This silver coin, minted around 400BC, depicts a story by the Greek tragedian, Aeschylus.

A warrior with a withered leg, sits on a magical, winged wheel. With outstretched arm and open hand, he releases a bird.

The scene reminds us that the challenge of disability has been with us, since ancient times.

The bird, carrying hope, flies to the future. And on its journey, comes to rest with us, today.

Riding a bicycle is faster than walking. But wheels are useful, only some of the time.

We live and move about in a complex, three dimensional world. Legs provide movement in all directions: up, down and across. Wheels only travel across.

So if someone has difficulty walking, why do we think a wheelchair is the answer?

Wheelchairs can only travel where a network of smooth paths is provided.

Most buildings in the world have steps and stairs. Few have elevators.

Consequently, people with walking difficulties have no access or limited access, to many buildings. They cannot live in them, work in them, or visit people inside.

This affects a big group of people, including veterans and the elderly.

Building regulation has improved wheelchair access to large buildings, e.g. hospitals and office towers. But many small buildings remain difficult to access.

For example, you can modify your own house to be accessible. But unless everybody else’s house is accessible, it is like living on an island.

A stair-climbing mobility chair provides equitable access to more buildings.

That is why Orbilift is being developed.