What Is It?
Provincial Assistive Device Programs (ADPs) provide government funding toward the cost of medically necessary equipment for Canadians with long-term or permanent physical disabilities. These programs are separate from — and in addition to — provincial health insurance plans, and they cover equipment that OHIP/provincial health cards typically do not.
Without ADP funding, a power wheelchair can cost $15,000–$40,000, hearing aids $3,000–$8,000 per pair, and communication devices $5,000–$15,000. Provincial funding typically covers 75% of the approved cost, dramatically reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
Ontario’s ADP is one of the most comprehensive in Canada:
What it covers:
- Mobility devices (manual and power wheelchairs, scooters, walkers)
- Hearing aids and auditory devices
- Prosthetics and orthotics
- Communication aids (AAC devices)
- Respiratory equipment (ventilators, CPAP/BiPAP devices)
- Vision aids
- Insulin delivery devices
Funding: Generally 75% of the approved device cost. Individuals receiving social assistance (Ontario Works, ODSP) may receive 100% funding.
How to apply:
- Obtain a referral from your physician to an ADP-registered authorizer in your device category
- The authorizer assesses your needs and completes the ADP application
- ADP approves the application and issues a funding authorization
- Purchase the device from an ADP-registered vendor; vendor claims the grant directly
Other Provincial Programs
BC — At Home Program: Provides funding for complex medical equipment for children and youth with special needs, including medical equipment loans, home oxygen, and other devices.
Alberta — Aids to Daily Living (ADL): Covers medical supplies and equipment for Albertans with long-term functional limitations, including mobility aids, ostomy supplies, oxygen, and hearing devices.
Quebec — Programme d’allocation pour des besoins particuliers: Covers assistive devices for Quebecers with disabilities under the social assistance framework, and RAMQ covers some devices.
Federal — Veterans Affairs Canada: Veterans with service-related disabilities are entitled to assistive devices through Veterans Affairs at no charge.
What Most People Don’t Know
- You must use ADP-registered vendors and authorizers. Purchasing a device without going through the ADP process means you cannot retroactively claim the grant. Always start with the ADP application before purchasing.
- Private insurance coordinates with ADP. If you have employer extended health benefits, your private insurance typically pays the remaining 25% (or a portion) after ADP pays its 75%. You may pay little or nothing out of pocket.
- The ADP covers ongoing supplies in some categories. For ostomy, incontinence, and respiratory equipment, the ADP provides recurring monthly or annual grants for consumable supplies, not just a one-time equipment purchase.
- The Federal government provides a Disability Tax Credit (separate from ADP) that provides an annual non-refundable tax credit for eligible disabilities — and the DTC also unlocks the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), a powerful long-term savings tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
My child needs a power wheelchair. Who acts as the authorizer?
For mobility devices in Ontario, registered authorizers include occupational therapists (OTs) and physiotherapists (PTs) who are ADP-registered in the mobility category. Your physician’s referral goes to an OT or PT who assesses your child and completes the application. Pediatric rehabilitation centres often have ADP-registered therapists on staff.
I bought a hearing aid last month without going through the ADP. Can I still get reimbursed?
Generally no — the ADP funding authorization must be issued before purchase. If you purchased without pre-approval, contact your ADP office to ask whether a retroactive application is possible; policies vary and exceptional circumstances are sometimes accommodated.
I’m on ODSP. Do I still pay the 25% co-payment?
Individuals on ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) or Ontario Works may qualify for 100% funding in some device categories. Confirm with the ADP when submitting your application.
My device broke and needs repair. Does ADP cover repairs?
Yes — for many device categories, ADP has a repair grant separate from the purchase grant. The repair must be done by an ADP-registered vendor and a repair authorization is required. Contact the ADP before authorizing expensive repairs.