Quadriplegic Entrepreneur Providing Hope and Freedom to Others

Newbury Park, CA — With an estimated one million individuals confined to wheelchairs in the United States, many people face lifestyle restrictions which often prevent participation in fundamental recreational activities. A company based in Southern California, however, is offering innovative options for those suffering from paralysis, neurological damage and other motor skill disorders.

Access to Recreation (www.accesstr.com), a distributor of adaptive equipment and special needs products, offers a full line of hi-tech recreation items and has been providing solutions to this niche market for nearly twenty years.

"Recreational sports and exercise are necessary components to staying physically and mentally fit. We shouldn’t allow a disability to restrict us from these important activities," said Don Krebs, president and founder of ATR.

Krebs, a quadriplegic, founded the company nine years after a waterskiing accident broke his C7 vertebrae and left him paralyzed from the chest down.

"My life completely changed," says Krebs. "The most basic things we take for granted such as bathing and dressing required assistance. It was tough."

He added, "But I didn’t want to wallow in self pity. I vowed to get up and make a difference for myself and others facing similar challenges. I regained some arm motion which was a big help."

After his accident, Krebs refused to let his disability prevent him from reaching his goals. He entered California Lutheran University, receiving his degree in business. Later, he served on President Reagan’s Disability Advisory Council, helping to push through legislation which allowed injured people to return to work without losing important benefits.

Krebs founded his company in 1987 and he says technological advancements over the years have played an important role in providing options for himself and his customers.

"Our pool lifts are very popular right now," he contends. "The technology allows things never seen before."

"Also, with recently passed legislation as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act, all new public swimming pools are mandated to provide access to their pools. The product is a perfect fit."

The company also offers a broad range of innovative mobility products, including a new all-terrain wheelchair that Krebs claims can go "just about anywhere."

For more information, including a company catalogue, visit www.accesstr.com or call 800-634-4351.

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