This Client Roles and Responsibilities document is solely intended to provide general information to Assistive Devices Program (ADP) clients.

For the purpose of this document only, a client is a person who:

• is interested in receiving ADP funding assistance;
• has been approved for ADP funding assistance; or
• has already received funding assistance from the Program.

ADP clients should make themselves knowledgeable about ADP eligibility criteria for funding assistance.  ADP clients should also educate themselves about the mandate of the ADP, and what types of devices and supplies ADP funds.

The information that clients provide to the Program must be true, correct and complete to the best of their knowledge.

ADP clients are expected to:

• arrange for an assessment with a prescriber, ADP Registered Authorizer or clinic and accurately provide any necessary information to the individual or individuals conducting the assessment;
• only request or accept equipment and/or supplies that will be used by the client;
• in most cases, pay at least 25% of the cost of their equipment or supplies.  For some items, such as hearing aids, the ADP contributes a fixed amount, and the client is responsible for the remaining balance.  Options to assist with the remaining portion of devices or supplies may include social assistance programs, Veterans Affairs Canada, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, insurance companies, relatives and/or friends, and voluntary/charitable organizations (e.g., March of Dimes, The Easter Seals Society, Kiwanis, Lions Clubs)
• retain all receipts related to the purchase of ADP funded supplies or equipment for a minimum of two years;
• take adequate care of the equipment/devices funded by the ADP;
• take responsibility for any costs to replace lost, stolen or damaged devices and supplies, and to repair any devices or supplies damaged due to the neglect or wilful misconduct of the client, family or friends.  The client is encouraged to purchase private insurance to protect their assistive devices in the event of loss, theft or damage;
• return the assistive devices or supplies to the vendor in their original condition, or provide payment to the vendor of the full cost, if the application for ADP funding is denied;
• educate themselves about the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004, including their right to:
  • access or correct their own health records by contacting ADP directly.  Under certain circumstances, such as when the health information was collected as part of an investigation, the Program may deny access to a client’s request for their health records.  Clients who are not satisfied with the explanation may complain to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario at 416-325-3333 or 1-800-387-0073; and
  • withhold any of his/her personal health information on the ADP application form, which may impact on the Program’s ability to process his/her application for funding.
• ADP clients receiving grants are, in addition, expected to:
  • continue to meet ADP eligibility criteria to continue to receive funding support.  This can be established through ongoing renewals or replacement applications.  Failure to provide evidence of continued eligibility for funding can result in the discontinuation of ADP funding support; and
  • notify the ADP of any changes to their information (e.g., change of benefit coverage, address or OHIP eligibility) when receiving ongoing funding.

ADP clients can expect to:

• have a choice of ADP Registered Authorizers and Vendors in their communities that are working in the private or public sectors;
• be provided with accurate information from the ADP Registered Authorizer or Clinic and the ADP Registered Vendor during the assessment and the ADP application process that will enable the client to make informed decisions, including whether or not to proceed with an application for ADP funding assistance, choice of vendor, and choice of make and model of equipment; and
• have the option of seeking a second opinion if they disagree with the assessment performed to determine ADP eligibility for funding.