WHAT IS THE ASSISTIVE DEVICES PROGRAM?
If you need a walker or a wheelchair after an illness or injury, you may be wondering how you can afford to buy one. The Ontario Ministry of Health has a program to help you with some of these costs. This is called the Assistive Devices Program (ADP).
WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES IT COVER?
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) covers over 8,000 separate pieces of equipment, supplies, and aids.
The mobility aid categories that are eligible for ADP funding include:
- Manual Wheelchairs, Power Wheelchairs and Electric Scooters
- Power Add-on Devices for Manual Wheelchairs
- Positioning Devices (Cushions, Back and Head Supports, etc.)
- Dynamic Positioning Devices (Power Tilt and Recline)
- Forearm Crutches
- Wheeled Walkers
To find out if your equipment is covered, talk to your health care provider or visit www.ontario.ca/page/mobility-aids for a full list of eligible and ineligible equipment.
HOW MUCH OF THE EQUIPMENT COSTS DOES THE PROGRAM PAY FOR?
ADP pays up to 75% of the cost of equipment. For example, if your wheelchair costs $1,000, ADP will pay $750 and you will pay $250. For other items, such as hearing aids, the ADP contributes a fixed amount.
WHO CAN APPLY TO THE PROGRAM?
To be eligible for the program you must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- You are an Ontario resident with a valid Ontario Health Card.
- You have a physical disability.
- You need an assistive device for 6 months or longer.
WHO DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR ADP?
You do not qualify if you:
- Are already receiving financial support from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for the same mobility aid.
- Are a Group “A” veteran and already qualify for or are receiving financial support from Veterans Affairs Canada.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO APPLY?
- Initially, access starts with an assessment from an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist registered with the ADP program. If you have not been evaluated by an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist, your family doctor can refer you to one.
- Fill out an application form with your Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist which will confirm that you need a mobility aid and the type that will suit your needs best.
- The program will only help pay for equipment that is purchased from vendors registered with the Assistive Devices Program. To access the application form and list of registered vendors with ADP visit:
- Mail the completed form to the Assistive Devices Program for review.
- ADP will review your application within eight weeks of receiving the completed form.
- If funding is approved, the ADP will notify your vendor and authorizer. They will then contact you directly to proceed with equipment delivery and follow-up.
- Pay your portion of the mobility equipment to the vendor (usually 25% plus anything not covered by ADP).
WHAT IF I NEED TO CHANGE MY DEVICE?
Your doctor or therapist will need to fill in a form and explain the reasons. This may be because of a change in your condition or size.
If the device is worn out or broken beyond repair, ADP will pay up to 75% of the cost to replace it. It will only pay this if the replacement period has passed. For wheelchairs and walking aids, this period is 5 years.
WHAT IF I CAN’T PAY MY SHARE OF THE COST?
Other groups may be able to help. Some examples are the Easter Seal Society, Kiwanis, Lions Club or the March of Dimes.
You may be able to get more funding if you receive benefits from:
- Ontario Works (OW)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Some insurance programs may also cover your share of the cost. Check your insurance policy.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE HELP IF I NEED IT?
ASSISTIVE DEVICES PROGRAM
Contact or visit the website for the Assistive Devices Program for fact sheets, types of devices funded by the program, and application forms.
