Financial Assistance

The Assistive Devices Project covers over 8,000 separate pieces of equipment, including hearing aids. For hearing aids, the ADP contributes a fixed amount. In most cases, the client pays a share of the cost at time of purchase, and the vendor bills ADP for the balance. For ADP supply categories where grants are paid, the client pays 100 per cent of the cost to the vendor.

Any Ontario resident who has a valid Ontario Health card and has a physical disability of six months duration or longer is eligible. Equipment cannot be required exclusively for sports, work, or school. Specific eligibility criteria apply to each device category.

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.

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.