In this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we pull up a seat with Mario — a C5/C6 incomplete spinal cord injury survivor whose story is a blueprint of resilience. After facing the unthinkable, Mario didn’t stop at survival. He went back to school, pushed through the barriers, and pursued a master’s degree in civil engineering.

Through grit, determination, and an unshakable sense of purpose, Mario shows us that rebuilding your life is possible — even when the foundation feels like it’s crumbled. His story is a testament to the power of education, community, and self-belief in the face of adversity.

So whether you’re freshly injured, working in rehab, or simply need a reminder that setbacks don’t define you — this episode is for you.

Let’s roll into Mario’s story.

In this powerful episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we pull up a seat with Danny Flores, a resilient force from right here in the Rio Grande Valley. Danny shares the raw, unfiltered story of the day everything changed—a C5/C6 incomplete spinal cord injury that rewired his body but never touched his spirit.

We talk about what it means to wake up in a new body, the mental mountain that follows the physical one, and the rehab trenches that test you in ways no one prepares you for. From moments of doubt to flashes of pure strength, Danny opens up about life after the injury—and what keeps him rolling forward.

This isn’t just a story about survival. It’s about reinvention, community, and crushing the stigma that comes with a wheelchair. Whether you're an ally, a clinician, or rolling this road yourself, Danny’s journey will hit home.

Welcome to the debut episode of Wheelchair Roundtable! 🎙️

In this opener, your hosts Rico and Roland—both proud Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs)—break down what an ATP actually does, and why this role is a critical piece of the mobility puzzle.

But we’re not just talking job titles—we’re getting personal. We share our own journeys into the world of assistive technology, the people and experiences that inspired us, and what it really means to blend technical knowledge with heart.

Whether you're part of the wheelchair community, a clinician, a caregiver, or just curious about how mobility devices come to life—this episode sets the tone for a podcast rooted in real stories, professional insight, and a passion for empowering independence.

Let’s roll.