The idea for purchasing and providing a Rex Bionics exoskeleton for Australia was first dreamed about in 2010 by AINRehab’s CEO and Founder, Trish Leonard.  At the time Trish was caring for her mum who had suffered a brain stem stroke and couldn’t move her arms or legs. Trish could see the potential of the Rex Bionics hands-free design and how it would enable her mum to stand and exercise each day, but the USD$150,000 price tag was out of reach.

After the passing of both her parents in 2014, AINRehab was founded. With the support of the AINRehab’s Board, the vision was crystallised to bring the first Rex Bionics device to the Newcastle region and offer exercise therapy in the device as part of a research trial.

The dream was to provide Hunter residents access to the therapy without charge and importantly, begin to create a body of evidence about the positive impacts this technology offers.

In 2017, with the help of the community and the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation a world first clinical trial is a reality at the University of Newcastle, with the first trial participants scheduled to complete their 12 week trial later this year.

AINRehab’s future plan is to continue working with communities and fundraise enough money to put robotic neuro-rehab technology in every community across Australia, and have a purpose built facility fully equipped to support neuro-rehabilitation across Australia.

AINRehab is a 100% NFP organisation, with all staff and board 100% volunteers.  All donations are tax deductible.