Assistive Devices Program for health care professionals

Overview

The objective of the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is to:

• provide consumer-centred support and funding to Ontario residents who have long-term physical disabilities
• 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.

What equipment is funded

ADP covers over 8,000 separate pieces of equipment or supplies in the following categories:

• breast prostheses
• communication aids
• enteral feeding pump & supplies
• hearing devices
• home oxygen therapy
• insulin pump and supplies
• insulin syringes for seniors
• limb prostheses
• maxillofacial extraoral prostheses
• maxillofacial intraoral prostheses
• mobility devices (for example, wheelchairs, mobility aids, specialized seating systems)
• ocular prostheses
• orthotic devices (for example, braces)
• pressure modification devices for burns or lymphedema (for example, garments and pumps)
• real-time continuous glucose monitoring system
• respiratory equipment & supplies
• ventilator equipment & supplies
• visual aids

Eligibility

ADP is available to any Ontario resident who:

• has a valid Ontario Health card issued in their name
• has a physical disability of 6 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 the Assistive Devices Program

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 may also be 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.

The authorizer is the gatekeeper to the program. They lead the assessment process, confirm the Applicant’s eligibility, and ensure the Application Form is completed correctly.

Vendor

For most funded equipment, the vendor works with the authorizer and the ADP client to determine which device will meet the client’s needs. The program will only help pay for equipment that is purchased from vendors registered with the Assistive Devices Program.

For devices and supplies funded through grants, clients may purchase them directly from retailers.

Financial assistance

For many devices (for example, limb prostheses, orthotic devices, mobility devices), ADP pays up to 75% of the approved price of equipment. For others (for example, hearing devices) the ADP contributes 75% up to a maximum amount. In most cases, the client pays a share of the cost at time of purchase and the vendor bills ADP the balance.

For device categories, such as ostomy supplies, breast prostheses, insulin syringes for seniors, and enteral feeding pump & supplies, the ADP pays a grant directly to the person to contribute towards the purchase of eligible devices and/or supplies from any retailer that sells these products. 

For ADP clients receiving social assistance benefits through Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Assistance to Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), the ADP will pay 100% of the ADP-approved price or maximum amount.

(Please refer to each device category’s policy and administration manual for specific funding policies.)

There are many sources of funding for the client's share of the cost including:

• clients
• voluntary/charitable organizations (for example, March of Dimes, Easter Seals Ontario, Kiwanis Clubs, Lions Clubs)
• social assistance, Veterans Affairs Canada
• insurance companies
• relatives and friends

Application forms for funding

The application forms are listed alphabetically according to device name.

Related

• Policies, procedures, administration, and product manuals
• Register as an authorizer or vendor with the Assistive Device Program
• Prescriber roles and responsibilities for the Assistive Devices Program
• Assistive devices program vendor and authorizer training
• Memos and reports
• Manufacturers/distributors application to list new devices