Rising Above: How a Spinal Cord Injury Became the Catalyst for Change

In the spotlight today, we have Dave Calver, an Occupational Therapist and co-founder of Participant Assistive Products, Dave has dedicated his life to improving mobility solutions for individuals with disabilities. However, what truly distinguishes his journey is the personal transformation he underwent after a life-altering spinal cord injury.

Before his injury, Dave lived a life of adventure as a guide, leading river and mountain trips. But when a spinal cord injury abruptly changed everything, he was forced to abandon the career he loved. Encouraged by a friend, Dave pursued a new path in Occupational Therapy, earning a master’s degree at the University of British Columbia. His early work in spinal cord rehabilitation quickly revealed unresolved issues from his own injury, making it clear that he wasn’t ready to work directly in this field. Instead, he shifted to a role at Motivation, a company focused on mobility solutions, where he could use his skills to help others in a different capacity. While working at Motivation, Dave supported people with a range of disabilities, from cerebral palsy and congenital disabilities to strokes and progressive conditions. He assisted people with various mobility challenges.

Dave’s experience as a wheelchair user has given him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. He has spent over 22 years navigating life with his wheelchair, and during this time, he has observed how society often underestimates the capabilities of wheelchair users. Despite these societal challenges, Dave’s resilience and determination led him to a fulfilling career that goes beyond his initial expectations.

A pivotal moment in Dave’s post-injury life came when he met Keoke, a like-minded individual who shared his concerns about the inadequate quality of wheelchairs available to children with disabilities. Together, they co-founded Participant Assistive Products and developed the Cub wheelchair, a groundbreaking mobility solution designed specifically for children in less resourceful environments. The Cub’s tilt-in-space function and lightweight, adaptable design make it a game-changer for both children and their caregivers.

Dave’s approach to product design is rooted in empathy and a deep understanding of the needs of those who use these devices. He combines his technical interest with therapeutic insights to create products that truly enhance the lives of children with disabilities. His work is driven by the belief that mobility is a human right, and he is committed to challenging the status quo in the industry.

Today, Dave’s mission is to inspire a shift in how mobility solutions are perceived and provided. He hopes that the Cub wheelchair will serve as a catalyst for change, leading to a future where mobility devices are accessible, affordable, and designed with the needs of the user in mind.

Dave Calver’s journey from an outdoor adventure guide to a leader in assistive technology is a powerful example of resilience and innovation. Through his work, he continues to make the world a more inclusive place, one wheelchair at a time.