Any Ontario resident who has a long-term physical disability and a valid Health Card issued in his or her name.

Fact sheets on each category of equipment specify medical conditions people must meet to get help in paying for equipment.

No. You are eligible for ADP whatever your income.

ADP does not pay for equipment available under Workplace Safety & Insurance Board or to Group 'A' veterans for their pensioned conditions.

ADP covers the following categories of equipment:

• Communication Devices
• Diabetes Equipment & Supplies
• Enteral Feeding Supplies
• Hearing Aids
• Home Oxygen
• Insulin Pumps and Supplies
• Orthotic Devices
• Ostomy Supplies
• Pressure Modification Devices
• Prosthetic Devices (Breast, Limb, Ocular, Maxillofacial)
• Respiratory Supplies and Equipment
• Visual Aids
• Wheelchairs, Positioning and Ambulation Aids

The fact sheet for each equipment category lists the devices and supplies eligible for ADP funding.

The steps are listed in the fact sheet or application form for each category. Everyone must start with an application or authorization form. You fill in part of the form. The rest will be filled in by other people.

Usually a medical doctor who specializes in caring for people with your type of disability. Some people may also be assessed by a team of health care professionals. After examining you, the doctor will describe or confirm your physical problem on the form. You will be asked to sign the form so your doctor can release your diagnosis to people who will help you select devices best suited to your needs. If you can't sign the form because of your disability, a family member, legal guardian or Power of Attorney may sign it for you.

Usually, your doctor will refer you to an "authorizer". This is a health care professional registered with ADP. He or she is trained to work with people who have your physical condition.

The authorizer will assess whether you meet ADP funding criteria and help you decide which device is best for you. He or she will then describe on the form the equipment you need.

Some types of equipment, such as artificial limbs and certain communication devices, are complex to design. A team of skilled specialists has to assess your needs. In this case, you will be referred to a clinic approved by ADP. A member of the clinic team will act as an authorizer and complete the form for you.

After filling in the appropriate section, the authorizer gives you the form to take to a supplier to get your equipment. In some cases, the form is sent to ADP for approval before you purchase your equipment.

You can usually get your device from a supplier who is a registered vendor with ADP. However, if the device must be custom-made, you will be referred to a professional who is trained to make the device. These professionals are also registered with ADP.

A supplier who is approved by ADP.

ADP-registered vendors agree to carry a wide range of products and have skilled staff to answer your questions.

Some ADP-registered vendors can make a device designed to meet your special needs.

ADP covers most devices only if they are bought from a registered vendor. The few exceptions to this are explained in the fact sheets.

Registered vendors bill ADP directly for its part of the approved cost of your equipment. You pay your part directly to the vendor.

Most devices, yes. Some items are bought by ADP and loaned or rented to clients. Information about this can be found in the fact sheets.

Most of the time you must buy your equipment from ADP-registered vendors in Ontario. However, a few vendors in nearby provinces are registered. This makes it possible for people who live in northwestern Ontario, for example, to buy their devices and supplies from Manitoba vendors registered with ADP.

If your doctor or authorizer says your equipment is no longer suitable because of a change in your condition or size, ADP will contribute to the cost of replacing it.

If your equipment is worn out, beyond repair at a reasonable cost, ADP will pay up to 75 per cent of the cost of replacement at the end of a certain time period.

ADP will not pay for replacement of equipment that is lost, stolen or damaged due to misuse before the minimum replacement period is up. Clients are encouraged to buy insurance to cover the cost of replacement in these cases.

Yes. If the equipment is being replaced because of a change in your size or medical condition, you must visit your physician or authorizer. He or she will write the reason for the replacement on an authorization form. If the equipment is being replaced at the end of the specified replacement period, your doctor or authorizer must complete an authorization form.

Some insurance programs will. Please check your insurance policy.

Help is available. A number of groups may pick up your part of the equipment expense. These include voluntary/charitable organizations (such as the Easter Seal Society or the March of Dimes), other provincial government programs and some municipal social service departments. These groups may also contribute to the cost of devices not listed in the ADP manual.

ODSP, Employment Support clients, who seek payment for their part of the cost, must get approval from their ODSP counselor before they order a device through ADP.

Our series of fact sheets gives you details about many categories of assistive devices. Each fact sheet lists the equipment in a specific category. It also describes the assessment process and explains how to get the equipment.