Assistive Devices Program

If you have a long-term physical disability, you can get help paying for equipment and supplies when you qualify for the Assistive Devices Program.

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the ADP office is only accepting new applications for funding assistance via email and fax. Learn more about submitting an application.

Overview

Through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), we help 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 six 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:

Assistive devices program during COVID-19

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the ADP office is only accepting new applications for funding assistance via:

  • email for grants
  • fax for devices

Do not mail applications to the ADP office.

Applications that were already received by mail are being processed. Do not resubmit applications that you have already mailed to us.

Information for vendors

Vendors can:

  • submit applications for ADP-funded devices via fax, including applications for clients assessed during the office closure. Fax completed applications to 1-888-222-8018.
  • 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 approved claims and eligible for payment.

Information for recipients

If you are applying for a grant for ADP-funded supplies:

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.

Existing grant recipients who are due for a renewal between March 12 and June 30 will receive additional funding for four months. After this time, we will mail renewal letters for you to complete and return to ADP.

For questions about this, contact adp@ontario.ca. Please note that responses may take longer than usual.

How much is covered

We cover 75% of the cost for 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 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

  • 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
  • adaptives 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

Diabetes equipment and supplies

  • continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and related supplies

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 metre
  • replacement masks, headgear, etc. for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines
  • Adaptive Servo-Ventilator (ASV)
  • spirometres (including micro-spriometre)
  • 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 lymphema pumps

  • arch supports
  • carbon-fibre braces
  • centrally fabricated and pre-fabricated (off the shelf) braces
  • DonJoy brace
  • fracture braces
  • Gensingen Cheneau Scoliosis Brace
  • nighttime-use-only orthoses
  • orthopaedic 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 (e.g. 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

We can only cover part of the cost for your equipment and supplies.

If you can’t afford to pay your share, contact one of the following volunteer and charity organizations about financial support:

Updated: August 20, 2021