The African Federation of Ortho-Prosthetists was established in 1992 by a group of ortho-prosthetists to address issues specific to the profession (lack of recognition, lack of access to education and training, lack of exchanges, etc.). However, over the years, FATO has grown into a multidisciplinary organization aimed at promoting access to appropriate and equitable orthotic, rehabilitation and mobility services in Africa, thereby improving the quality of life of people who may benefit from rehabilitation and mobility support services. FATO membership now includes all rehabilitation professionals (prosthetists-orthotists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation physicians, speech therapists, surgeons, CBR agents, etc.) as well as service users and policy makers.

For several members and partners, the name of the African Federation of Ortho-Prosthetic Technicians was no longer in line with what the federation had become and the time had come to review its name. After a consultation and a vote among its members and partners, the African Federation of Ortho-Prosthetic Technicians became the “African Federation of Rehabilitation Professionals”. Even if the name changes, the acronym “FATO” remains.