Assistive Devices Program
Through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), The government of Ontario helps people with long-term physical disabilities pay for customized equipment, like rollators, wheelchairs, compression garments and other assistive devices.
How much is covered?
The government covers 75% of the cost for equipment and supplies. For these items, the government is billed directly by the supplier and you pay 25% when you buy the item.
What is the equipment that you are authorized to do the application for?
Compression garments for Lymphedema management, Walkers, Rollators, Manual wheelchair, Power wheelchair, Seating for wheelchair and power scooter.
What kind of pressure modification devices are covered by the Assistive Devices Program (ADP)?
Pressure garments and custom fabricated orthoses for the management of hypertrophic scars
Compression garments and sleeves for chronic lymphedema
Sequential extremity pumps and accessories for primary lymphedema
What kind of pressure modification devices are not covered by ADP?
Pressure modification devices:
purchased from non-ADP registered vendors
used for post-operative use or any use for less than six months duration
required for acute physical conditions
required for venous insufficiency or thrombo- embolosis
implanted or inserted into the body
Treatment modalities:
Pressure inserts, Silastic elastomers and dressings for hypertrophic scar management or vascular conditions.
Elasticized wraps and bandages
Who can apply?
Any permanent resident of Ontario who has a valid Ontario Health card issued in their name, and has a chronic physical disability requiring the use of a pressure modification device for a minimum of six months.
ADP does not pay for equipment available under Workplace Safety & Insurance Board or to Group “A” Veterans for their pensioned conditions.
Who can sign my application form?
You are required to sign the application form. If you are unable to sign, someone who has the legal authority to act on your behalf may do so. This may be your spouse, parent, child or power of attorney.
How do I apply?
For Compression garments:
For first access, all applicants must be examined by a specialist physician.
Specialist physicians for hypertrophic scar management include plastic surgeons, physiatrists and general surgeons. The physician will be a member of an ADP registered burn team.
Specialist physicians for lymphedema compression devices include vascular surgeons, plastic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, internal medicine specialists, paediatricians, physiatrists, orthopaedic surgeons, general surgeons, gynecologic oncologists, cardiovascular surgeons, general practitioners in oncology, wound care specialists and dermatologists with applicable experience.
If applying for funding for a sequential extremity pump, the specialist physician will be a member of an ADP registered lymphedema team.
For Mobility devices (rollator, walker, wheelchair, scooter)
Our registered occupational therapist or physiotherapist will assess you and ensure your eligibility for the mobility devices and then complete the assessment form. We will also determine the appropriate mobility device for you and take appropriate measurements.
What will happen next?
For compression garments:
Your specialist physician will refer you to a health professional registered with ADP as an authorizer. The authorizer will complete an assessment to determine your eligibility and the type of device you require.
Anshul at Physio Care is an authorized Physiotherapist to complete the ADP application for people who need them.
We will refer you to an ADP registered vendor, where a certified fitter who is registered with the ADP will measure you and order the device(s) that you require. In some situations, we may do the measuring and ordering of the device(s). The certified fitter or authorizer will provide education about the use and care of the device(s).
For mobility devices:
We will send the application form to the vendor of your choice and the vendor will get you the device when the government approves the application. In the interim you could rent an appropriate device from the vendor for your use until you receive your own device.
How long will it take for ADP to review my application?
The time could vary based on the volume of application that they receive. But on an average it could take anywhere between 6-8 weeks.
How much money does ADP contribute?
ADP pays 75% of the ADP approved price to the registered vendor. You pay the remaining 25%. If you are receiving social assistance benefits under Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Assistance to Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), ADP may pay 100 per cent of the ADP approved price.
Does this mean that ADP will pay 100% of my costs for the Pressure modification Devices?
Not necessarily. You must pay the vendor directly for any options not funded by ADP that you may choose to purchase for your garments. Be sure to ask your vendor how much of the total cost you will be responsible for.
What if I purchase my Pressure Modification Devices before I receive ADP approval?
ADP will only pay the amount approved after the date of approval. If you ask your vendor to order your devices before ADP approves funding, you will be responsible for paying the full amount to the vendor if ADP cannot approve your application.
Is there a warranty for my device?
The ADP Registered Vendor must warrant the device against breakage and/or tearing. There is a specific warranty for each type of device. Speak to the authorizer and/or vendor for details.
What if I have more questions about ADP?
To get more information with respect to the ADP assessment and application please contact us.
