REPURPOSED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.
LIFE-CHANGING IMPACT.
essential equipment so people can live with greater mobility,
independence, freedom, and dignity.
MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO GET TO SCHOOL
One wheelchair, Big impact: How Devices 4 the Disabled turned a challenge into an opportunity for Rico
“Bob, I can’t thank you enough for helping Luciana. I have been on the verge of tears all day because you and Devices 4 the Disabled have literally changed Luciana’s life. She kept telling me all day how happy she is that she can move about on her own. Thank you to you, your amazing mom and the amazing organization Devices 4 the Disabled. I hope that you have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving.“
-Virginia Dallman
Teacher at Belding Elementary
IB World School
OUR STORY
D4D co-founders Ed Kane and Bob Shea discovered first hand just how hard it is to get essential devices when you need them, particularly if you’re uninsured or your insurance won’t cover the full cost of the equipment.
Bob and Ed thought that money should not be a barrier to access, and so in 2015, D4D was born.
CBS2 Chicago aired a story about Bob and Ed soon after they founded D4D, and it went on to win an Emmy. It spoke not only to the power of their story, but to the impact of the organization.
“Thank you so much for your response and your assistance. I have worked with Devices 4 the Disabled for many years (encouraging donations and requesting assistance) and I have seen the difference you guys make. A true blessing! Thank you again for all that you do!“
-Erin Comeford RN
University of Illinois Hospital
Corporate & Foundation Sponsors
2025 Ed Kane Person of the Year: Martrell Stevens
“Make the most of life. Keep moving forward, and give it your all — no matter what.” – Martrell Stevens
When Martrell Stevens was just four years old, a stray bullet left him paralyzed from the waist down.
But tragedy didn’t define him—it fueled his determination to build a life of purpose, leadership, and inspiration.
In 2016, after a CBS Chicago story about Devices 4 the Disabled (D4D), journalist Brad Edwards and D4D teamed up to surprise Martrell with a basketball hoop for his backyard.
That simple act of kindness reignited his love for sports and opened the door to wheelchair basketball—a passion that would shape his future.
From graduating valedictorian of his eighth-grade class to leading the University of Illinois Wheelchair Basketball Team as captain and earning MVP and All-American honors, Martrell’s dedication on and off the court is unmatched.
Now pursuing his Master’s degree at U of I, he also plays for Team USA’s Wheelchair Basketball Team, helping win bronze in the 2025 Men’s 3×3 World Cup—scoring both the game-tying buzzer-beater and the winning shot.
For his resilience, leadership, and commitment to advancing mobility, independence, and dignity, Devices 4 the Disabled proudly honors Martrell Stevens as our 2025 Ed Kane Person of the Year, presented by Sue Kane at our 2025 Our Cause 4 Celebration event.
Martrell reminds us that mobility doesn’t just change how we move—it changes how we live, connect, and inspire others.
Devices 4 the Disabled Board of Directors - New Members
Welcome Our New Board Members
Devices 4 the Disabled is proud to welcome four new leaders to our Board of Directors. Our board plays a critical role in guiding the organization’s strategic direction, ensuring strong governance, and amplifying our impact for people living with disabilities who rely on the equipment and services provided through D4D. Each new member brings a unique blend of expertise, lived experience, and a shared commitment to our mission, helping position D4D for even greater strategic growth and impact in the years ahead.
More About D4D’s Board of Directors & Leadership Team
Nooshin Shahlari Bowman
Nooshin Shahlari Bowman leads with purpose, drawing on her background in biomedical and chemical engineering, management consulting, and nonprofit governance. As a Senior Consultant at Deloitte and recent MBA graduate from the Kellogg School of Management, she drives strategic growth initiatives in the medical device sector and champions pro bono engagement nationwide. During her Kellogg Board Fellowship, she partnered with D4D on an award-winning project. Now, as Board Chair, Nooshin is shaping D4D’s vision for national growth and broader impact.
Ed Wehmer
Ed Wehmer co-founded Wintrust Financial Corporation and, as President & CEO, grew it from a single community bank into one of the nation’s top 30 commercial banks. Ed has held leadership roles with Northwestern Memorial Hospital Foundation, Lurie Children’s Hospital, and the Archdiocese of Chicago, and is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and the Commercial Club. Now, as D4D’s Vice Chair, Ed brings his strategic leadership and experience in building mission-driven institutions to help expand our reach and impact.
Maria Silva
Maria Silva brings resilience, compassion, and lived experience to the D4D Board. After emigrating from Mexico at age 12, she built a life in Chicago rooted in strength and service. For more than 20 years, Maria has led as Warehouse Supervisor at Hinda Incentives, where colleagues value her work ethic and leadership. Her connection to D4D is deeply personal: in 2018 her son Miguel became quadriplegic after gun violence, and she cared for him with extraordinary dedication until his passing in 2025. Maria now channels her perspective as a caregiver, advocate, and mother to advance dignity, independence, and opportunity for families like hers.
Janeen Bolden-Born
Janeen Bolden-Born brings nearly two decades of clinical expertise as a board-certified neurological physical therapist. She serves as adjunct faculty in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Governors State University, where she connects students to D4D’s mission through hands-on learning about real-world mobility challenges. Janeen is also pursuing a Doctor of Health Sciences degree with dual certification in health professions education. Her clinical expertise, leadership in healthcare, passion for mentorship, and dedication to equitable access strengthen D4D’s impact, helping individuals who rely on mobility equipment live with greater dignity and independence.
Devices 4 the Disabled Board Scholar selected for
2025 Social Impact Award
Devices 4 the Disabled, on behalf of our Board Scholar Nooshin Shahlari Bowman, EIT, has been selected as a 2025 Social Impact Award winner!
Nooshin and D4D were honored during the annual Year-End Celebration of the Golub Capital Board Fellows Program at Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management
This honor celebrates Nooshin’s exceptional contributions in driving meaningful, long-lasting change within our organization, and highlights the powerful impact of our partnership through this incredible program.
Thank you, Nooshin, for elevating D4D through your thoughtful and strategic work. And thank you to Kellogg and Golub Capital for uplifting student leadership and supporting these transformative, mission-driven collaborations with nonprofits.
Devices 4 the Disabled 2024 Person of the Year
This year, Devices 4 the Disabled proudly recognizes Rachel Arfa, Commissioner of the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), as our 2024 Person of the Year. Rachel’s vision for an inclusive Chicago has opened doors for countless individuals with disabilities, empowering them to live with greater independence and dignity.
During a recent visit to City Hall, Bob Shea, alongside Bryan—a courageous gun violence survivor and friend of D4D—and Bryan’s mother, had the privilege of meeting with Mayor Johnson and MOPD representatives. Bryan shared his story highlighting the importance of resilience and community support in overcoming life’s challenges, and together, they, talked about the city’s commitment to championing programs that address these critical issues. In a heartfelt moment, Rachel was surprised with the Person of the Year honor. As the first Deaf Commissioner of MOPD, Rachel has broken barriers and fostered initiatives that address the needs of our communities, making her an invaluable partner to D4D. Her advocacy, innovation, and compassion remind us that inclusivity requires continuous commitment.
With deep gratitude, we celebrate Rachel Arfa, a true leader and ally, whose work inspires us all to build a city where everyone has the tools to lead fulfilling lives.
Devices 4 the Disabled 2023 Person of the Year
We are thrilled to announce that our incredible mentor and teacher, Patti Herbst, has been chosen as the Devices 4 the Disabled Person of the Year. Patti recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the founding of Center for Independence Through Conductive Education. CFI helps children and young adults with disabilities achieve their highest level of independence in the home, school, community and workforce.
Not only has Patti been the catalyst for the creation and growth of Center for Independence, she also has been our mentor at D4D. Her positive energy and infectious enthusiasm have motivated us. We would not be where we are today without Patti.
Congratulations!
Welcome D4D Executive Director Jessica Corbus
In September 2023, we welcome Jessica Corbus, PT, DPT, MOL as Executive Director at Devices 4 the Disabled.
She has devoted her career in healthcare to clinical practice and education, serving in a variety of leadership, management and volunteer positions.
Jessica is a physical therapist who provides evidence-informed, compassionate, person-centered care. Experiences guide her work in the clinic working with persons with neurological, musculoskeletal, or cardiopulmonary conditions to improve their ability to move, maximize function, and optimize their quality of life. She also works in the classroom with students to achieve their academic goals and preparing exceptional clinicians for the ever-changing healthcare environment.
She was the founding program director of the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Kankakee Community College and more recently served as a Senior University Lecturer in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Governors State University where she continues to help facilitate an interdisciplinary stroke support group. She is passionate about volunteerism and served as co-secretary on the Board of Directors for Options Center for Independent Living for Kankakee and Iroquois counties for nine years.
2022 D4D Person of the Year
Rosa Berardi was a senior program officer at The Coleman Foundation for 26 years. There have been many organizations and the people they served who were positively influenced by Rosa. That is especially true at D4D. Rosa took a chance giving a grant to a little nonprofit who wanted to give wheelchairs to people in need. Today D4D works with the major safety net hospitals and clinics in Chicago providing a wide range of medical equipment.
From all the people at D4D, and the people we serve:
Thank you Rosa.
2021 D4D Person of the Year
Devices 4 the Disabled proudly names Chicago Bears Tight End, Jimmy Graham, as our 2021 person of the year! We had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy last spring, after we were named the 2020 Chicago Bears Community All Pros Charity of the Year. We were thrilled to share the mission and impact of D4D with Jimmy and to introduce him to Bryan, a young man who suffered devastating disability as a result of gun violence. However, we could never have imagined the connection and partnership that would grow from our work together. Jimmy has been a wonderful mentor to Bryan, and his compassion and kindness have been transformational to Bryan, his family and all of us at D4D. Jimmy Graham is a true champion and it is our deep honor to celebrate all he has done to advance our core values:
Mobility. Independence. Freedom. Dignity.
D4D Names Board Chair: Yolande Wilson-Stubbs
It is with great excitement that we introduce our new Board Chair, Yolande Wilson-Stubbs! Yolande is President and Chief Post-Acute Care Officer at Ascension Holy Family Medical Center in Des Plaines, IL. With over 20 years experience in hospital leadership, Yolande’s expertise will be critical to helping D4D build the structure to advance our mission, expand our reach, and deepen our impact. On a personal note, Yolande is a true delight, smart, warm, funny and passionate about serving those in need. Welcome, welcome Yolande!
Bears name D4D as Community All-Pros initiative winner
The Chicago Bears announced Devices 4 the Disabled as the recipient of their 2020 Community All-Pros Initiative with a very generous grant. This is a wonderful commitment to helping Chicagoans in need of medical equipment.
“We are honored to partner with the Chicago Bears, an organization committed to advocating for all Chicagoans,” said D4D Founding Director Bob Shea. “This grant is transformative for Devices 4 The Disabled and the people we serve. With this generous gift from the Chicago Bears, Devices 4 the Disabled’s ability to serve those in need will grow exponentially.”
DID YOU KNOW?
A complex power wheelchair like this costs $35,000? It can be controlled in a variety of ways, from a joystick or head array to a sip and puff or numerous switches.
Michael Palmore was homeless and we provided him with a wheelchair in the past. He now has an apartment because of a program by Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Now that he has a place to charge a wheelchair, we provided him with a power wheelchair. "Because of my new apartment and my new power wheelchair, I have a new life," he said.
JOIN US IN OUR MISSION
Help support D4D so we can continue to provide mobility to those who need it most.