Assistive Devices Program  
INDEX 

Office Address 

Contact Numbers 

Organization 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Fact Sheets  

Coverage  

Forms & Applications 
 
 

Copied from the Government of Ontario  
(Ministry of Health) Web Site. 

Program Description 

Objectives 

The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) and the Home Oxygen Program (HOP) are administered by the Assistive Devices Branch (ADB) of the Ontario Ministry of Health. 

The objective of both ADP and HOP is to financially assist Ontario residents with long term physical disabilities to obtain basic, competitively priced, personalized assistive devices appropriate for the individual's needs and essential for independent living. 

Devices covered by the program are intended to give people increased independence and control over their lives. They may allow them to avoid costly institutional settings and remain in a community living arrangement. 

Equipment Funded by ADP and HOP 

ADP covers over 15,000 separate pieces of equipment or supplies in the following categories: prostheses; wheelchairs/mobility aids and specialized seating systems; ostomy, and enteral feeding supplies; needles and syringes for insulin-dependent seniors; monitors and test stripes for insulin-dependent diabetics. (through agreement with the Canadian Diabetes Association); hearing aids; respiratory equipment; orthoses (braces, garments and pumps); visual and communication aids; and incontinence supplies for those born after July 1, 1963. 

HOP pays for oxygen and oxygen delivery equipment, such as concentrators, cylinders, liquid systems and related supplies, such as masks and tubing. 

Eligibility 

ADP 

Any Ontario resident who has a valid Health Number issued in their name and has a physical disability of six months or longer. Equipment cannot be required exclusively for sports, work or school. Residents with a primary diagnosis of a learning or mental disability are excluded from ADP, as are those on Workers' Compensation. There are specific eligibility criteria which apply to each device category. 

HOP 

Any Ontario resident who has a valid Health Number issued in their name and has a chronic illness or dysfunction that requires long term oxygen therapy. 

Accessing ADP/HOP 

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. There are currently over 5,000 registered authorizers, working in hospitals, home care agencies or private practice. 

Vendor 

The program will only help pay for equipment that is purchased from vendors registered with the Assistive Devices Branch. 

Financial Assistance 

ADP pays up to 75 percent of the cost of equipment, such as artificial limbs, orthopaedic braces, wheelchairs, breast prostheses and breathing aids. For others, such as hearing aids, the ADP contributes a fixed amount. With regard to supply items as ostomy, incontinence and needles and syringes for seniors, the ADP pays an annual grant directly to the person. HOP pays 100 percent of the cost of oxygen and related equipment for seniors and those on social assistance, home care or residing in a long-term care facility, and 75 percent for all others. 

In most cases, the client pays a share of the cost at time of purchase and the vendor bills ADP or HOP the balance. 

For ADP supply categories where grants are paid, the client pays 100 percent of the cost of the vendor using funding provided by ADP. 

All ages are eligible for devices except incontinence supply grants which are restricted to those born after July 1, 1963 and the needles & syringes grant which is restricted to insulin dependent seniors. 

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

  • clients 
  • voluntary/charitable organizations e.g. March of Dimes, Easter Seals, Kiwanis 
  • social assistance, DVA 
  • insurance companies 
  • relatives/friends 
  • waiver by vendor 


Office Address 

5700 Yonge St., 7th Flr. 
North York 
M2M 4K5 



Contact numbers 

416-327-8804   Toronto 
416-327-8192   Fax 
1-800-268-6021   Toll-Free 
1-800-387-5559   Toll-Free TTY 



Organization 

Ministry of Health, Health Insurance and Related Programs, Assistive Devices Branch 



Ontario Ministry of Health 
For more information 
Call the Ministry of Health INFOline at 1-800-268-1154 
- Toll-free in Ontario only - 
In Toronto, call (416) 314-5518 
TTY 1-800-387-5559. 

Last modified: September 24, 1997 
© Copyright 1997, Queen's Printer for Ontario 

                    MORE                                  Back
LinkExchange
LinkExchange Member Free Home Pages at GeoCities