David's
Story

About The Owner

My Story: From the Accident to Building The Access Store

The Day Everything Changed..

I was just 18 years old when a snowmobile accident left me as a complete C6 quadriplegic. Growing up in a small town in southern Manitoba, I was living that typical small-town life—roaming free, doing whatever I wanted.

“That changed in a heartbeat. One moment I’m independent, the next I’m lying in a hospital bed unable to move three-quarters of my body.”

I spent seven long months in a rehab hospital relearning how to do all the things most people do without even thinking about it. Managing my bowel and bladder, maneuvering in my wheelchair—these became my new reality. It was grueling, but I didn’t spend a lot of time being depressed or feeling sorry for myself. I think a big part of that was how close I was to a group of friends who stuck with me and never let me down.

Friends Who Refused to Let Me Quit

I’ll never forget the day I was discharged from the hospital. My mother had visions of me having a quiet, safe evening settling back in at home. But my friends had other plans. They picked me up and proceeded to escort me straight to a bush party—which was totally normal in a small town. That moment told me everything I needed to know about the people around me.

“I learned very quickly that with the strong support of family and friends, I could go back to a fairly ‘normal’ life.”

But living in a small town in a wheelchair wasn’t going to be easy. When my friends started moving to Winnipeg in the fall to enroll in college programs, I knew I had to do the same. I was committed to my journey of becoming as independent as possible, so I made the decision to move with them.

Building Independence in the City

I found transitional housing at 1010 Sinclair, a place designed for people with disabilities and set up perfectly for someone in a wheelchair. While my friend went to college, I spent those first months learning how to care for myself. Eventually, I enrolled in a grade 12 equivalent program with one goal in mind: getting accepted to Red River College’s Business Administration program. I graduated in 1986.

During my college days, I was blessed to have my childhood sweetheart move in with me. We got married in 1987, and our son was born in 1997. Now we have a grandson who’ll be turning three in February 2026. My family has been my greatest source of strength throughout this entire journey.

The Struggle to Find Work and the First "Aha" Moment

After college, I struggled to find employment. Let’s be honest—who wants to hire someone in a wheelchair? It was still a huge stigma in the late 80s and early 90s. But two significant events changed everything for me.

The first was getting hired by the Canadian Paraplegic Association, now known as SCI Manitoba. They provide vocational and advocacy services for people with spinal cord injuries, and it was there that I met others in similar situations and saw firsthand the lack of equipment and services available. I realized I wasn’t alone in this struggle—and that there was a real need that wasn’t being met.

The second was discovering wheelchair rugby, also known as “Murderball.” I excelled at this sport. I went on to play for three different teams: the local Manitoba team, the Canadian National Team, and a top team from the US. In 1996, I attended the Paralympics with the Canadian National Team and won a silver medal.

“My exposure to wheelchair rugby did two things: it helped me excel my level of independence as I traveled without assistance, and it allowed me to meet others around the world trying to overcome the same challenges.”

Those experiences opened my eyes to what was possible—not just for me, but for everyone in the SCI community.

“I always joke to people when I tell this story that I was injured before wheelchairs were invented.”

The truth is, when I first got injured, there were no wheelchairs designed for someone trying to be active. There wasn’t much adaptive equipment at all. It wasn’t until many years later that better products came on the market. But that gap—that need—is what drove me to create The Access Store.

The Official "Aha" Moment

In 1992, I was laid off from my job. It was a tough time, struggling to find employment while being overqualified and underestimated. But that’s when the official “Aha” moment hit me: Why don’t I start my own business helping others with a spinal cord injury?

In 1993, I registered my first business under the name “Inmotion Healthcare” and operated it out of my two-bedroom home. I was solving a problem I knew intimately—the lack of proper equipment and resources for people living with SCI. By 1996, as we were preparing for our newborn son to arrive, I opened my first brick-and-mortar location and changed the name to The Access Store.

My Vision for Today & Tomorrow

The Access Store isn’t just a business to me. It’s a mission. It’s a resource for empowerment, innovation, and community. My goal has always been to provide the best adaptive equipment, but more importantly, to share knowledge, foster connections, and inspire others to live active, fulfilling lives.

“A spinal cord injury is not the end of the road—it’s a new beginning. With the right tools, the right support, and the right mindset, anything is possible.”

I’ve lived that truth every single day for the past 45 years. I’ve traveled the world, competed at the highest levels of sport, built a family, and created a business that helps thousands of people. If my story can inspire even one person to believe in themselves and their potential, then everything I’ve been through has been worth it.

The Access Store exists because I refused to accept limitations. I exist to help you do the same. Whether you’re newly injured, a loved one trying to understand this new reality, or someone looking for the tools to live your best life—I’m here. We’re here. And together, we’re going to build a world where every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, has the access and opportunity to live their life to the fullest.

That’s my promise to you.

- David Tweed

David's Story