The Ontario Ministry of Health runs the Assitive Devices Program (ADP) to help people who have long term physical disabilities get needed equipment and supplies.

In some cases ADP pays up to 75 per cent of the cost items like artificial limbs, orthopaedic braces, wheelchairs and breathing aids.

In other cases, such as hearing aids for adults and breast prostheses, ADP contributes a fixed amount.

For some kinds of supplies, such as ostomy and incontinence supplies and needles and syringes for insulin-dependent seniors, ADP pays an annual grant directly to the person.

Who can apply for this help?

Any Ontario resident who has a long-term physical disability and a valid Health Card issued in his or her name.

At one time, ADP served only young people.  Today, its coverage has been extended to people of all ages.  However, some items still restricted to certain age groups.

Fact sheets on each category of equipment specify any age limits.  They also spell out medical conditions people must meet to get help in paying for equipment.

Are there income limits for ADP assistance?

No.  You are eligible for ADP whatever your income. 

What if I received benefits from Workers' Compensation or Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)?

ADP does not pay for equipment available under Workers' Compensation or to Group 'A' veterans for their pensioned conditions.

I have learning disability.  Can I get ADP help? 

Not unless you also have a physical disability that requires the use of the device you are applying for.

What if the Ministry of Community and Social Services once paid for an assitive device now covered by ADP?

Contact your representative at that ministry before you order your equipment through ADP.

What types of equipment does ADP cover?

Twelve categories of equipment are covered by ADP:

 ° Communication Devices° 
°  Diabetes Supplies
°  Enteral Feeding Supplies
°  Hearing Devics
°  Incontinence Supplies
°  Orthotic Devices
°  Ostomy Devices
°  Pressure Modification Devices
°  Prosthetic Devices (Breast, Limb, Ocular, Maxillofacial)
°  Respiratory Devices
°  Visual Devices
°  Wheelchairs, Positioning and Ambulation Aids

The fact sheet for each equipment category lists the devices and supplies eligible for ADP funding.

How do I apply for ADP assistance?

The steps are listed in the fact sheet or application form for each category.  Everyone must start with an application form or authorization form.  You fill in part of the form.   The rest will be filled in by other people.

If a medical assessment is required, who does it?

Usually a medical doctor who specializes in caring for people with your type of disablity.  Some people may also be assessed by a team of health care professionals.  After examining you, the doctor will describe or confirm your physical problem on the form.  You will be asked to sign the form so your doctor can release your diagnosis to people who will help you select devices best suited to your needs.  If you can't sign the form because of your disability, a family member, legal guardian or trustee may sign it for you.

What happens next?

Usually, your doctor will refer you to an "authorizer".  This is a health care professional registered with ADP.  He or she is trained to work with people who have your physical condition.

The authorizer will assess whether you meet ADP funding the criteria and help you decide which device is best for you.  He or she will then describe which deivce is best for you.  He or she will then describe on the form the equipment you need.  

Some types of equipment, such as artificial limbs and certain communication devices, are complex to design.  A team of skilled specialists has to assess your needs.  In this case, you will be referred to a clinic approved by ADP.  A member of the clinic team will act as an authorizer and complete the form for you.

After filling in the appropriate section, the authorizer gives you the form to  take to a supplier to get your equipment.  In some cases, the form is sent to ADP for approval before you purchase your equipment.

Where do I find a supplier of my approved equipment?

You can usually get your device from a supplier who is a registered vendor with ADP.  However, if the device must be custom-made, you will be referred to a professional trained to make it.  These professionals are also registered with ADP.

What is a registered vendor?

A supplier who is approved by ADP.

ADP-registered vendors agree to carry a wide range of products and have skilled staff to answer your questions.

Some ADP-registered vendors can make a device designed to meet your special needs.

Can I get my equipment from a supplier not registered with ADP?

Most devices are covered by ADP only if they are bought from a registered vendor.  The few exceptions to this are explained in the fact sheets.

Who does the supplier bill for my equipment?

Registered vendors bill ADP directly for its parts of the approved cost of your equipment.  You pay your part directly to the vendor.

Do I own the assistive devices I get through ADP?

Most devices, yes.  Some items are bought by ADP and lent or rented to clients.  Information about this can be found in the fact sheets.

What if I want to buy a piece of equipment outside Ontario?

Most of the time you must buy your equipment from ADP-registered vendor in Ontario.  However, a few vendors in nearby provinces are registered.  This makes it possible for people who live in northwestern Ontario, for example, to buy their devices and supplies from Manitoba vendors registered with ADP.

The program encourages people to buy devices manufactured in Canada.

If I need to replace devices covered by ADP, who pays for them?

If your doctor or authorizer says your equipment is no longer suitable because of a change in your condition or size, ADP will contribute to the cost of replacing it.

If your equipment is worn out, beyond repair at a reasonable cost, ADP will pay up to 75 percent of the cost of replacement at the end of a certain time period.  This period is listed in most fact sheets.

ADP will not pay for replacement of equipment that is lost, stolen or damaged due to misuse before the minimum replacement period is up.  Clients are encouraged to buy insurance to cover the cost of replacement in these cases.

Do forms have to be filled out to replace my equipment?

Yes.  If the equipment is being replaced because of a change in your size or medical condition, you must visit your physician or authorizer.  He or she will write the reason for the replacement on an authorization form.  If the equipment is being replaced at the end of the specified replacement period, your doctor or authorizer must complete an authorization form.

Will my insurance company pay my share of the equipment cost?

Some insurance programs will.  Please check your insurance policy.

What if I can't afford to pay my shared of the equipment cost?

Help is available.  A number of groups may pick up your part of the equipment expense.  These include voluntary/charitable organizations (such as the Easter Seal Society or the March of Dimes), other provincial government programs and some municipal social service departments.  These groups may also contribute to the cost of devices not listed in the ADP manual.

Vocational Rehabilitation Service clients who seeks VRS repayment for their part of the cost must get approval from their VRS counsellor before they order a device through ADP.

How do  I find out more about the device I need?

Our series of fact sheets gives you details about many categories of assistive devices.  Each fact sheet lists the equipment in a specific category.  It also describes the assessment process and explains how to get the equipment.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

For information, write:

Assistive Devices Branch
7th Floor, 5700 Yonge Street
North York, ON  M2M 4K5

Or call ADP:
Toronto: (416)327-8804
Toll-free: 1-800-268-6021
T.D.D./TTY:  1-800-387-5559
Fax: (416) 327-8192