Form5 Cultivates Community with Innovative Prosthetics

April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, which is a time to acknowledge the challenges individuals with limb loss and limb differences face, while also recognizing the contributions of people within this marginalized group.

According to the National Limb Loss Resource Center, there are more than 2.7 million people living in the United States with limb loss or limb difference, and that number is projected to double by 2050. The National Institutes of Health attributes the growing number to increased instances of vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, neuropathy (nerve damage) and trauma. However, thousands of people in the United States are also born with limb differences every year.

“The rate of people living with disabilities is only increasing and I think that is something everyone should be aware of,” said Aaron Westbrook, founder and CEO of Form5, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that develops empowering medical and recreational devices that allow people to interact successfully with their world and future. “The reality is, you never know what could happen that could cause you to lose your limb. I also think having awareness about how to have a conversation and how to approach people with disabilities is important for everyone.”

Form5 raises awareness for the limb difference community through its outreach efforts, programs and community events that promote inclusive activities. The Nub Club, a support group for youth with limb differences, also helps cultivate relationships for people within the community, which is something very important for Westbrook who was born with one hand.

“Growing up, there just weren't a lot of resources from a community standpoint,” said Westbrook. “Due to lack of resources, I didn't end up really exploring what options were out there for me for prosthetics until I was about high-school age. And so that's what really opened my eyes to both disadvantages and opportunities.”

When Westbrook received his first prosthesis when he was a freshman in high school, it was expensive and ill-fitting. Determined to find a solution, Westbrook used the 3D printer in the MIT Fabrication Lab at New Albany High School to print a 3D prosthetic arm, which eventually led to the founding of Form5 in 2017.

“I really just wanted to find a way that people with limb differences could be represented in the process of creating devices,” said Westbrook.

Form5 is dedicated to expanding its services to meet the growing need in the community, and also works with donors to help offset the cost of prosthetic devices for recipients. In its first year of operation, Form5 developed five custom prosthetic devices. In 2023, that number rose to 25. Westbrook anticipates that the company will serve at least 50 people in 2024 due to expanded efforts to serve people throughout the Midwest.

“One of the big accelerants was moving to Westerville. The space that we have here is just incredible to grow into,” said Westbrook. “We’re very fortunate to be here.”

Form5 Prosthetics moved to its Westerville location on Heatherdown Drive in January 2023. The multifunction space enables Form5 to interact with clients and donors, host educational programs and expand research and development of lifechanging devices.

Another factor that has helped increase the number of people Form5 serves is the development of the company’s Bike Arm Adapter. The device enables individuals with limb differences to ride their bikes more comfortably and confidently.

“It has been really exciting, because we have seen users ride their bikes for the first time and others riding further than they ever have in their lives,” said Westbrook.

To promote inclusion and innovation, Form5 developed CO-FAB, a program in which college students and industry professionals work closely and collaboratively with clients to design customapplication devices. Additionally, Form5’s PRE-FAB Workshop, an afterschool program and summer camp for 9-12 graders, empowers students to design and construct prosthetic devices for mock recipients.

According to Westbrook, both initiatives promote awareness and help increase prosthetic designers’ empathy for clients as they gain understanding of challenges through personal interaction.

Visit www.Form5.org to learn more about the services, education, and community events, or to support the organization. To access resources from the National Limb Loss Resource Center, visit www.Amputee-Coalition.org