and accountable manner.
Our Journey Since 1970
ISPO was founded in Copenhagen in 1970 by a group of surgeons, prosthetists, orthotists, and engineers with the goal of improving care for amputees and people with disabilities worldwide. From a small European group, we have grown into a leading global organisation.
Join Us in Our Mission
Become part of a global movement dedicated to improving mobility and possibility for people worldwide.
Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Assistive Technology
Assistive technology includes the systems and services by which people obtain assistive products. Assistive products, such as prostheses, orthoses, and wheelchairs, improve people’s ability to function and enable them to live independent lives and participate in desired activities.
