What is the ADP?
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is a funding program designed to help Ontario residents with long term physical disabilities. For applicants who qualify, the program funds a percentage of the cost of assistive devices when purchased from ADP-authorized vendors. While ADP will not ask you for any financial information, it’s important to know that they do have certain eligibility criteria.
At Conval-Aid, helping our clients apply for the ADP funding they’re entitled to is a large part of our work. Our experience often gives us a good sense of which applications will work and which will either be rejected outright or require modification. We will attempt to ensure that all applications have been filled out correctly and with the proper information to minimize the chances of funding delays.
Read more about the Assistive Devices Program directly from Ontario.ca
What Is An Assistive Device?
An assistive device is a mobility aid, prosthetic, tool, or other type of health equipment or service (such as ostomy supplies) that a patient needs to function independently in day-to-day life.
The ADP supports devices that are: A) considered essential and B) required long term – that is, for a period of 6 months or longer.
What Do I Need To Qualify For The ADP?
- First, you need to have a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) health card. Proof of citizenship or financial status is not required, but you must be an Ontario resident to receive ADP funding.
- Next, you will undergo a “seating and mobility” assessment by a certified Occupational Therapist (OT) who is authorized by the ADP. For you to qualify for funding, the Therapist must determine that you have a disability which will require you to use an assistive device long term.
- Your Therapist then has to write you a prescription for an assistive device for which you have a “demonstrated need” and which is necessary to help you function at a “basic and essential” level. Simply bring the prescription to us and we will help you select specific equipment and start your application process.
- Within the ADP application, it is important to note that your Therapist must define how the mobility aid or health equipment is going to be used.
- You do not qualify for ADP assistance if you are eligible for funding for the prescribed equipment through either: 1) the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board OR 2) Veterans Affairs Canada, as a Group “A” veteran.
What Products & Services Will ADP Cover?
Below is a general list of the categories of assistive devices that ADP will consider for funding. Conval-Aid is an authorized ADP dealer, allowing us to provide you with the health aids you need and bill the program directly.
IMPORTANT: We highly recommend that you go over the list with a Conval-Aid staff in detail, because only certain items within each device category are covered – namely those items which are deemed necessary for “basic and essential” functioning.
- mobility aids
- hearing aids and other devices
- communication aids
- visual aids
- diabetic equipment and supplies
- respiratory equipment and supplies
- home oxygen therapy
- artificial eyes and facial prosthetics
- custom orthotic braces, compression garments and lymphedema pumps
- prosthetic breasts or limbs
- enteral-feeding pumps and ostomy supplies
How Does Conval-Aid Help Our Clients Request ADP Funding?
Don’t worry – although applying for ADP funding is a complicated, sometimes confusing process, we at Conval-Aid are here to help you. We’ll be at your side, providing personalized, caring service, including:
- Private On-Site Assessment Facilities. We provide convenient on-site rooms where you and your Occupational Therapist can meet for assessment and diagnosis of your condition, in privacy and comfort.
- Equipment Preparation And Review. Conval will obtain and prepare all the aids, supplies, and equipment that you require for your condition. We will review the equipment with you in person, often together with your Therapist as appropriate.
- Careful Checking Of Your Application. Conval-Aid will check your application at least three different times to make sure that every detail is correct and complete. This review process is vital, since an inaccurate or incorrectly submitted application would be rejected and the applicant would have to start over at the bottom of the list.
- Complete Application Package. Conval-Aid gathers together all the essential paperwork to support up your ADP claim, including:
- the Therapist’s diagnosis and notes
- serial numbers of your specific health aids
- special notes around customizations and warranties on equipment.
Once we have assembled these supporting documents, we attach them to your fully completed application and submit the package to the Assistive Devices Program at the Ministry of Health on your behalf.
- Consultation and Planning. In addition to the ADP application, Conval-Aid offers you assistance in a number of areas. This can be especially helpful if you are newly disabled. Here are a few of the ways that we can help:
- Meeting with you as a newly disabled person three times per week. Preparing you and your family for the major changes in your lifestyle ahead.
- Organizing ramps, lifts, chairs, home care equipment, house modifications, and/or therapy equipment.
- Help planning a budget for the next 3, 5, or 10 years that will accommodate your special needs and ensure you aren’t re-buying the same or slightly modified equipment.
Other Commonly Asked Questions
1. How much will ADP pay for equipment?
Currently the Program covers 75 percent of the total cost. Unfortunately, the ADP funding available has been slowly dropping over the past several years.
However, several sources of subsidiary funding exist. For example:
- If you are 18 or under and low income, Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) will pay the remaining 25 percent.
OR
- If you qualify as low income as an Ontario Disability Support Program ODSP beneficiary, ADP will cover 100% of the cost.
Other funding sources to discuss with your Conval-Aid team member include:
- Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation (CMHC)
- Social Services
- Your private medical insurance
Once you qualify, Conval-Aid will simplify the process by invoicing the reimbursement organization directly.
2. Will Conval-Aid charge me an assessment fee?
No. Unlike many of our competitors, we do not charge our clients an assessment fee.
3. How long do I have to wait to find out the status of my application?
The waiting time will vary according to factors such as your diagnosis, your therapist’s workload and how quickly they process paperwork, and how many applications have already been submitted on your behalf.
If you urgently require an assistive device such as a wheelchair, Conval-Aid offers you two options. You may either:
- Buy the equipment from us immediately. We will issue a refund if/when your ADP application is approved.
OR
- Rent the equipment temporarily until your application goes through. (Sometimes a part of the rental fees can be applied to your equipment purchase price.)
Both the above options will allow you to take home the equipment you need that same day.
If you prefer, we will call you once your application is approved to arrange pickup or delivery of your items.
4. Does the ADP cover the cost of a product which needs to be repaired or replaced?
The program will consider coverage of a replacement product if:
- Your physical status (functional status) has changed
- You have outgrown the product
- Your device’s warranty has expired and it cannot be repaired for a reasonable cost
To request a replacement, you will have to submit an all new application.
Unfortunately basic repairs and ongoing customizations are not covered. However, Conval-Aid will work with you to help maintain your device or equipment in excellent working condition.
