Certified Peer Visitors: Why Lived experience Matters

When someone experiences limb loss, they often leave the hospital with medical information, rehabilitation plans, and appointments for follow-up care. What they don’t always leave with is someone who truly understands what they’re going through.

Someone who knows what it’s like to wake up after surgery.

Someone who understands the frustrations of learning to walk again.

Someone who can answer the questions that only another amputee can answer.

That is the purpose of Certified Peer Visitors.

The Certified Peer Visitor (CPV) Program, developed by the Amputee Coalition, connects individuals living with limb loss or limb difference with trained volunteers who have firsthand experience navigating similar challenges.

These volunteers are not medical providers or counselors. Instead, they offer something uniquely valuable: lived experience, hope, and understanding.

Through comprehensive training, Certified Peer Visitors learn how to provide support while maintaining appropriate boundaries, respecting confidentiality, and focusing on the needs of the individual seeking guidance. The program ensures that peer support is both compassionate and responsible. For many people, meeting another amputee can be a turning point in their recovery journey.

It may be the first time they see someone thriving after limb loss.

The first time they realize they are not alone.

The first time they begin to believe that life can still be full, active, and meaningful.

At Together in Motion, we believe peer support is one of the most powerful tools available to the limb loss community. Our organization is committed to expanding access to peer connections throughout North Dakota, Minnesota, and surrounding communities.

As we continue building our programs, we are working to support and encourage Certified Peer Visitor opportunities that connect amputees and their families with people who understand the challenges and triumphs of life after limb loss.

We are proud to support the mission of the Amputee Coalition and the incredible work they do to educate, advocate, and connect members of the limb loss community across the country. Whether someone is newly navigating amputation or has been living with limb loss for many years, no one should have to face the journey alone.

A conversation may seem like a small thing.

But sometimes, hearing “I’ve been there” can change everything.

If you would like to learn more about peer support, connect with our community, or explore available resources, we invite you to join Together in Motion and discover the power of moving forward together.