Access Trax is on a mission to remove the physical barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from fully enjoying the outdoors and traveling to new destinations. Their innovative portable pathway system enables wheelchair users and those with limited mobility to traverse challenging terrains like sand, gravel, and uneven surfaces with ease. The company’s work goes beyond providing a product—it’s about fostering inclusivity and changing the way society views disability and accessibility. Since its launch, Access Trax has made outdoor spaces and travel experiences more accessible and inclusive for families, businesses, events, and public spaces worldwide.
The Access Trax Origin Story
Kelly Twichel’s path to founding Access Trax is rooted in her personal experiences and her passion for healthcare. Growing up, Kelly never envisioned herself as an entrepreneur. Her dream was to work in healthcare, a calling inspired by her mother’s resilience following a stroke. Witnessing her mother’s struggles with the physical and societal barriers faced by people with disabilities profoundly influenced Kelly and guided her career choice in occupational therapy (OT).
While in graduate school for OT in 2016, Kelly’s journey took an unexpected turn during an assistive technology course. She and a classmate developed a project aimed at helping adaptive surfers in Southern California gain greater independence. Their idea was simple yet impactful: a lightweight, portable access mat that would allow wheelchair users to navigate sandy beaches. The prototype was tested with adaptive surfers, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback — marked by participants’ smiles and newfound independence — left a lasting impact on Kelly. This realization became the driving force behind Access Trax as Kelly was determined to create a solution that would empower millions of people around the world to access the outdoors without barriers.
Within six months of graduating, Kelly and her co-founder launched Access Trax. The company quickly gained traction, serving a diverse range of clients—from families and businesses to government agencies—who were all looking for ways to improve accessibility. Whether it’s enabling adaptive surfers to reach the shoreline, enhancing accessibility at tourist destinations, or providing access at music festivals and resorts, Access Trax has become a versatile solution for creating inclusive outdoor environments.
A Vision for Global Accessibility
Kelly’s personal experience with her mother’s disability and her professional training as an occupational therapist have shaped her vision for Access Trax. The company’s mission is to create a world where physical barriers no longer prevent individuals with disabilities from enjoying outdoor activities and natural environments. For Kelly, this work is not just about improving accessibility; it’s about changing the way society views disability and inclusion.
One of Kelly’s proudest moments came when Access Trax pathways were used at the US Open Adaptive Surfing Championship. Seeing participants roll down to the shoreline, their faces lit up with excitement and confidence, was a powerful reminder of why she started this journey. These events have not only empowered participants but have also underscored the importance of accessibility in outdoor sports and tourism.
Access Trax continues to collaborate with national parks, event organizers, and municipalities to make public spaces accessible, ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy the same opportunities for outdoor adventure. Kelly’s ultimate goal is to see Access Trax used at the Paralympics and Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, making these global events more inclusive for all.
How You Can Help
Support Access Trax by sharing their mission in advocating for accessible environments, and considering their Access Trax mats for events, venues, and public spaces.Â
