Canadian Medical Equipment Funding Sources
The Easter Seal Society
Financial Assistance Program - dedicated to helping children, youth and young adults with physical disabilities achieve their full individual potential and future independence. Easter Seals funds disability solutions through financial assistance, summer camp, the Recreational Choices funding program, research, advocacy, and public and consumer education. Telephone: 416-421-8377 or 800-668-6525
The MS Society
The MS Society offers two types of funding; equipment purchase and permanent loan as well as special assistance programs. Please note that funding programs vary from province-to-province. The most common service provided by most divisions and chapters is assistance with equipment to help people with MS maximize their quality of life. Divisions and chapters manage this service in various ways:
- Information and advocacy to assist people in understanding the resources available to them through their own benefits programs and the provincial health system, etc.
- Full or partial purchase of equipment or permanent loan
Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada
The MDA provides basic medical equipment, on loan, from a stock of recycled devices such as scooters, manual and electric wheelchairs, and hospital beds. Some funding assistance may be available for the purchase of new equipment.
www.muscle.caResidential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP)
The RRAP Program offered through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The program offers financial assistance to homeowners and landlords to undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings occupied or intended for occupancy for low income persons with disabilities.
www.cmhc-schl.gc.caSudbury Tax Services Office
Revenue Canada provides information on tax deductibles, related to medical expenses.
www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/tax/individuals/menu-e.htmlSpecial Services At Home Program (SSAH)
The SSAH assists children with developmental disabilities (ages 0-99) and physical disabilities (ages 0-18) who are living at home with their families. The disability must be documented by a professional such as a physician, audiologist, or psychologist. The program provides funding that can be used toward individual development activities and respite/relief care. The family may contact this organization directly for an application, at www.mcss.gov
Automotive Manufacturer's Mobility Programs
Ford Mobility Program
Open to all Canadians buying a new Ford Vehicle, Ford will grant up to $1,000.00 towards installation of lifts, hand controls and other equipment. Application is made through the dealership where purchased an must be made within 6 months of purchasing a new vehicle. For more information click here.
GM Mobility Program
Also open to all Canadians, the GM Program will grant $1,000.00 towards the purchase of modifications to a new vehicle, but you have to call their mobility assitance program to find out if you qualify at 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Their web site lists several steps you should follow when purchasing adaptive equipment but I'm not sure if these steps are recommendations or requirements. Best to call and get the details. For more information click here.
Chrysler Automobility Program
When the customer buys or leases any new Chrysler Corporation vehicle, Chrysler Corporation will provide cash reimbursement, up to $1000, to help cover the cost of installing adaptive driver or passenger equipment on the vehicle. I haven't been able to find any reference to this program on their Canadian web site so for more information, contact the Chrysler Automobility Program toll free at 1-800-265-6908 or 313-961-9448 or contact your local dealer.
Volkswagen Mobility Access Program
Volkswagen will refund $1000 on the purchase or lease of a new Volkswagen vehicle if vehicle access equipment is installed. Although this program has been available for years I haven't been able to find any reference to it in Canada on their web site or a telephone number. I'm assuming the program is still active but for more information you should contact your local Volkswagen Dealer.
Saturn Mobility Program
Customers will be reimbursed by the Saturn Mobility Program for the cost of after-market driver of passenger adaptive aids, including installation, or reinstallation, in an amount up to a maximum of $1000 when such equipment is installed on an eligible Saturn vehicle. For more information, contact the Saturn Mobility Program, toll free at 1-800-553-6000.
Toyota Mobility Program
To help cover the costs of installing adaptive driving aids or mobility assistance equipment, the Toyota Mobility Program offers up to a $1,000 allowance to physically-challenged customers who acquire a new Toyota vehicle. Adaptive driving or passenger equipment includes, but is not limited to, wheelchair or other lift equipment, hand or other driving controls, and lifts or cart storage. Upon verification of the claim, a cheque will be mailed directly to the customer. For more information click here.
Honda, Acura and Lexus
All have mobility programs in the U.S. but I can't find any information on similar programs in Canada. I would certainly ask your local dealer if they have a program for Canadians.
The War Amps of Canada
National Headquarters (Ottawa)
2827 Riverside Drive
Ottawa, ON K1V 0C4
Telephone: 1 (800) 465-2677
Fax: (613) 731-3234
E-mail: communications@waramps.ca
Web site: www.waramps.ca
Adult Prosthetics Program
Telephone: 1 (877) 622-2472
Fax: (613) 731-3234
E-mail: nac@waramps.ca
CHAMP Program (Ottawa)
Telephone: 1 (800) 267-4023
Fax: 1 (866) 235-0350
E-mail: champ@waramps.ca
CHAMP Program (Montréal)
Les Amputés de guerre
Programme LES VAINQUEURS
503 – 606 Cathcart Street
Montréal, QC H3B 1K9
Telephone: 1 (800) 265-0494
Fax: 1 (877) 600-6212
E-mail: vainqueur@amputesdeguerre.ca
The War Amps assist, protect and bind together Canadian war, civilian and child amputees through financial assistance with artificial limbs and rehabilitation, counseling, emotional support, regional seminars and information on latest prosthetic developments.
The Adult Prosthetics Program offers assistance to amputees in Canada who register with The War Amps as adults. The program offers financial assistance towards the purchase of artificial limbs. As a charitable organization, it is important that those needing assistance also access other funding sources available to them. Adult amputees have specific issues to deal with in their adjustment to life as an amputee. To assist amputees, the National Amputee Centre has a wealth of information on artificial limbs and all areas concerning amputation. Some of this information can be found on their web site.
Child Amputee – up to 18 years of age(CHAMP) Program
Children missing a limb or limbs at birth, from medical causes or due to an accident may enroll in CHAMP. The program offers financial assistance for artificial limbs and related expenses and provides financial assistance for specially designed recreational limbs and adaptive devices.
JUMPSTART
Assists “Super Champs” (multiple amputee youngsters) with computers and computer training as an educational aid now to ensure their employment opportunities in the future. Contact the CHAMP Program for more information.
National Amputee Centre
Educates amputees and family members about all aspects of amputation, including the latest information on artificial limbs and products, through a comprehensive library of information and the War Amps web (www.waramps.ca) site selection. Contact the National Amputee Centre at 1 (877) NAC-CIPA [1 (877) 622-2472] or via E-mail at nac@waramps.ca for more information.
Wish Foundations
Various groups who offer to grant the wishes of children with severe disabilities or terminal illness. Please see each foundation for additional information.
- Make a Wish Foundation Canada - www.make-a-wish.ca
- A Child's Voice Foundation - www.achildsvoicefoundation.com
- Starlight Children’s Foundation - www.starlightcanada.org
- Sunshine Dreams for Kids - www.sunshine.ca/dreams.htm
- The Children’s Wish Foundation - www.childrenswish.ca
