Milwaukee nonprofit gives new life to wheelchairs, aims to take unique program nationwide

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A wheelchair is more than just mobility equipment.

For the millions of Americans who rely on one every day, it can mean transportation. Freedom. Independence.

But when a wheelchair breaks, all of that can suddenly come to a stop.

Now, Milwaukee nonprofit Independence First is working to make sure a broken piece doesn’t leave someone stranded.

If you step inside a workshop inside the organization’s building, you’ll find thousands of miscellaneous parts from all kinds of transportation equipment.

And at the center of it all is Tim Kiley, who founded Alternatives in Mobility, or AIM.

He’s spent years repairing mobility equipment and joined the nonprofit to continue helping people with disabilities maintain their independence.

“We basically try to make sure that in all circumstances, people with all backgrounds and abilities are as independent as possible,” Kiley told CBS 58’s Ellie Nakamoto-White. “So, I became a wheelchair whisperer, some people call me.”

AIM’s space has shelves from floor to ceiling that are filled with bins of parts.

What some might consider to be broken or outdated, Kiley and his team see as an opportunity for a second chance — as the program is designed to fill a gap in an industry where repairs are not only expensive, but time-consuming.

“Most of the industry is motivated by profit. We’re not. Our motivation is just to try to help people,” Kiley said.

AIM volunteer David Ferrie said the program’s entire philosophy comes down to three simple words.

“Repair, repurpose, and recycle,” Ferrie said.

Now, what’s begun as an idea has quickly taken off — especially as experts said this is the first of its kind program in Wisconsin.

“I knew the demand was there; I knew that the need was there. But I didn’t realize it would take off quite as well as it has,” Ferrie said.

For Kevin Smith of Kenosha County, a program like AIM is a game changer that’s been long overdue.

His wheelchair is fully customized and cost tens of thousands of dollars.

So, when a part breaks, waiting for a replacement can mean months without reliable transportation.

“Worst case scenario, I remember one time it was almost a year and a half,” Smith said, noting that he now keeps backup parts in his backpack whenever possible because being without his chair is not an option. “So that if it busts, I’m not just stuck.”

Loaner chairs can be difficult to find and often don't provide the same fit or functionality as a person's own equipment.

“If a place does have loaner chairs, it’s like wearing shoes that are four sizes too big,” Smith said.

Now, with the aid of AIM, “within five minutes, a part I’d been waiting eight months for was fixed,” Smith said.

AIM is currently looking to expand its space and its reach.

Ferrie said the organization has received a $200,000 matching grant from the Green Bay Packers and they are working to raise enough money to secure the match.

The program currently serves people throughout Wisconsin who can get their equipment to the workshop.

They are also accepting donations for mobility equipment and parts.

But Kiley’s long-term vision extends far beyond the state.

“Personally, I’d like to see it inspire other places to do something similar around the country so that there are more things like it elsewhere, at least one in every state if nothing else,” Kiley said.

He also wants the conversation about accessibility and mobility to start earlier — and involve everyone.

“It’s better that we’re all having that conversation earlier and more involved so that you can navigate your disability when it comes. Not if, but when,” Kiley said. “Some people are born with it. Some people get injured. Some people get a disease. Some people age into it. And the reality is, every one of us is going to need some kind of help.”