In this inspiring episode, Shawn Simmons opens up about his journey of perseverance after a below-the-knee amputation. Through determination and rehab, he discovered wheelchair basketball — first playing with the ParaSports Spurs and now competing at the collegiate level with the University of Texas at Arlington. His dedication has also led to an invitation to the DK3 Wheelchair Basketball Invitational. Shawn shares heartfelt shoutouts to those who supported him along the way, reflecting on the importance of community and resilience. A proud father of three, he also talks about the legacy of perseverance in his family, including his grandmother who earned her bachelor’s degree at the age of 83. Shawn’s story is a testament to strength, faith, and never giving up.

From the softball field to the stables, Victoria’s journey is one of grit, grace, and growth. In this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, Victoria shares her powerful story—from the day her life changed with a diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome, to the long road of recovery that followed. Before her injury, she was fiercely competitive on the softball field. Today, she holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is setting her sights on building an Equine-Assisted Learning program to help others heal and grow.

Victoria opens up about the physical and emotional challenges, the role of horses in her future plans, and the unwavering love and support she’s received from her family and boyfriend. Her story is a reminder that while life can change in an instant, purpose and passion can still carry you forward.

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.