When illness or disability limits mobility, everyday comforts can feel out of reach. For Mathew Laban and his partner Jenny, the AAT S-Max stairclimbing wheelchair restored both freedom and joy – proving how the right equipment and support can transform quality of life at home and beyond.

Freedom and comfort restored through a stairclimbing wheelchair

Mathew Laban could not weight bear, stand or walk because of a brain tumour, spinal fractures and osteoporosis.

One of his pleasures in life was a bath. The size and configuration of the family home in Bradford made it impossible for him to have that enjoyment.

Fortunately, the AAT’s S-Max stairclimbing wheelchair changed that and also allowed him, at the end of his life, to safely and easily navigate the steps to the outside and enjoy some fresh air and the sun on his face.

It was the result of teamwork and effective communication between Mat’s partner, Jenny, the family’s Occupational therapist, and AAT GB Ltd.

Using the S-Max in its Sella variant (with integral seat), Jenny could safely take Mat upstairs to relax in the bath in the way he loved- with a cup of coffee and a biscuit.

And they were no longer confined to the house: using the S-Max Sella, Jenny could take Mat over the front door’s raised threshold, down the stone steps to the pavement, where she would transfer him to his wheelchair.

Physical strain on Jenny was reduced, and both their mental health was improved.

When Mat’s condition deteriorated to the point that external transfer was becoming difficult for Jenny, AAT stepped in again. S-Max has the flexibility to adapt to a wheelchair by removing the seat and adding brackets.

Jenny no longer had to lift Mat from the stairclimber to a wheelchair to go out and about.

And, as the Council already had the appropriate AAT accessories in its equipment stores, no additional funding was required.

“Mat was like the Duracell bunny- he just kept going. His legacy will be that our experience can help show other people facing a similar situation that with the right support and equipment, you do not have to be confined to the downstairs of your home,” says Jenny.

“I always say every day’s a school day: we’re always learning! Until you’re in that position, you’ve no idea what’s out there. The stairclimber was an absolute lifesaver, an amazing piece of equipment. It gave us some independence. Without that piece of equipment, Mat and I would have had no way of leaving the house together.”

Watch a video of Mat and Jenny traversing on their outside steps

The versatile and cost-effective S-Max stairclimber

AAT’s S-Max Sella is unique among inter-floor transfer devices in that it is not confined to the stairway, and that one machine can include an integral seat or attach to a wheelchair. Thus, it provides a cost-effective and safe solution where stairs and steps are a barrier to daily life.

It requires no installation and the S-Max reduces transfers for the passenger and operator.

AAT personally assesses the passenger, operator, and home environment to determine suitability prior to, including what accessories may be needed to ensure a safe and comfortable transfer process. AAT also personally trains the carers in S-Max’s safe operation.

Furthermore, uniquely, when the recipient no longer needs it, S-Max can be taken back into stores and reissued/prescribed to another. It equates to less than £800 a year to give multiple people and their families improved accessibility.

Full details of the S-Max stairclimbing wheelchair, and how to book a free, no obligation assessment, can be found by visiting the AAT website. 

Advertise With Crip Life™

The Crip Life™ advertising strategy is “Pay What You Can (PWYC).” We know this is very different to most if not all, online magazines. PWYC is a business model that doesn’t insist upon set prices for its goods or services. Instead, it asks clients to pay what they feel the product or service is worth and what you can afford to pay.

We want to place adverts for a wide range of clients. So, whatever the size of the organisation, if you want to promote a product or service, contact Joanna Baker-Rogers.

For more information on our advertising strategy, read our Crip Life™ Media Pack 2025. (If you prefer, we also have a Plain Text version).

Also, view our Crip Life™ Advertising Offers 2025. (We also have a Plain Text version)

Subscribe To Our FREE Newsletter