Province of Ontario Government Funding
Ministry of Health – Assistive Devices Program
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) will fund up to 75% of the cost of equipment required by people with long term physical disabilities. ADP maintains a list of equipment that it will fund as well as eligibility criteria on their website.
This program provides financial assistance to Ontario residents with long-term physical disabilities to help them get equipment and supplies they need for independent living. ADP covers over 8,000 separate pieces of equipment or supplies.
For more information: www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/adp/
ADP covers 100% of the cost, if the child or family receives financial support from one of these programs:
- Children and youth who are receiving Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)
- Parents/Guardians who receive:
- Ontario Works (OW)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Ministry of Health – Assistive Devices Program
- 7th Floor, 5700 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M2M
- Tel: 416-327-8804, toll-free: 1-800-268-6021
- TDD/TTY: 416-327-4282, TDD/TTY: 1-800-387-5559
- Fax: 416-327-8192,
- Email: adp@ontario.ca
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)
Clients who access the following programs may be eligible for help with the cost of equipment through ADP (see above) or the Mandatory Special Necessities Benefit:
- Children and youth who are receiving Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)
- Parents/Guardians who are receiving:
- Ontario Works (OW)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
To find out more talk to your Special Agreement Officer (SAO) or Ministry contact. If you are not sure who to contact, the address and contact information for each Ministry office is listed here:
March of Dimes Canada
March of Dimes Canada’s Home & Vehicle Modification® Program provides funding for basic home and/or vehicle modifications. Funding is provided by the provincial government and children with physical disabilities may be eligible for funding assistance.
Program maximums and income based eligibility:
- $15,000 lifetime maximum for home modifications
- $10,000 every 10 years for vehicle modifications
Eligibility for the program is based on need and income.
For more information: www.marchofdimes.ca
Non-Government Funding
Private or Employer Insurance – Extended Health Benefits
Some employee health care plans will provide funding for equipment required by children with disabilities. Check with your employer to find out if you have these benefits.
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy is a non-profit organization that supports children and adults with cerebral palsy, using funds donated from the public.
The level of funding assistance may vary based on the cost of the item and the availability of Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy funds at the time the request is received.
One piece of equipment per funding year, up to $2,500 per item, per application.
For more information: www.ofcp.ca
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
The primary focus of Muscular Dystrophy Canada is on research. However, they also provide support to children and adults with Muscular Dystrophy with information and funding.
Only individuals with Muscular Dystrophy are eligible for equipment funding.
Eligible equipment includes, accessibility equipment such as:
- Bathroom aids
- Beds and mattresses
- Mobility aids
- Lifts
- Breathing aids
The maximum contribution provided by Muscular Dystrophy Canada is $2,620 per item (client contribution: $200).
For more information: www.muscle.ca
Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation
This organization helps children with physical disabilities, severe medical issues, and mental health disorders. To be eligible, the family’s annual income must be less than $65,000.
Their priority is to help with emergency assistance, housing, transportation or accommodation for medical needs. The only equipment funded is Specially Adapted Trikes.
For more information: www.jenash.org
Ability Gives
Ability Gives only funds equipment for active members of the Ability Online community. An Ability Gives grant will cover:
- Therapy bikes
- I-pads for non-verbal children
- Adapted strollers
- Specialized seating/feeding chairs
- Lifts and turners
- Serial casting/orthotics
- Orthotic shoes
- Walkers
- Splints
For more information: www.abilityonline.org
War Amps Program
War Amps assists children with amputations with the cost of standard and recreational artificial limbs and devices, such as those designed for swimming, biking or playing musical instruments.
For more information: www.waramps.ca/home
Local Service Clubs
Examples: Rotary Clubs, Lion’s Club, Shriners, Knights of Columbus.
Please contact your local chapter directly to inquire if they are able to provide assistance. To find the contact details for the local group, you can check the service club websites:
- Lion’s Clubs International Find a Club
- Kin Canada (Kinsmen, Kinettes) Find a Club
- Knights of Columbus Ontario Councils
- Rotary International Club Finder
- Shriners International Locations
Local Community Foundations
Many communities have local foundations that may accept applications from individuals. Check with your local municipal office, or community directory to find out about any community foundations.
Some Children’s Treatment Centers (CTC) have foundations that may help families with disability expenses, including equipment. Please contact your local Children’s Treatment Center for local foundations to find out if they provide financial assistance for mobility or accessibility equipment. To find the contact details for CTC, check the Empowered Kids Ontario website, Member Directory.