Kelly Twitchel, OTR/L, USAHS ’17 is a born entrepreneur and a staunch advocate of accessibility. She always has a lot of passion, empathy and expertise when it comes to inclusion. “Her drive and competitiveness comes from the fact that her mother was disabled. she said.
Her accessibility-focused career began when she was a student in the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program at the University of St. Augustine’s College of Health Sciences (USAHS). She has taken classes in Assistive Technology with Assistant Professor Maureen “Mo” Johnson, her PhD, MS, OT/L, BCPR, C/NDT, CHSE-A. Dr. Johnson is a surfer and presented her students with the creative challenge of designing a device to help adaptive surfers overcome barriers to beach access with dignity. .
Twitchell and her former classmate Eric Packard (OTR/L, USAHS ’17) have risen to the occasion, access track“Inspired by adaptive athletes. Invented by occupational therapists,” was born. We tested this device with the Adaptive Surfer.
Innovation that makes an impact
After seeing how the truck allowed surfers in wheelchairs to traverse the beach freely, Mr. Tuichel realized he needed to turn his school project into a global business.
“I saw how railroad tracks help people cross the sand and do what they want.”
Twitchell is the CEO and co-founder of Access Trax, a women-led company. Her aim is to enable people of all abilities to live healthy, active lifestyles without disability. The company’s innovative design, the Access Trax Mat (formerly Beach Trax), is a portable, collapsible walkway for accessibility to the outdoors.
Access Trax isn’t just for surfers. This enables anyone with a mobility device to reach outdoor terrain such as beaches, parks, playgrounds, gardens, and campgrounds. During the coronavirus pandemic, restaurants relied on Access Trax to help customers reach outdoor seating. The film industry has been using mats to move heavy equipment since 2021.
“Creating portable walkways allows us to help multiple people at the same time and embrace the concept of universal design. One product can have a greater impact,” said Twitchell.
innovative design
“As an OT, I am fully committed to individuals with disabilities and their families,” said Tuichel.
She aims to integrate early feedback and continuously improve Access Trax. Through her volunteer work at the World Surfing Championships, she was able to hear first-hand what surfers like and product changes.
“Volunteering is a great way to bring Matt to a wider audience. Seeing a product in person is much more valuable than seeing an ad online,” she said. Told.
She is currently working on two new versions. A smaller mat for independent use by individuals and her second type with increased traction for government agencies.
“With a small self-started business it can take years to get something off the ground. This process does not cause me the greatest joy, but it is necessary and time It’s well worth it,” she said.
Education as a force for good
Twitchel is inspired by USAHS’ continued support and sponsorship. US Open Adaptive Surfing Championship and the San Diego Adaptive Sports, Recreation and Resources Fair.
USAHS Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) students volunteer at Access Trax and have the opportunity to see adaptive sports in action. “This experience takes them outside the clinical aspects of medicine and adds richness to what they are learning,” explained Twitchell.
She said USAHS has always supported Access Trax’s mission and the professors are phenomenal leaders. “They have a huge interest in the community and student success.”
international influence
Access Trax has customers in 16 countries outside the United States. When someone contacts her Twitchel and says she needs a mat to change her life, she figures out a way to get it. “We are very happy to expand our reach around the world and to different use cases,” she said.
Twitchel has participated in more than 5 business accelerators to better learn how to scale and strategically export our products.
In May 2023, Access Trax will MetroConnect VI Export Accelerator Program Received a $25,000 grant for market expansion in Canada and Australia.
“I want to be the best leader I can be for this company and mission. Current and future customers count on me.”
attract national attention
Access Trax is one of four companies selected to participate. JPMorgan Chase Impact Campaign – A series of commercials aired on major news networks and during primetime sporting events. The first commercial premiered on June 1, 2023 of him during the NBA Finals. Access Trax’s solo spot is set to premiere during his MLB All-Star Game on July 11. You can also watch the Wimbledon final on July 15th and his Women’s World Cup on July 21st.
“Sport is a great conduit for expressing spirit, purpose and passion, and it really brings people together. We look forward to seeing how we can open the eyes and hearts of so many people to see if we can blend in,” Tuchel said.
The future of accessibility
The way she sees it, nonprofits are here to make things happen no matter who you are or where you are. She hopes that accessibility will continue to evolve to serve people of all ability levels.
“The future will have universal design built into everything. It costs more to fix something than to build it right the first time,” she said. “Call on companies to include people with disabilities in the planning stage, not just in user testing. Products should be built with them, by them, for them, not without them.”
A call to all non-traditional OT: Twitchel urges the field to be well positioned to allow OT to work in a variety of environments. “Find your network and participate in what excites you and what you need. Please make it possible.”
A true pioneer, Twitchell’s North Star goals are: LA28 Paralympics. Access Trax american triathlon To provide beach access for the swimming portion 2023 National Championship.
As Twitchell’s journey continues to unfold, one thing remains constant. It’s about her passion for her role in promoting an accessible future.
