Rifton Named to Inaugural Forbes Accessibility 100
A Testament to Listening and Innovation
| April 2006
Rifton Named to Inaugural Forbes Accessibility 100: A Testament to Listening and Innovation
Rifton has been recognized on Forbes’ first-ever Accessibility 100 list—a prestigious honor that celebrates the world’s most effective innovators in accessibility. This recognition reflects something we’ve always believed: true innovation occurs when you listen to the people who use your products every day.
What the Forbes Accessibility 100 Means
Forbes’ inaugural Accessibility 100 list spotlights organizations making meaningful strides to improve life for people with disabilities. Announced at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, this recognition places Rifton alongside global leaders like Apple, Google, and Microsoft as changemakers transforming how people move, learn, communicate, and participate in their communities.
The list celebrates innovators across multiple industries—from mobility and education to technology and beyond.
Your Voice Drives Our Innovation
This recognition aligns perfectly with our core philosophy: your voice matters. Every Rifton product begins with listening—to therapists sharing insights from clinical practice, to parents navigating daily challenges, and to individuals with disabilities who know exactly what they need to live more independently.
This user-centered approach isn’t just a design principle; it’s the foundation for everything we do. When we developed the Rifton Activity Chair, it was because occupational and physical therapists told us they needed better positioning options for their clients. When we refined our Pacer Gait Trainer, it was because caregivers and users shared their real-world experiences about what worked and what didn’t.
From Feedback to Innovation
Our inclusion on the Forbes Accessibility 100 reflects decades of this collaborative process. Here’s how we turn your insights into life-changing equipment:
- Clinical Partnerships. We work directly with therapists in schools, clinics, and healthcare facilities to understand emerging needs and test new solutions.
- User Testing. Real users—children and adults with disabilities—trial our prototypes, providing feedback that shapes the final design.
- Caregiver Input. Parents, teachers, and caregivers share their daily experiences, helping us design equipment that works seamlessly in real-world environments.
- Continuous Improvement. We don’t stop listening after a product launches. Your ongoing feedback drives updates and refinements that make our equipment even better.
Looking Ahead
The Forbes Accessibility 100 recognition comes at a challenging time for accessibility innovation. Reimbursement for critically needed equipment seems to constrict each year, making innovation even tougher. But our resolve is strengthened by this recognition.
Thank you for trusting us with your insights, your challenges, and your dreams for what’s possible.
