ASL, LTD, AAC, ABC. Healthcare, like almost all branches of society, is full of acronyms that healthcare workers and industry professionals are often quick to insert into almost every interaction. If you are new to the disability scene, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of jargon thrown your way right out of the gate. However, if you are an Ontarian with a long-term physical disability in need of a device, there is one acronym you don’t want to gloss over, and that’s ADP. Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP) helps Ontarians living with long-term physical disabilities pay for assistive devices tailored to their individual needs. So, whether you need a wheelchair, a set of hearing aids, a communication aid, or a device from any of its 13 device categories; ADP aims to bridge the gap between you and the devices that will enable you to live your best life. ADP also helps cover the cost of other specialized supplies like ostomy supplies, needles and syringes for seniors with diabetes.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for ADP, you must: Be an Ontario resident, have a valid Ontario Health Card, and have a disability requiring equipment or supplies for six months or longer.
You will not qualify if you: are covered by WSIB for the needed equipment or supplies, or if you receive support from Veterans Affairs Canada.
What equipment/supplies are covered?
ADP covers more than 8000 different pieces of equipment and supplies in the following categories:
- Prostheses
- Wheelchairs/mobility aids and specialized seating systems
- Enteral feeding supplies
- Monitors and test strips for insulin-dependent diabetics
- Hearing aids
- Insulin pumps and supplies
- Respiratory equipment
- Orthotic devices
- Pressure modification devices for burns and lymphedema (garments and pumps)
- Visual and communication aids
- Home oxygen therapy
How much of the cost is covered?
While there are some nuances, the program typically covers up to 75% of the cost of equipment and supplies. In most cases, the individual pays 25% at the time of purchase and the supplier bills the program for the remaining balance.
In certain cases, the individual receives a series of payments throughout the year to cover costs of their equipment/supplies. In those cases, the individual pays 100% of the cost at the time of purchase. For items not covered and for more program specifics check out The Government of Ontario’s ADP website.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, you’re probably wondering…
How does one access the program?
For individuals who qualify for ADP, the process typically begins when their primary care physician or a medical specialist provides a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, the physician may refer you to an ADP authorizer (a health care professional registered with the program) who will assess the individual to determine and prescribe the appropriate equipment/supplies for their needs. With the help of their authorizer or care team, the individual sources and purchases the prescribed equipment/supplies from a registered ADP vendor.
Are there any limits to ADP coverage?
The short answer is yes, and you’ll want to have a solid understanding of the limitations that affect you. First, not all equipment is approved for ADP funding – each category has its own list of approved devices for which ADP will fund following a prescription from an approved authorizer. Second, the approved devices are often sub-divided into device groups and, depending on the group, there may be a limit to either the quantity of devices you can access or some time constraints for how frequently you can access a new device. A common issue that comes up, for example, is when one who has a progressive condition needs access to a mobility aid: This person might be excited to obtain a manual wheelchair through the ADP catalogue, but is disappointed 2 years later when she needs a much more expensive, power wheelchair and must wait 3 more years before she can once again receive ADP funding for a new mobility aid.
Please make sure to consult with a knowledgeable Authorizer about these considerations before making any decisions to access ADP equipment.
How to get started in your search for ADP devices
If you’re still waiting to meet your care team, but are eager to start exploring your options, make sure to check out evika.io and start searching by typing ADP + the type of device you require in the search bar.
Thanks to disability advocates and individuals alike, the list of approved devices and registered vendors is constantly updated to reflect an evolving assistive devices landscape. evika not only provides individuals with a comprehensive assistive device database but also advocates for the inclusion of new and innovative devices within the ADP. Like Ontario’s ADP, evika strives to connect people with disabilities with the devices that best fit their needs.
