At Wellwise, we want to help make living an active and independent life easier. The following is a list of organizations that can help provide you with financial support when purchasing assistive devices, mobility devices or home modifications. To determine the eligibility of you or a loved one, talk to us at Wellwise or contact a representative from the list below.

If your needs are short-term, you may be interested in our Rental Program.

Select your Region.

National
Ontario
Alberta
New Brunswick

Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA)

1-800-BANTING

Overview
CDA’s mission is “to lead the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while working to find a cure” Provides assistance to arrange funding for diabetic supplies (i.e. Blood testing devices).

Basic Eligibility
CDA provides assistance to arrange funding and therefore each funding organization has different eligibility criteria.

View website

Canadian Hearing Society

1-877-347-3427

Overview
A charitable agency and the leading provider of services, products, and information that remove barriers to communication, advance hearing health, and promote equity for people who are culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices
View website

Central Association Of Kinsmen Clubs/Kin Canada/Association Of Kinsmen, Kinette And Kin Clubs

1-800-742-5546

Overview
Service club organizations that work to better their communities, enhance the well-being of Canadians and improve the environment.

  • Home modifications
  • Assistive Devices
  • Mobility Devices

Basic Eligibility
Some assistance may be available to club members.

View website

Next Steps 
If you are a member of a Kinsmen Club, contact your club for more information.

Home Adaptations For Seniors’ Independence (HASI) (Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation – CMHC)

1-800-704-6488

Overview
This program helps First Nations and First Nation members pay for minor home adaptations to on- reserve properties to extend the time low- income seniors can live in their own homes independently

  • Home modifications (bathroom modifications including installing a main floor washroom.)

Basic Eligibility
First Nations and First Nation members living on-reserve may qualify for assistance as long as the occupant of the dwelling where the adaptations will be made meets the following eligibility criteria:

  • 65 and over
  • Has difficulty with daily living activities brought on by ageing
  • Total household income is at or below a specified limit for your area
  • Dwelling unit is a permanent residence.
View website

Next Steps 
Client or family must complete a telephone screen interview to assess funding assistance. 

International Association Of Lions Clubs

Overview
Service club organization that may provide financial assistance for home modifications or assistive devices.

  • Home modifications
  • Assistive Devices
  • Mobility Devices

Basic Eligibility 
Some assistance may be available to club members.

View website

Next Steps
If you are a member of a Lions Club, contact your club for more information.

Kiwanis Club

Overview
Global organization of clubs dedicated to helping children and communities based on the community’s needs.

Basic Eligibility
Some assistance may be available to club members.

View website

Next Steps 
If you are a member of a Kiwanis Club, contact your club for more information.

Knights of Columbus

Overview
Club formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families.

Basic Eligibility
Some assistance may be available to club members.

View website

Next Steps
If you are a member of the Knights of Columbus, contact your club for more information.

Muscular Dystrophe Canada

1-866-MUS-CLE8

Overview
Organization dedicated to raising awareness and educating people about neuromuscular disease. Loan pool and may provide assistance with funding for equipment for those with MD.

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices
  • Home modifications

Basic Eligibility

  • Maximum contribution per item: $2,640
  • Client minimum contribution: $200.00 - Equipment costing less than $200 is not eligible - You must be a registered client of Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
  • Muscular Dystrophy Canada will not issue reimbursements. Be sure to complete the application process and receive approval from our office, prior to purchasing the item.
View website

Next Steps
Funding requests must include:

  • A completed  Muscular Dystrophe Canada Application Form
  • Quotes from 2 different equipment vendors
  • A signed equipment prescription from the appropriate licensed health care professional such as: an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, respiratory therapist, orthotist, physiatrist or podiatrist.

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

1‑800‑268‑7582

Overview
Provides services to people with multiple sclerosis and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease.

Loan pool and may provide assistance with funding for equipment for those with MS.

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices
  • Home modifications

Basic Eligibility
Funding eligibility varies from province to province - check the website for more information.

View website

Opportunities For The Disabled Foundation

1-877-856-3833

Overview
Canadian based registered charitable non-profit organization that’s mandate is to "help people with physical disabilities to live more fulfilling and independent lives.

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices

Basic Eligibility
The Medical Equipment Recycling Program is open to all physically challenged persons, and organizations that serve them, but is specifically designed to benefit the lower income socially marginalized person(s), who would not be able to purchase the said equipment on their own.

View website

Next Steps
Opportunities For The Disabled Foundation Application Form

President's Choice

Overview
Presidents Choice Children’s Charity receive applications from families whose children have been diagnosed with a range of disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida and various developmental delays ($20,000).

Basic Eligibility

  • Medical diagnosis of disability
  • Household gross income less than $70,000
  • For more eligibility criteria/information needed with application see the application form
View website

Next Steps
President's Choice Application Form

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program For Persons With Disabilities (RRAP-D) (Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation – C)

1-800-704-6488

Overview
Offers financial assistance to First Nations and First Nation members to undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings occupied or intended for occupancy by low- income persons with disabilities.

Five-year forgivable loan (Maximum $15 000 lifetime). Funds are for minor renovations such as installing hand rails, grab bars, extra lighting, etc. Home value must be less than $400 000 and household income must be less than $55 000.

  • Home modifications

Basic Eligibility
First Nations or individual First Nation members that require repairs to their homes may be eligible to apply. The total household income must be at or below the established income threshold for their area and the property must meet minimum health and safety standards.

Next Steps
Client or family must complete a telephone screen interview to access funding assistance.

View website

Rotary Clubs/Rotary International

Overview
Together, Rotary clubs, Rotary International, and The Rotary Foundation work to make lasting improvements in our communities and around the world.

  • Home modifications

Basic Eligibility
Some assistance may be available to club members.

View website

Next Steps 
If you are a member of a Rotary Club, contact your club for more information.

Veterans Affairs Canada

Overview
Department within the government of Canada with responsibility for pensions/benefits and services for war veterans, retired and still-serving members of the Canadian Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, their families, as well as some civilians.

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices
  • Home modifications

Basic Eligibility

  • Should be approved for funding on the basis of a recommendation by a health professional approved by Veterans Affairs Canada or, in the case of a Rehabilitation client, a recommendation by a qualified individual deemed appropriate by the Department.
  • Special equipment may not be authorized merely for convenience or as a lifestyle choice
  • The Department should be satisfied that the special equipment is the most appropriate response to the health-related needs of the client
  • Simpler, less costly equipment should be considered before more complex and costlier equipment.
View website

War Amputations of Canada

1-877-622-2472

Overview
The War Amps is a Canadian nation-wide registered charitable organization operated under the direction of war amputees.

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices

Basic Eligibiliy
Children with amputations may be eligible for financial assistance for prosthetic limbs, recreational limbs and travel to prosthetic centres.

View website

Assistive Devices Program (ADP)

Overview
Government program that provides support and funding to Ontario residents who have long-term physical disabilities. Provides access to assistive devices that meet individuals’ basic needs.

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices

Basic Eligibility
Ontario residents with a valid Ontario Health Card who have a physical disability of 6 months or longer.

ADP will not pay for equipment available under the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) or to Group “A” Veterans for their pensioned conditions.

View website

Next Steps
Client must be assessed by a healthcare professional who is an authorizer. Authorizer must complete an Assistive Devices Program Application Form

The ALS Society of Ontario

1-866-611-8545

Overview
Equipment loan pool and may provide partial assistance with funding for equipment for those with ALS.

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices
  • Home modifications

Basic Eligibility
Applicants must be registered with ALS Ontario to qualify for assistance Proof of Income required (CRA Notice of Assessment)

View website

Next Steps
The ALS Society of Ontario Application Form

*Application Form (Page 2) must be prepared by a Registered Health Professional e.g. OT, PT, RN

Alzheimer Society of Ontario

1-800-879-4226

Overview
Organization “dedicated to improving the quality of life for Ontarians living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and advancing the search for the cause and cure.”

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices
  • Home modifications

Basic Eligibility
Applicants must be registered with the Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario.

Must consider other government funding (ADP, ODSP), and be in a financial hardship.

View website

Next Steps
Contact a counsellor at your local Alzheimer Society of Ontario by telephone.

The Arthritis Society

1-800-321-1433

Overview
The Arthritis Society has been setting lives in motion for over 65 years, and is dedicated to a vision of living well while creating a future without arthritis.

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices
  • Home modifications
View website

Canadian Paraplegic Association Of Ontario (Spinal Cord Injury Ontario)

416-422-5644

Overview
May provide assistance with funding for medical equipment or renovations.

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices
  • Home modifications

Basic Eligibility
Individuals with spinal cord injury may be eligible for funding.

View website

The Easter Seals Society

1-800-668-6252

Overview
Provides programs and services to children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario. Possible maximum of $3,000 for all equipment/service requests per client. Batteries, repairs and replacement parts are not funded.

  • Mobility devices
  • Home modifications
  • Assistive devices

Basic Eligibility
Parents must attempt to access all other funding sources first.

Funded items must be authorized by a healthcare professional.

View website

Next Steps
Easter Seals Society Application Form & Guidelines

Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit

Overview
"A permanent, refundable personal income tax credit for seniors and family members who live with them."

Basic Eligibility
You need to be:

  • 65 years old or older by the end of the year for which you are claiming the credit

      or

  • living with a family member who is a senior
  • Individuals at all income levels are eligible
View website

Insurance Companies

Overview 
e.g. health insurance through workplace, health insurance through credit card, etc.

Basic Eligibility
Each insurance plan will have different requirements and benefits. Some may cover costs of medical equipment.

Various Websites

Next Steps
Check your insurance plan or go to the company’s website.

Ontario Disability and Support Program (ODSP)

Overview
ODSP helps people with disabilities who are in financial need pay for living expenses

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices
  • Batteries and repairs

Basic Eligibility
Individuals may be eligible for ODSP if

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Live in Ontario
  • In financial need
  • A person with a disability as defined under the ODSP Act
View website

Next Steps

  • Check off ODSP box on ADP forms
  • Request for funding has to go through the case-worker.
  • Occupational Therapist needs to send a quote and letter of rationale to case worker

Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (OFCP)

1-877-244-9686

Overview
OFCP is a non profit charitable organization dedicated to supporting people with cerebral palsy (CP) in Ontario.

May provide financial assistance for the following:

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices
  • Home modifications

Basic Eligibility
Funding for individuals with Cerebral Palsy of all ages who are members of OFCP.

View website

Next Steps
 
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy Membership Info

 
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy Application Form

Ontario March of Dimes (Assistive Devices Program)

Overview
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) of the March of Dimes assists adults with physical disabilities who are in financial need to purchase assistive devices to increase their mobility and functional independence.

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices

Basic Eligibility
Eligibility:

  • 19 years of age or older
  • Has an ongoing physical limitation that requires the use of an assistive device
  • In financial need (refer to the Income Eligibility chart)
  • A permanent resident of Ontario
View website

Next Steps
 
Ontario March of Dimes Application information

Ontario March Of Dimes – Home And Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP)

http://www.marchofdimes.ca/EN/programs/hvmp/Pages/HomeandVehicle.aspx

Overview
Funding for home and/or vehicle modifications for individuals with disabilities that restrict their mobility and prevent them from living safely in their homes. Maximum $15 000 lifetime. Funds are for accessibility and bathroom modifications including installing a main floor washroom.

  • Home modifications

Basic Eligibility
Encourage individuals to look for other funding first.

Eligibility:

  • A permanent Ontario resident
  • A person with a substantial impairment caused by bodily injury, birth defect or
  • Illness that is ongoing and/or recurring and is expected to last one year or more.
  • The impairment impedes mobility and results in substantial restriction in
  • activities of daily living
View website

Next Steps

Ontario March Of Dimes – Home And Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP) - Application information

Ontario Partnership On Aging And Developmental Disabilities

1-866-667-3362

Overview
Organization’s mission is that older adults with a developmental disability have the same rights to support and services as all older Ontarians.

  • Home modifications
View website

Ontario Works (OW)

Overview
OW is a social assistance program that provides money and help finding employment.

Basic Eligibility
Individuals may be eligible for OW if:

  • Live in Ontario
  • Need money right away to help pay for food and housing costs
  • Willing to take part in activities that will help you find a job
View website

Next Steps

  • Check off OW box on ADP forms
  • Request for funding has to go through the case-worker
  • Occupational Therapist needs to send a quote and letter of rationale to case worker

Workplace Safety Insurance Board

Overview
Ontario government agency that provides compensation for injured workers. WSIB may provide funding for the following:

  • Assistive devices
  • Mobility devices

Basic Eligibility
Client may be eligible for WSIB if they had a work-related injury/disease. May be eligible for funding for assistive/mobility devices.

View website

Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)

Overview
The Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program helps Albertans (valid personal health number in Alberta) with a long-term disability, chronic illness or terminal illness to maintain their independence at home, in lodges or group homes by providing financial assistance to buy medical equipment and supplies.

Basic Eligibility
An assessment by a health care professional determines the equipment and supplies that an Albertan can receive through this program. 

Albertans pay 25% of the benefit cost to a maximum of $500 per individual or family per year. Low-income Albertans and those receiving income assistance are exempt from paying the cost-sharing portion.

View website

Vehicle Retrofitting And Accessible Vehicle Program

Overview
The Vehicle Retrofit Program will provide a maximum grant of 80% of the first $5,625 and 50% of next $7,000 to individuals, registered non-profit organizations, municipalities or private companies towards the cost of supporting and/or installing eligible accessibility features for a new or existing vehicle.

Basic Eligibility

  • Individual Residents of New Brunswick
  • Registered Non-Profit Organizations
  • Municipalities of New Brunswick
  • Private companies providing transportation service to disabled persons within New Brunswick
  • Must be primary personal use vehicle
View website

Next Steps
Vehicle Retrofitting And Accessible Vehicle Program - Application Form

The John Wood Foundation Inc.

Overview
The John Wood Foundation Inc. focuses on raising money that will be allocated to benefit those in need and enable people with significant disabilities to obtain the support they need (up to $5000).

Basic Eligibility

  • Must be a resident of New Brunswick.
View website