Uplifts, a new homelift brand from Stannah, has been awarded the coveted Innovation Award at this year’s OT Show, recognising the company’s commitment to collaborative product development and user-centred design.

Uplifts’ homelift solution combines “cutting-edge” technology with thoughtful design to transform how people navigate their homes. The assistive technology features a compact footprint, quiet operation, and customisable options that seamlessly integrate into any home environment, enabling users to maintain their quality of life with dignity.

The OT Show’s Innovation Award, created and judged by occupational therapists (OTs), celebrates manufacturers that demonstrate exceptional creativity and thoughtfulness in developing solutions that enhance clients’ ability to engage in meaningful activities. It specifically recognises equipment and adaptations that incorporate unique elements and show clear consideration of user needs throughout the design process.

Kate Sheehan, OT and a key collaborator in the development of Uplifts’ homelifts, highlighted the product’s user-centred approach: “Working closely with Uplifts on this project has demonstrated its genuine commitment to understanding and addressing the real-world challenges faced by individuals with mobility needs.

“The homelift design reflects a deep understanding of not just physical accessibility, but also the emotional and social aspects and the wish of a significant number of people with mobility needs to remain in their own home. This innovation award recognises what can be achieved when manufacturers truly listen to end users and healthcare professionals throughout the design process.”

For example, the Uplifts homelift has a very minimal lip at the front so that wheelchair users can easily get in and out of the lift. It also features soft-close doors, which are quite common in kitchen drawers, which makes it easier for those with reduced strength or mobility to open and close the doors.

The OT Show Exhibitor Awards were established to recognise manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers that actively engage with OTs to maximise client outcomes. Winners are selected by practicing OTs who understand the importance of innovative design in improving their clients’ lives.

“This award is a testament to our team’s dedication to putting people first in everything we do,” said Sam Stannah, CEO of Uplifts and a sixth-generation member of the Stannah family business. “As a family company with over 150 years of heritage, innovation has always been at our core. We believe that truly effective solutions come from working hand-in-hand with occupational therapists and their clients to understand their daily challenges and aspirations. This recognition from the OT community validates our collaborative approach and inspires us to continue pushing boundaries in accessibility design.”