We make the world accessible
Join us as we work with people in the Chicago area to gain access and independence to live fuller lives.
MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO GET TO SCHOOL
Rico, an ambitious teenager, faced a major obstacle to his education: his wheelchair lacked brakes. Without them, the 18-year-old wasn’t allowed on the school bus and wasn’t making it to school. This simple but essential feature was keeping him from opportunities and independence. That changed when Rico came to Devices 4 the Disabled, where he received a wheelchair equipped with the brakes he needed. Now, he’s back in class, connecting with his peers and pursuing his goals. Rico’s story is a powerful reminder of how something as small as a wheelchair brake can make a life-changing difference, embodying D4D’s mission to remove barriers and empower lives.
“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
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
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
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.
