All of us do things every day that we simply take for granted — opening and closing a door, walking, talking, picking up objects, playing and just enjoying life. For many individuals with disabilities, these tasks are only possible with assistive technology. Wheelchairs are examples of assistive products that, to some degree, have an unpleasant emotional impact. Their design is predominantly cost-based and often fail to meet the functional demands of the user. In today’s technological world, wheelchairs might be the only product designed without customer input – and designed by people who never use the product.
Rehab Ideas is changing this paradigm by bringing to market innovative, useful and aesthetic products that give independence, mobility and respect to people with disabilities. Using the latest robotics and state of the art technologies, Rehab Ideas approaches its mission with outside-the-box thinking to convert the current industry norm from a medical-reimbursement model to a consumer-driven model. Our market initially is those individuals who use wheeled mobility devices and more specifically power wheelchair users.
Our driving factors are:
• Creation of a culture around our products
• Aesthetic and universal design
• Acceptance of designs by therapists and users
• Quality and thorough product testing
• Innovative and futuristic technologies
Our market initially is those individuals who use wheeled mobility devices and more specifically power wheelchair users.
The People of Rehab Ideas, Inc.
Stephen Sundarrao, CEO
Stephen Sundarrao is the Associate Director of the Center for Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology at the University of South Florida’s (USF) College of Engineering, and CEO of Rehab Ideas—a company formed in collaboration with USF to commercialize innovative rehabilitation technologies.
Professional Certification & Affiliation
• Undergraduate and graduate education in Mechanical Engineering
• 20 years experience as a rehabilitation engineer
• Over 10 years experience managing a statewide Rehabilitation Technology program
• Certified by RESNA as an Assistive Technology Practioner and Rehabilitation Engineer
• National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) Board of Directors
• National Health Advisory Board for the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
• Florida Department of Health’s Disability Taskforce on Bioterrorism.
• Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wheelchair Transportation Safety advisory Board at the University of Michigan
Awards & Recognition
• Presidential Award from NMEDA
• University of Miami award for Course Development and Recruitment for their online training in AT
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers 2008 ‘Engineer of the Year’
• Florida Governor’s Point of Light Award for his service in 2007
Stephen currently teaches the Capstone Design Course for senior mechanical engineering students, which annually develops 10-15 new innovative technologies for individuals with disabilities. His research interests include advanced vehicle modifications, ergonomics and mobility devices for individuals with disabilities; and he regularly presents papers at national and international conferences. Stephen is actively involved with the Florida State VR program to develop policy and training for better integration of Rehabilitation Technology Services.
Dana Roeling, COO
Dana was Executive Director of the National Mobility Dealers Association (NMEDA) for 6 years prior to becoming COO of Rehap Ideas. During her term, she transformed that organization from a small group of dealer members to an international body representing vehicle manufacturers (GM, Ford, Toyota, Chrysler), adaptive equipment manufacturers and dealers, rehabilitation professionals and government agencies such as the Veterans Association, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. She brings valuable contacts and management skills that are critical to the success of the company.
Dana holds a Bachelor's degree from Loyola University in New Orleans and a Masters in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She prevously worked with Hillsborough County Schools as an educator and Administrative Resource Teacher in the Language Arts Department.
John Trivento, Director of Sales & Marketing
John's extensive experience in sales, marketing and operations comes from more than thirty years in executive level positions in the manufacturing and service industry A former educator, John brings passion, drive and energy to match his considerable management and interpersonal skills; attributes critical to Rehab Ideas' management team in their mission to positively impact the lives of people with disabilities through innovations for independence.
John holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. John's University and a Masters of Science from City University of New York.
