Devices 4 the Disabled

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Devices 4 the Disabled

Devices 4 the Disabled was founded by Ed Kane, who is in the late stages of ALS.

Devices 4 the Disabled empowers people with disabilities to thrive with mobility, independence, freedom, and dignity by collecting, refurbishing, and distributing medical equipment at no cost. When Ed was first diagnosed he had to pay $30,000 for a complex wheelchair out of his savings because his insurance wouldn't cover the cost and he couldn't wait for Medicare to help. He wants to save other disabled people from long waits for the equipment they need, and from high costs.

06/03/2026

We're on WGN tonight!

visited Devices 4 The Disabled to highlight how we're filling a critical gap in our community.

Tune in at 4PM and 9PM/CT to hear from Brian, Kanisha, and Ivory, and learn more about our mission. 💙

06/01/2026

Kevin was all smiles after loading a car full of equipment for his mom, Erika. This awesome teen translated for his family and helped get everything packed up at our warehouse.

Access to equipment can completely change what daily life looks like. Too many families are left trying to figure it all out on their own. We’re grateful D4D can help fill that gap with equipment, support, and a community that cares.

05/28/2026

“Growing up in Bronzeville, giving back to my community has always been important to me.”

Meet D4D volunteer, Kaylee Flowers, a recent graduate from WashU in St. Louis with a degree in biomedical engineering. “My ultimate goal is to create medical devices for underrepresented communities.”

Kaylee says volunteering at D4D has shown her how life-changing accessible equipment can be, especially for communities that are overlooked.

Her favorite part? “The people. Everyone is passionate about the mission and you can see it.”

05/27/2026

Birgit and her mother, Norma, came to Devices 4 the Disabled at the end of the day with a truck full of equipment and a story we won’t forget.

Norma shared that her brother became paralyzed from the neck down after a diving accident in Lake Michigan in 1984, and dedicated his life to advocating for people with disabilities working closely with Access Living.

After his recent passing, a friend told the family about D4D. They knew immediately this was where their brother's equipment should go.

“He would want us to pay it forward.”

Together, they donated a hospital bed, Hoyer lift, and other medical equipment so another family could benefit from the same kind of support that meant so much to theirs.

Generosity through donations carry a loved ones legacy forward. Thank you for sharing these devices with those who need it most.

05/26/2026

“I want a wheeley-chair.” ❤️

Now Coraline is ready to get back to kindergarten!

05/23/2026

84 years old.
First wheelchair ever. ❤️

Arnell is a family caregiver who cares for her sister, Velma, and came to Devices 4 the Disabled through a referral from Rush University Medical Center.

With Velma’s first wheelchair and additional caregiving equipment, caring for her at home just became a little easier.

And now, the sisters can get out together again.

Mobility changes more than movement. It changes moments.

05/16/2026

One of the things we love most at D4D is being able to help other organizations find the equipment their clients and patients need.

Last month, Olivia, an occupational therapy student at The Boulevard of Chicago, stopped by our warehouse to pick up a transfer bench with an arm trough — a piece of equipment we adapted to provide extra support during bathing for a person with limited arm mobility.

The Boulevard of Chicago does incredible work providing medical respite care, support services, and housing assistance for adults experiencing homelessness. Many of the people they serve don’t have the resources or connections to find specialized medical equipment on their own, which makes partnerships like this so important.

05/15/2026

We’re excited to celebrate Megan Handley, Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management Board Fellow, on receiving the 2026 Golub Capital Social Impact Empower Award!

Working with Megan has been a pleasure. Her thoughtful leadership, dedication, and mission-driven approach have made a lasting impact on Devices 4 the Disabled. Through her work, she helped strengthen and scale the operational systems behind our mission, positioning D4D for continued growth and impact.

We are incredibly honored to have been recognized through the Golub Capital Board Fellows Program for the second year in a row. Thank you to Golub Capital and Kellogg School Center for Nonprofit Management at Northwestern University for supporting supporting meaningful partnerships that create lasting community impact.

Congratulations, Megan!

05/13/2026

Kenneth Sr. came to Devices 4 the Disabled on behalf of his son, Kenneth Jr., who is living with ALS. As his mobility has became more limited, safely transferring him out of bed and into a wheelchair has become a daily challenge for the family.

Referred by the UChicago Medicine hospital, Kenneth received a patient lift and sling from D4D to help make those transfers safer and easier.

Kenneth Sr. shared what a relief getting this equipment will be for their daily lives. Best of all, this equipment means more mobility, better quality of life for Kenneth Jr., and peace of mind for his entire family.

05/11/2026

Another piece of equipment is on its way to support a family in a meaningful way. 💙

This adaptive crib will support a baby transitioning home from the NICU. The baby’s grandparents stopped by Devices 4 the Disabled to pick it up and help prepare for the transition home.

This is the impact of repurposed equipment — turning donated items that once made a difference for one family into safer nights, better rest, and possibility for another.

Address

2701 W. 36th Place
Chicago, IL
60632

Website

https://devices4thedisabled.org/donate/, https://devices4thedisabled.org/equipment/

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