Blog Post

What does progress look like after nearly 20 years of living with paralysis?

For me, it looks like showing up for another rehabilitation session, celebrating small victories, and continuing to believe that progress is possible.

Today I completed my 48th walking session with the Atalante X exoskeleton by Wandercraft, and I left feeling stronger—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Nearly two decades after brain stem tumor surgery left me quadriplegic, I never lose sight of how incredible it is to stand and walk again. Every step I take in the exoskeleton reminds me that recovery is not always about returning to where you were. Sometimes it’s about discovering new possibilities and redefining what progress means.

Building Strength One Session at a Time

Every walking session challenges me in different ways. The Atalante X requires active participation, and my body has to work throughout the entire experience.

During this session I focused on:

• Head control
• Trunk control
• Balance
• Endurance
• Posture
• Confidence while standing and walking

I also completed 20 squats, stood for longer periods, walked farther than before, and felt noticeably more stable as the session progressed.

These accomplishments may sound small, but rehabilitation is built on small improvements. Every session adds another piece to the foundation. Strength develops gradually, confidence grows through repetition, and independence is built one milestone at a time.

The Progress You Can’t Always See

One of the biggest lessons rehabilitation has taught me is that not all progress is visible.

Sometimes the most meaningful changes happen inside your body before anyone else notices them.

During today’s session I felt something different. My movements felt more natural. I trusted my body a little more. I felt more in control of my posture and more confident shifting my weight while standing.

Those moments matter.

Progress isn’t always measured by the number of steps you take. Sometimes it’s measured by how much more comfortable, confident, and capable you feel compared to the last session.

How the Atalante X Exoskeleton Helps

The Atalante X is a self-balancing robotic exoskeleton developed by Wandercraft to help individuals with neurological conditions practice standing and walking.

Unlike traditional rehabilitation equipment, the Atalante X allows me to practice natural walking movements while providing the support needed to do so safely.

Each session helps me work on:

• Standing tolerance
• Walking mechanics
• Weight shifting
• Balance
• Muscle activation
• Endurance
• Functional mobility

While the technology provides support, I still have to actively participate throughout every movement. That combination of advanced robotics and human effort is what makes each session both challenging and rewarding.

Accessibility Creates Possibility

As someone who works professionally in digital accessibility, experiences like these continually reinforce why accessibility matters.

Accessibility is not limited to websites, apps, or digital documents.

It includes the technologies that help people move, communicate, learn, work, and participate in everyday life.

Whether it’s an accessible website, an AAC device, voice recognition software, or an innovative robotic exoskeleton, thoughtful design removes barriers and creates opportunities.

Innovation changes lives when accessibility is part of the design from the very beginning.

Accessibility Is Dignity

People often ask me why I’m so passionate about accessibility.

The answer is simple.

I’ve experienced firsthand what happens when barriers exist, and I’ve also experienced the incredible opportunities that become possible when those barriers are removed.

Accessibility is more than compliance.

It’s more than meeting standards.

It’s about independence.

It’s about inclusion.

It’s about giving people the opportunity to participate fully in life.

Most importantly, accessibility is dignity.

Looking Ahead to Session #49

Forty-eight sessions have taught me that meaningful progress rarely happens overnight.

It happens through consistency.

Through patience.

Through determination.

Through showing up—even on the difficult days.

I’m excited to see what Session #49 brings.

Every step is another reminder that the journey continues.

I’d Love to Hear From You

What accessibility innovation, assistive technology, or rehabilitation breakthrough has inspired you recently?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

If you enjoy reading about accessibility, assistive technology, inclusive design, rehabilitation technology, and my personal journey with the Atalante X, I’d love for you to follow my journey at EsthersWalkingJourney.co.

Thank you for walking this journey with me.