We are proud to feature Moh Sayed, the inspiring founder of Lets Roll Productions (LRP), a creative force dedicated to changing the narrative around disability in media. From childhood challenges to building a company that champions authentic representation, Moh and LRP’s story is one of resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to inclusion.
Tell us a little about your background and how it’s inspired your work.
Movies became my lifeline when I was eight years old, living in a hospital in the mountains of Afghanistan. After losing my family and becoming paralyzed at age six, I spent seven years in that hospital. Every night, I escaped into Bollywood and Hollywood films—but one question always lingered: Why are there no heroes in wheelchairs?
Was there a particular moment that sparked your creative journey?
In 2009, I came to the United States. After more than a dozen surgeries, my American mom took me to see Avatar. Seeing a character in a wheelchair in a major film felt like a dream come true—until I learned the role was played by an actor without disabilities. That moment crushed me, but it also lit a fire. I realized that if I wanted to see authentic representation, I had to create it myself.
In 2016, I began turning that dream into reality. With no experience, I found support from David Resnick and Nixon Peabody, who helped protect my intellectual property and launch my first graphic novels. Today, they are helping bring Wheelchair Girl to life—the first female superhero in a wheelchair based on a true story.
Who was your favorite superhero before you created new ones, and why?
The main reason LRP created our own universe is because I never related to any of the superheroes out there. As they say, “if you don’t like something, go do something about it.” So that is what I did!
What is the mission driving Lets Roll Productions?
At LRP, our mission is clear: to empower people with disabilities to see themselves as superheroes. Through creative graphic novels and short, dynamic video content, we make disabled characters the hero, such as champions who fight to end wars and rebuild nations scarred by conflict. These stories are not just entertainment; they are a call to action, challenging stereotypes and inspiring a young audience to embrace diversity and resilience.
What challenges have you and LRP faced throughout your journey?
Building LRP has not been without obstacles. One of the greatest challenges has been attracting investors. Many hesitate to back new ideas, and they often fail to see the cultural and financial value of stories created by and centered on people with disabilities.
In 2014, I met Robert Welch at a Harvard event. Bob believed in the mission and helped me lay the foundation for LRP. Tragically, he passed away suddenly. Losing Bob was devastating. His mentorship meant everything to me, and I miss him deeply. Before he passed, Bob introduced me to several people within his organization. I began working with Michael Granoff who, like Bob and David, has had a meaningful and positive impact on my life.
Health challenges also tested my resolve. While writing Wheelchair Girl, I was hospitalized more than ten times. I am profoundly grateful to Dr. William Holmes, the same doctor who saved my life in Afghanistan, for helping me finish the book. His support made this project possible.
What’s next for Lets Roll Productions?
Our vision extends beyond graphic novels and video content. As LRP grows, we plan to introduce a line of assistive devices. Thanks to David and Nixon Peabody, I now hold more than six patents, including one for a mobile device case with more features than any product currently on the market. Our next step is to partner with the right manufacturing company to bring these devices into production.
What advice would you give to future trailblazers and creators?
Be kind and work hard. Learn how to bootstrap, and learn AI. My journey—from selling sunflower seeds in Afghanistan to building a tech career—taught me resilience and adaptability. When I came to the United States, I had $600. I was 12 years old, in a wheelchair, and that was a lot of money for a kid from Afghanistan. I learned fast and found lessons in my mistakes, and I embraced the work because it gave me control over my future.
Today, we apply that same mindset at LRP. With the right investors, creatives, and AI strategy, we can achieve in years what took other renowned production companies decades. When we started in 2016, we planned to launch five superheroes based on real-life wheelchair users. Life had other plans. Finding the girl behind Wheelchair Girl was especially challenging. On my first trip, working with the State Department, I didn’t find her. But on the second trip to Kazakhstan, we pivoted and organized a talent show for people with disabilities at the most accessible mall. That’s how we met Aknur, a 12-year-old wheelchair user dancing champion from a small village in Kazakhstan who became the real-life muse behind the graphic novel.
So my advice? Stay kind, stay curious, adapt fast, and never stop building—even when the path changes.