What this program is
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is an Ontario program that helps people with long-term physical disabilities pay for customized equipment, such as wheelchairs and hearing aids. It also helps cover the cost of specialized supplies, such as those used with ostomies. The program is administered by the Government of Ontario.
The ADP does not consider your income.
Who qualifies
The official page states that, generally, you must:
- be an Ontario resident
- have a valid Ontario health card
- have a physical disability requiring the equipment or supplies for 6 months or longer
- meet clinical criteria specific to the device you are applying for
Who does not qualify
The official page states that you do not qualify for the ADP if you:
- already qualify for or are receiving financial support for the same equipment or supplies from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
- are a Group "A" veteran and already qualify for or are receiving financial support from Veterans Affairs Canada for the same equipment or supplies
Types of equipment covered
The official page lists categories of equipment and supplies you can apply for, including:
- artificial eyes and facial prosthetics
- communication aids
- custom orthotic braces, compression garments and lymphedema pumps
- diabetic equipment and supplies
- enteral-feeding pumps and ostomy supplies
- hearing aids and other hearing devices
- home oxygen therapy
- mobility aids
- prosthetic breasts or limbs
- respiratory equipment and supplies
- ventilator equipment and supplies
- visual aids
The official page provides separate links for each category covering how to qualify, apply and find a vendor.
How much is covered
For funded equipment, the official page states that ADP may provide coverage in one of three ways, depending on the type of equipment you are purchasing:
Fixed Price
- ADP will pay 75% of the approved price
- you will pay the remaining 25% of the cost, plus any optional accessories or services you choose to buy
Maximum Contribution
- ADP will pay up to 75% of an approved maximum amount
- you will pay the remaining cost, which is determined by the business that is selling the device to you
Grant
- ADP will pay you directly for a portion of the cost to purchase the equipment from any business you choose
If you are receiving financial support from Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, the total amount the ADP will pay depends on the funding model for the equipment you are purchasing. This could be:
- 100% of the approved price
- 100% of the approved maximum contribution amount
- the full grant amount
How supplies are paid
The official page states that if you are receiving an ADP funding grant for supplies, you will receive one or more payment(s) throughout the year to help cover the cost of your supply purchases.
What is not covered
The official page explicitly lists equipment and supplies that are not covered, including:
- air conditioners
- air purifiers
- automobile modifications
- bath and shower aids (for example, benches, chairs, bath lifts)
- batteries (even for equipment originally purchased through ADP)
- blood-pressure monitoring/measuring devices
- cellphones, including smartphones
- chair lifts, or any lifting devices
- commodes or commode chairs
- dialysis equipment
- diapers
- grab-bars
- home renovations (including ramps, porch lifts, etc.)
- hospital beds and mattresses
- implants
- incontinence supplies
- life-alert systems
- light-therapy equipment
- raised toilet seats
- smoke detectors and fire alarms
- stair lifts
- urinary catheters
- wigs
The official page notes that more details on equipment and supplies the ADP does not fund are available through the links in the How to apply section.
Repairs and replacements
The official page states:
- the ADP does not cover repair costs; you must pay those costs yourself
- care and maintenance of the equipment is your responsibility
- if you need to replace your equipment, the ADP may contribute to the cost if your condition changes or your equipment is no longer under warranty and cannot be repaired at a reasonable cost
Other organizations that help
The official page states that if you cannot afford to pay your share of the cost, you can contact one of the following volunteer and charity organizations about additional support:
- Easter Seals Ontario
- The War Amps
- Lions Clubs
How to submit a complaint
About a vendor
The official page states that if you have a complaint that relates to an ADP-registered vendor (a business selling a device to you), contact the vendor directly as a first step. If it does not get resolved, contact the ADP directly.
About the program
If you have a complaint about ADP services unrelated to a vendor, contact the ADP directly.
Written complaints should clearly outline your specific concerns, including the steps you have taken to try to resolve it. Complaints can be submitted by:
- email: adp@ontario.ca
- fax: 416-327-8192
- mail: Assistive Devices Program, 5700 Yonge Street, 7th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M2M 4K5
If you have a physical disability that prevents you from submitting a written complaint, you may make a complaint verbally:
- Tel: 416-327-8804
- Toll-free: 1-800-268-6021
- TTY: 1-800-387-5559
What to expect after submitting a complaint
The official page states:
- the ADP will aim to contact you within 5 business days of receiving a complaint
- if needed, it may request additional details to support the review process
- it will provide information about the complaints procedure and seek your consent to collect, use and disclose your personal information for the purpose of reviewing your complaint
- the ADP strives to complete all complaint reviews within 30 business days
- it will notify you of an extension if additional time is needed
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