Assistive Devices Program (Includes the home
oxygen program)
The objective of the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is to provide consumer centered
support and funding to Ontario residents who have long-term physical disabilities
and to provide access to personalized assistive devices appropriate for the individual’s
basic needs.
Devices covered by the program are intended to enable people with physical disabilities
to increase their independence through access to assistive devices responsive
to their individual needs.
Equipment Funded by ADP
ADP covers over 8,000 separate pieces of equipment or supplies
in the following categories : prostheses; wheelchairs/mobility
aids and specialized seating systems; enteral feeding supplies;
monitors and test strips for insulin-dependent diabetics (through
an agreement with the Canadian Diabetes Association); insulin
pumps and supplies for children; hearing aids; respiratory equipment; orthoses
(braces, garments and pumps); visual and communication aids; oxygen and oxygen
delivery equipment, such as concentrators, cylinders, liquid systems and related
supplies, such as masks and tubing.
Grants are provided for ostomy supplies, breast
prostheses and for needles and syringes for insulin-dependent
seniors.
Eligibility
Eligibility includes any Ontario resident who has a valid Ontario
Health card issued in their name and has a physical disability of
six months or longer. Equipment cannot be required exclusively
for sports, work or school. ADP
does not pay for equipment available under the Workplace Safety
and Insurance Board or to Group “A” veterans for their pensioned
benefits.. There are specific eligibility criteria which apply to each
device category.
An individual who has a chronic illness or dysfunction that
requires long-term oxygen therapy may be eligible for home
oxygen funding.
Accessing ADP
Initial access is often through a medical specialist or general
practitioner who provides a diagnosis. In most device categories,
an authorizer assesses the specific needs of the person and prescribes
appropriate equipment or supplies. Finally, a vendor sells the
equipment or supplies to the client.
In some device categories, such as adult hearing aids or prosthetic
devices, the assessor is also the vendor.
Authorizer
Most devices must be authorized by a qualified health care professional
registered with the program. Registered authorizers work in hospitals,
home care agencies or private practice. For information on locating
an authorizer please call 416-630-0737.
Vendor
The program will only help pay for equipment that is purchased
from vendors registered with the Assistive Devices Program.
Financial Assistance
ADP pays up to 75 per cent of the cost of equipment, such as
artificial limbs, orthopaedic braces, wheelchairs and breathing
aids. For others, such as hearing aids, the ADP contributes a
fixed amount. With regard to ostomy supplies, breast prostheses
and needles and syringes for seniors, the ADP pays a grant directly
to the person. The Home Oxygen Program under ADP, pays 100 per
cent of the ADP price for oxygen and related equipment for seniors
65 years of age or older and for individuals 64 years of age
or younger who are on social assistance, residing in a long-term
care facility or who are receiving professional services through
a Community Care and Access Centre, and 75 per cent of the ADP
price for all others.
In most cases, the client pays a share of the cost at time of
purchase and the vendor bills ADP the balance.
For ADP supply categories where grants are paid, the client pays
100 per cent of the cost to the vendor.
There are many sources of funding for the client's share of the
cost including :
- clients
- voluntary/charitable organizations e.g. March of Dimes, The Easter
Seals Society, Kiwanis, Lions Clubs
- social assistance, DVA
- insurance companies relatives/friends
For more information
Call the Assistive Devices Program at 1-800-268-6021
(Toll-free in Ontario only)
In Toronto, call 416-327-8804
TTY 1-800-387-5559
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/adp/adp_mn.html
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