Press Release For Immediate Release April 12, 2010 Contact: Robin Seabrook Tel. 703-836-7114 ext. 225 Email: rseabrook@ncope.org Alexandria, VA – The National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) along with the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC), the Board of Certification/Accreditation International (BOC) and the Pedorthic Footwear Association (PFA) convened in Dallas on April 10 and 11 to critically assess the future of pedorthic practice and formal education. Also in attendance were educators from NCOPE approved pedorthic education programs. The 30 attendees were all members of the professional pedorthic community who provided a unique and important perspective on the future of the profession. The meeting objective was to collectively identify the appropriate pedorthic education plan that will best teach the skills necessary for the delivery of quality pedorthic care in the coming decade. The group proposed a professional education model that NCOPE will now use as guidance to develop future educational standards for pedorthic education. More information on NCOPE’s pedorthic education standards will be available later in 2010. The National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) is the accreditation body for the orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic professions. As such, its primary mission and obligation is to ensure educational and residency programs meet the minimum standards of quality to prepare individuals to enter the orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic professions.