Armless

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Armless'

Armless refers to the condition of having no arms, either due to congenital reasons (present at birth) or as a result of an accident, illness, or surgical removal. This condition can significantly impact a person's ability to perform daily activities and may require the use of assistive devices or adaptations to maintain independence and quality of life.

Causes

Armlessness can be caused by various factors, including:

• Congenital disorders: Conditions such as phocomelia or amelia can result in the absence of arms at birth.
• Trauma: Severe injuries from accidents, such as car crashes or industrial accidents, can lead to the loss of arms.
• Disease: Certain diseases, such as cancer or severe infections, may necessitate the surgical removal of arms.
• War and violence: Injuries sustained in combat or violent incidents can also result in armlessness.

Adaptations and Assistive Devices

Individuals who are armless often use various adaptations and assistive devices to help with daily activities. These may include:

• Prosthetic arms: Artificial limbs that can be attached to the body to mimic the function of natural arms.
• Adaptive technology: Devices such as voice-activated computers, specialized utensils, and modified vehicles.
• Occupational therapy: Therapy that focuses on helping individuals develop skills and strategies to perform daily tasks.

Notable Individuals

Several notable individuals have achieved significant accomplishments despite being armless, including:

• Jessica Cox: The first armless pilot, who flies using her feet.
• Nick Vujicic: A motivational speaker born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs.

Social and Psychological Impact

Living without arms can have profound social and psychological effects. Individuals may face challenges related to:

• Self-esteem: Coping with body image and self-worth.
• Social interaction: Navigating social situations and potential stigma.
• Mental health: Managing conditions such as depression or anxiety.

Support and Advocacy

Various organizations and support groups exist to help individuals who are armless. These groups provide resources, advocacy, and community support to improve the quality of life for those affected.

See Also

• Disability
• Prosthesis
• Occupational therapy
• Adaptive technology