Many people are concerned
about using a scooter, power chair or walker especially if they
do not have a ‘visible’ physical problem…..
BUT- ask yourself the
following questions- and remember to answer them honestly!
Are your mobility
problems limiting your freedom and independence?
The right device can help you get to the places you want to go
and do the things you want to do.
A
power chair or scooter does not have to be a sign of disability.
It can be your ticket to freedom and independence.
It all depends upon you point of view.
You have the power.
As part of your assessment
you need to determine
what your needs and goals are for mobility.
What
is ADP?
ADP stands for the
Assistive Devices Program of the Ontario Ministry of Health and
Long-term Care. http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/adp/adp_mn.html
It is a program which provides funding for medical equipment including
walkers, manual wheelchairs, power chairs and scooters. ADP will
cover up to 75% of the cost for qualified individuals. People
who receive assistance from the Ontario Disability Support Program
(ODSP), Ontario Works (OW), or Assistance to Children with Severe
Disabilities (ACSD) can qualify for up to 100% coverage.
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/adp/pdf/mobility.pdf
Who qualifies
for the funding?
Any permanent resident
of Ontario who has a valid Health Card issued in their name, and
has a long-term physical disability requiring the use of a mobility
device for six months or longer. ADP does not pay for equipment
available under Workplace Safety & Insurance Board or to Group
“A” Veterans for their pensioned conditions.
To qualify for funding
you must need to use the equipment for mobility in your home.
ADP does not fund equipment for social, recreational, sports,
occupational, travel to and from destinations, or school activities
unless it is also used in your home.
How do I get
the funding?
You need an assessment
by an ADP-registered authorizer, usually a physiotherapist or
occupational therapist. The cost of the assessment is not covered
by ADP but may be covered by extended health benefits. ODSP does
cover the cost of the assessment for people receiving their benefits.
What if I can’t
afford my 25% of the cost?
If you are unable to
pay for your 25% of the cost, your insurance company may pay for
it. If you do not have insurance, agencies such as the March of
Dimes, Easter Seal Society, MS Society and community service groups
may help.
What if I don’t qualify for ADP funding?
If you need a mobility
device but are not eligible for ADP, your insurance company may
pay for it. If you do not have insurance, you may want to consider
buying reconditioned equipment. Agencies such as the March of
Dimes, Easter Seal Society, MS Society and community service groups
may help.
Where do I
buy the equipment?
There are many vendors
of walkers, wheelchairs and scooters in most cities. ADP or the
assessor will provide a list of mobility vendors for you to choose
from.
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/adp/mobility_vendors.html
You can choose whoever
you want to purchase your equipment from.
The vendor does not
need to be close to your home as they usually bring the equipment
to your home to try.
You need to try the
equipment in your home to ensure that it is compatible with your
space. You need to be able to safely get the equipment in and
out of your home as well as use it inside your home and be able
to store it safely and securely.
For accessible housing,
contact accessiblehouses.ca
Here
are some things to think about: