After losing control on an icy road in Calgary, Reid Robinson crashed into a tree and suffered devastating injuries to his lower leg. What followed were two and a half years of recovery, 13 surgeries, broken surgical hardware, bone infections, and a difficult decision between amputation and trying once more to save his leg.
While recovering, Reid realized that none of the available mobility devices gave him the freedom he needed. So, despite having no welding experience, he taught himself by watching online videos and built his first leg brace from aluminum, crutches, and an IKEA cutting board.
That garage-built prototype eventually became the X-Leg, a hands-free knee crutch designed to help people with lower-leg injuries stay active and independent during recovery.
Reid joins Mike Bolland to talk about surviving the accident, undergoing a 16-hour surgery, overcoming opioid addiction, returning to running, and turning a deeply personal challenge into a medical device now being studied in the United States, Canada, and Chile.
Learn more about the X-Leg at https://www.xleg.ca
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In this episode, we welcome Adrienne Hill, a certified prosthetist orthotist (CPO) and Program Director of the Master’s of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics at Kennesaw State University. With a background in physics, mathematics, and health administration, Adrienne brings a unique perspective to the field. Her passion for prosthetics and orthotics is deeply personal—both her great-grandfather and father were amputees, inspiring her commitment to improving patient care. Adrienne has extensive experience as a former area clinic manager, where she provided clinical care, advocated for patients, and mentored future professionals. Now, she is dedicated to shaping the next generation of POP (Prosthetist-Orthotist-Prosthetist) professionals, ensuring they blend traditional care with cutting-edge technology.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland shares his candid thoughts on Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month — and why he believes awareness shouldn't be limited to just one month a year. Born without a right hand, Mike reflects on his lived experiences and how, for decades, many didn’t pay attention to people like him until they themselves became part of the limb loss community. He challenges listeners to think beyond temporary awareness campaigns and to embrace year-round inclusion, visibility, and support — not just when it becomes personal.
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Dr. Stephanie Cawthon, a disabled author, speaker, and researcher, to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Disability as Human. As a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and the founder of the National Disability Center for Student Success, Stephanie wears many professional "hats" in her mission to advance accessibility and disability inclusion. Beyond individual experiences, Stephanie and Mike explore the importance of systems-level work in accessibility. Stephanie highlights the need for proactive and sustainable solutions that bring disabled students into the heart of decision-making. She also delves into the challenges and rewards of driving meaningful, large-scale change. Join us for an insightful discussion that redefines how we view disability and inclusion in education and beyond!
