Free Wheelchairs, Scooters & Mobility Aids in Kentucky (2023): Complete Directory

By Maurice

If you’re looking for free wheelchairs in Kentucky, we’ve got you covered!

This page is a complete resource for free assistive devices (wheelchairs, scooters, and more) and independent living resources in the state of Kentucky. 

Check out the resources below, and if you have a resource to add, please contact us!

Free Wheelchairs & Assistive Devices in Kentucky

1. KATS Network 

The KATS Network is one of 56 statewide assistive technology programs federally funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended in 2004. KATS Network organizes lending library, demonstration centers, and funding. ‎The goal of Project CARAT (Coordinating and Assisting the Reuse of Assistive Technology) is to make Assistive Technology and Durable Medical Equipment more accessible to those who need it in underserved areas of Kentucky.

• KATS Network
• Email
• (800) 327-5287

2. HDI Center for Assistive Technology Services 

HDI CATS is a member of the Kentucky Assistive Technology Services (KATS) Network serving Lexington and the surrounding region. They offer demonstrations, lending library, and provide loans of assistive devices to individuals and families in the Bluegrass. They also train professionals, communities, and students, thus furthering the reach and impact of work they are doing.

• HDI Center for Assistive Technology Services
• Contact
• 859 218-7979

3. Redwood

Redwood is one of five assistive technology resource providers in the Kentucky Assistive Technology Services (KATS) Network and the Assistive Technology Resource Center is a valuable tool for individuals interested in borrowing or purchasing assistive technology. These resources include an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, a resource librarian, and the lending library. Children and adults can receive in-depth evaluations and consultative services to identify the most appropriate technology solution to increase independence.

• Redwood
• Contact
• 859-331-0880

4. SOS Health and Hope

SOS is a Louisville, Kentucky-based nonprofit organization that meets critical health care needs in medically impoverished communities around the world by redistributing medical donations (surplus medical supplies and medical equipment) from where there is surplus to where they are needed. 

SOS promotes environmental stewardship, partnering with hospitals and others to recover and send what would otherwise go to landfills. Since 1993, they have saved more than one million pounds of medical equipment and supplies from landfills, and brought health and hope to 105 countries around the globe.

• SOS Health and Hope
• Email
• (502) 736-6360

5. St. Vincent de Paul – Northern Kentucky

The Northern Kentucky Council of St. Vincent de Paul is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and a chapter of the international organization.

They maintain a Medical Equipment Loan Closet whose purpose is to provide temporary assistance to individuals in need of medical equipment when other sources are unavailable. A variety of donated items are offered at no cost for use during your home recovery. Items for the loan are shower chairs/benches, transfer benches, walkers, walkers, bedside commodes, canes, toilet seat risers, and wheelchairs. Please call the Assistance Office to check if an item is available.

• St. Vincent de Paul – Northern Kentucky
• Email
• (859) 341-3212

6. Wendell Foster 

Wendell Foster is a participating member of the Kentucky Assistive Technology Services (KATS) Network whose mission is to make AT information, devices, and services easily obtainable throughout the state. They offer services such as Device Demonstrations, Lending Library, Training, and Reutilization Program.

• Wendell Foster
• Contact
• 877-932-2678

7. Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation 

The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC) offers low-interest loans for qualified applicants with disabilities who need assistive technology. Since 2000, KATLC has provided more than $10 million in loans to Kentuckians with disabilities to enable them to obtain the assistive technology they need, making it one of the most active assistive technology alternative financing programs in the nation.

• Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation
• Email
• 1-877-675-0195

8. Kentucky Hart-Supported Living Program

The Hart-Supported Living Program is a state-funded program designed to help physically and mentally disabled Kentucky residents live independently and remain a part of the community. It does so by providing grants to individuals, regardless of their age, to help them remain living at home, or in the home of a family member.There are two classes of grants: those for one time purchases and those for ongoing services. An individual may apply for just one type of grant or both. All services and costs must be outlined in advance and approved by the administering agency. However, selection of the care, service provider, or technology is left to the discretion of the program participant. Possible goods and services include the following- Community Resource Development (to encourage community participation and the forming of relationships)- Assistive technology and services such as PERS (medical alert service)- Durable Medical Equipment, such as wheelchairs- Home modifications related to an applicant’s disability, such as wheelchair ramps, walk-in tubs, and stair lifts not exceeding $3,500 for a rental property- Vehicle modifications to accommodate a disability, such as hand controls and lifts- Start-up grants to accommodate a move to a new home, such as security deposit and purchasing furniture (up to $2,000)

– More

• Kentucky Hart-Supported Living Program
• 502-564-6930

9. Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky 

The Mission of SBAK is to promote the prevention of Spina Bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected. As part of this mission, SBAK has developed a Financial Assistance Fund to help individuals affected by Spina Bifida to lead better lives by assisting them in various areas from education to physical needs. They have helped purchase equipment to make homes more accessible, bought handcycles and basketball chairs, paid medical and therapy bills, and sent more than 100 individuals to the Spina Bifida Association National Conference over the past few years.

• Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky
• Email
• 859-268-5798

10. Southeast Americans With Disabilities Act Center 

The Southeast ADA Center is located in Atlanta, Georgia and serves as the regional office for an extended State and Local Affiliate Network from eight (8) states in the U.S. Southeast that provides information, training, materials, and technical assistance on the ADA and Technology Access. Here you can find local affiliates of ADA in Kentucky.

• Southeast Americans With Disabilities Act Center 

11. Center for Accessible Living 

The Center for Accessible Living is an innovative leader in empowering all people to achieve their goal of independent living while involving the entire community. They have an equipment loan and marketplace program. Equipment Loans are provided based on availability through equipment donations only. Consumers may borrow equipment dependent on availability. Durable medical goods; mobility devices such as canes, crutches, walkers; portable ramps; shower chairs or potty chairs; scooters, manual and power chairs.

• Center for Accessible Living
• Contact

12. National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Ohio Valley

The Ohio Valley Chapter works to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS and their families and raise funds for critical MS research. MS Navigators — highly skilled, compassionate professionals connect you to the information, resources, and support needed to move your life forward.

• National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Ohio Valley
• Contact
• 1-800-344-4867

13. Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs 

For disabled Kentuckians who served in the US military, the KDVA is in place to make sure the services and support due are delivered. If service (or VA care) left you with limited mobility, you may be in line for financial aid for a mobility aid.

• Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs 
• (800) 572-6245

14. Public Transportation Providers Directory

A Directory by Kentucky Department of Transportation listing the organizations that provide transport. Some of these services are free for seniors and disabled individuals. You might have to contact some providers to see if they offer transportation services for free or at a reduced cost.

• Public Transportation Providers Directory

15. Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church 

Appalachia Service Project is a hands-on home-repair ministry that is sponsored locally by Jesse Lee Church. It is about making a huge difference for families who live in the mountains of West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina, some of the most poverty-stricken areas of our country. They work to make their homes warmer, safer and drier. They build wheelchair ramp sections, and they are available to those in need. You can apply for the ramp here.

•  Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church

16. United Auto Workers Local 249 

The Ford and UAW joint initiatives are national and local. At both levels, they address matters of common concern in areas such as product quality, education, and development, employee involvement, team structures, work technical skills redesign, health and safety, ergonomics, employee assistance, apprenticeship, and labor-management studies. They have a wheelchair ramp program. Apply here.

• United Auto Workers Local 249
• Contact
• 313-392-7000