Assistive Devices Program
Learn how you can get help paying for equipment and supplies through the Assistive Devices Program
Starting March 14, 2022, eligible Ontarians with type 1 diabetes can receive Assistive Devices Program funding for a continuous glucose monitor and the related supplies. Eligible individuals include those with type 1 diabetes who are at risk of severe hypoglycemia or who are unable to recognize, or communicate about, symptoms of hypoglycemia. Please read the news release for more information.
Overview
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) helps people with long-term physical disabilities pay for customized equipment, like wheelchairs and hearing aids.
The ADP also helps cover the cost of specialized supplies, such as those used with ostomies.
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must:
- be an Ontario resident
- have a valid Ontario health card
- have a disability requiring the equipment or supplies for 6 months or longer
We do not consider your income.
Who does not qualify
You do not qualify for the ADP if you:
- already qualify for or are receiving financial support for the same equipment or supplies from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
- are a Group “A” veteran and already qualify for or are receiving financial support from Veterans Affairs Canada for the same equipment or supplies
How to apply
Find out more about how to qualify, apply and find a vendor for these types of equipment and supplies:
- mobility aids
- hearing aids and other devices
- communication aids
- visual aids
- diabetic equipment and supplies
- respiratory equipment and supplies
- home oxygen therapy
- artificial eyes and facial prosthetics
- custom orthotic braces, compression garments and lymphedema pumps
- prosthetic breasts or limbs
- enteral-feeding pumps and ostomy supplies
Grant Applications
For individuals applying for a grant for ADP-funding supplies, the ADP office is accepting new applications for funding assistance by:
- email: [email protected]
Fax: 416-327-8192
For vendors submitting an application on behalf of their client, the ADP office is accepting new applications for funding assistance by:
- electronic submission (for vendors or businesses only)
Information for individuals
If you are applying for a grant for ADP-funded supplies:
- print the application form
- complete the application form with the assistance of your health care provider(s), if applicable
- scan and email the form to [email protected]
Make sure the form is complete, signed, and that all pages of the form are included in your email attachment.
If you are an existing grant recipient who receives payment via direct deposit, you will continue to receive regularly scheduled grant payments. Grant recipients who receive payment by cheque may experience delays.
For questions about this, email: [email protected].
Information for vendors
Vendors can:
- submit applications on behalf of their clients for ADP-funded devices through electronic submission
- use ADP policies to make informed decisions on eligibility of new claims and continue to provide assistive devices before receiving approval
ADP-registered vendors will receive the payments related to invoices submitted for claims that are approved and eligible for payment.
How much is covered
We cover 75% of the cost for most equipment and supplies. For these items, we are billed directly by the supplier and you pay 25% when you buy the item.
In some cases, you will receive a series of payments throughout the year to help cover the cost of supplies.
Types of equipment and supplies not covered
We do not cover some equipment and supplies that you may use. This includes:
- mobility aids
- hearing aids and other devices
- communication aids
- visual aids
- respiratory equipment and supplies
- artificial eyes and facial prosthetics
- orthotic braces, compression garments and lymphedema pumps
- prosthetic breasts or limbs
- enteral-feeding pumps and ostomy supplies
- miscellaneous
Mobility aids
- all-terrain vehicles
- commodes or commode chairs
- non-wheeled walkers
- positioning devices not required for use with a wheelchair
- most rental of equipment (see respiratory category for apnea-monitor rental)
- recliner chairs
- standard walking canes
- transport chair
- adaptive tricycles
- wheelchair lifts
- wheelchair ramps
Hearing aids and other devices
- closed caption television system
Communication aids
- anti-stuttering devices
- call bells
- environmental control units
- telephones (regular and adaptive)
Visual aids
- braille watches
- GPS systems
- regular eyeglasses
- scleral contact lenses
- talking clocks and calculators
Respiratory equipment and supplies
- dental/oral appliances for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- high-frequency chest wall oscillation airway clearance device
- humidifier (standalone)
- peak flow meter
- replacement masks, headgear, etc. for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines
- Adaptive Servo-Ventilator (ASV)
- spirometres (including micro-spriometer)
- stethoscopes
- valved-holding chambers or spacer devices
Artificial eyes and facial prosthetics
- dentures
- oral splints for temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)
Orthotic braces, compression garments and lymphedema pumps
- arch supports
- carbon-fibre braces
- centrally fabricated and pre-fabricated (off the shelf) braces
- Corrective Movement Principle (CMP Brace)
- DonJoy brace
- fracture braces
- Gensingen Cheneau Scoliosis Brace
- Gomez Orthotic Spine System (GOSS Brace)
- nighttime-use-only orthoses
- orthopedic shoes (even those custom-made) and modifications
- post-operative support braces
- shoe inserts
- SpineCor braces
- stockings for varicose veins or venous insufficiency
- treatment machines, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or continuous passive motion (CPM)
Prosthetic breasts or limbs
- bras
- silicone nipples or breast implants
- swim prosthesis
- temporary breast prostheses
Enteral-feeding pumps and ostomy supplies
- supplies for temporary ostomies
- total parenteral nutrition (TPN) pumps and supplies
Miscellaneous
- air conditioner
- air purifier
- automobile modifications
- bath and shower aids (for example, benches, chairs, bath lifts)
- batteries (even for devices originally purchased through ADP)
- blood-pressure monitoring/measuring devices
- cellphones, including smartphones
- chair lift, or any lifting devices
- dialysis equipment
- diapers
- smoke detectors and fire alarms
- grab-bars
- home renovations (including ramps, porch lifts, etc.)
- hospital beds and mattresses
- implants
- incontinence supplies
- life-alert systems
- light-therapy equipment
- medication pumps
- raised toilet seat
- stair lift
- urinary catheter
- wigs
Repairs and replacements
The ADP does not cover repair costs. You must pay those costs yourself. Care and maintenance of the equipment is your responsibility.
If you need to replace your equipment, we may contribute to the cost if your condition changes or your equipment is no longer under warranty and cannot be repaired at a reasonable cost.
Other organizations that help
If you can’t afford to pay your share of the cost, you can contact one of the following volunteer and charity organizations about additional financial support: