About Us

About Lift-Aids, Inc.

Family-owned and serving North Texas since 1968
Lift-Aids, Inc. is proud to be the oldest adaptive equipment dealer in Texas and the United States, serving communities across North Texas and beyond for more than five decades.

Our Story

1968 – A Small Start in Haltom City
Otis and Joan Thomas founded Lift-Aids in their Haltom City home in 1968. Otis had years of experience installing and servicing large commercial elevators, and saw the need for residential elevators and stair lifts. Their vision was simple: help people live more independently.
1970s – Growing With Accessibility Needs
By the mid-1970s, the demand for accessibility in existing buildings was rising, spurred by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Lift-Aids expanded into vehicle modifications for people with disabilities, quickly becoming a trusted provider for the Texas State Board of Control and the Texas Rehabilitation Commission.
In 1975, the company moved into a 3,000 sq. ft. warehouse, and by 1978 had expanded again to a 10,000 sq. ft. facility to keep up with demand. That same year, Lift-Aids became Garaventa’s first U.S. dealer, beginning a partnership that continues today.
1980s – Leading Innovation
In 1979, Lift-Aids began supplying wheelchair-accessible vehicles nationwide to meet growing transportation needs. In 1984, Wes and Connie Stauffer purchased the business from Joan and Otis. Under their leadership, Lift-Aids continued to grow its reputation as a leader in accessibility solutions.
2001 – A Permanent Home
With continued growth, Lift-Aids purchased its current 15,000 sq. ft. warehouse in 2001, providing room for installations, vehicle modifications, and service. Today, we are proud to have 16 full-time employees, including five who have been with the company for over 25 years.
2006–2014 – Honoring Our Founders
Joan Thomas passed away in 2006 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, and Otis Thomas passed away in 2014. Their vision and dedication remain the foundation of everything we do.
2023 – A Third Generation

In July 2023, Otis and Joan’s granddaughter purchased the company from her father Wes Jones and business partner Connie Stauffer making the beginning of the company’s third generation ownership.

Today

More than 56 years after our founding, Lift-Aids remains committed to providing residential and commercial accessibility solutions, patient transfer systems, and adaptive driving aids across North Texas. From Dallas/Fort Worth to Waco, Amarillo, Midland, and El Paso, we are proud to serve communities large and small with the same care and craftsmanship that started in a family home in 1968.

For Amanda, our third-generation owner, this mission is deeply personal. As the granddaughter of our founders and the mother of a son with cerebral palsy, she has a lifelong passion for helping people live more independently. That perspective shapes every decision we make, ensuring our solutions are not only safe and code-compliant, but also compassionate and practical for the families who rely on them.

We are also proud to be the only company in Texas offering both residential and commercial accessibility modifications and custom vehicle adaptations. This unique combination allows us to provide a truly comprehensive range of services that few others can match.

Why Choose Lift-Aids?

For more than five decades, Lift-Aids has built its reputation on trust, reliability, and a passion for accessibility. Whether you need a residential elevator, a wheelchair lift for a church or school, or a custom driving solution, we’re here to help.