The Ontario Assistive Devices Program is a program that you should know about. This program can provide up to 75% of the cost of an assistive device needed for long term disabilities. In order to be eligible, you have to have a valid Ontario Health Benefits card (in your name) and have been disabled for 6 months. This coverage is readily available to be applied for, but you have to make sure that you submit the claim properly – otherwise you get nothing!

The goal of this program is to, “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” (quoted from: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/adp/adp_mn.html )

Basically the program helps people who are disabled to fund the assitive devices that they need to buy. The catch is that this program is called a “First Payor” program. As a first payor, they would pay for the device first before your health insurance provider.

You will also have to rememeber that:

• you have to contact them first before you buy the device – You cannot buy it first and then bill them later (they are first payor only)
• The will send out a professional to assess your needs and they will figure out how much coverage you will get (of that 75%
• Finally you will have to pick up the device and an approved vendor. The program’s designers have sought out and pre-approved certain vendors that meet their criteria for quality and service. This is where you have to go to buy your assistive device.

For more info check out the Ontario Assistive Devices Program website at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/adp/adp_mn.html or call them at 1-800-268-6021. Remember – call them first and get assessed, it is well worth the time invested.

For those reading this from London, UK during this COVID pandemic, you can follow this link to obtain resources. Remember, you are not alone.

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