In 2016, a simple conversation sparked a powerful realization for Jeff Runnels — for wheelchair users, everyday activities are filled with obstacles.

One challenge stood out: the inability to see over standing companions at events. When Jeff found that no solution existed, UpLift was born. In 2017 he created a conceptual design and founded a company to develop it, Lexia.Solutions.

The journey turned out to be long and anything but easy. Weeks of research led to dead ends, defeats, and discouragement. Giving up seemed like the only option. But then two unexpected encounters changed everything. First, Jeff saw “DON’T GIVE UP” spray-painted on a sidewalk. Moments later, he met a wheelchair user struggling to move a trash can blocking a car door. Jeff initiated a conversation that shed even more light on the countless unseen barriers wheelchair users face. Before parting, the man echoed a now-insistent message: “Don’t give up.”

That was the turning point.

Over nine years, UpLift’s path has yielded two patents, hundreds of design refinements, and five prototypes — along with extensive expertise deployed on user needs, manufacturing, finance, disabilities law, and startup management. UpLift has secured significant investment and assembled a dedicated team to pursue rigorous research, development, and testing to ensure adherence to the highest safety and certification standards.

UpLift is ready to redefine accessibility. Wheelchair users now will be able to fully experience entertainment in ways others take for granted. The Uplift team captures its expansive ambition in a very simple mission statement:

MISSION

We lift the lives of wheelchair users to fuller, more equal enjoyment of incredible entertainment experiences – independently, comfortably, and safely.