Searching for Assistive Devices

Ontario provincial program that provides financial support for low to moderate income families to cover some of the extra costs of caring for a child who has a severe disability.
Funds are available to help with costs such as:

• transportation to medical appointments
• parental relief and respite
• wheelchairs and other assistive devices, including repairs
• hearing aids and batteries
• prescription drugs
• special shoes and clothes
• dental and vision care, including eye glasses

Provincial Ontario program that provides free dental care for eligible children and youth age 17 and under.
Services are offered through local dental offices. Contact the specific dentist to find out if they participate in Healthy Smiles Ontario.

Provides comprehensive outpatient and inpatient respiratory care as the regional respiratory service for the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN). Chest program encompasses respiratory medicine and affiliated head-and-neck and thoracic surgery services, all located on-site. Supported by pulmonary function and sleep laboratories, an induced sputum analysis laboratory, an aerosol laboratory, a gastrointestinal motility laboratory, the departments of diagnostic imaging, critical care and endoscopy, and a regional laboratory-medicine program.

Ontario provincial program that provides health-related items to people receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) funding and people on low income.
Health related benefits include but are not limited to:

• bathroom assistive devices
• diabetic supplies
• hearing aids and batteries
• hospital beds and mattresses
• custom foot orthotics and orthopaedic footwear
• medical taxi transportation
• eye glasses
• adult day programs and respite

Evaluates, designs, and creates custom orthotics. Includes spinal, upper, and lower extremity orthoses, and custom helmets. Part of the Hamilton Health Sciences Network.

Provides education on hearing loss, tinnitus, and hearing aid technology to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as free hearing tests for clients aged 50+. Also offers sales of hearing aids, batteries, and hearing protection.

Provides free loans of health equipment to individuals living with cancer. Equipment available includes: wheelchairs, commodes, rollators, walkers, bath rails etc. All equipment is sanitized and tested for safety prior to loan.

Provides people living with cancer free personal care products such as wigs and head coverings, nutritional supplements, masectomy garments, and incontinence items.

The Canadian Cancer Society's webinar series about Cancer and COVID-19 can be accessed online.

Canada-wide bilingual information service provides information about cancer, community resources, and other cancer-related topics to patients, families, general public, and health professionals. Information is available through the phone or online through the Community Services Locator.
Can also provide information about financial supports and access to the Canadian Cancer Society's Wig Rooms.

This organization/service is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual workshops and groups will be held through the Alzheimer Society at Home program for free. All in-person group programs (exercise classes, art class, support groups, peer groups, volunteer-led etc.) have been cancelled. Volunteer visits have been cancelled. Home and office visits have been cancelled. Clients are welcome to connect with staff and volunteers by phone or video conference, but not in person.

Programs, services, education and on-going support for individuals with dementia, as well as, support for family members. Information, education and consultation services to community organizations and local health care agencies is also provided.

Evaluates, designs, and creates custom orthotics. Includes spinal, upper, and lower extremity orthoses, and custom helmets. Part of the Hamilton Health Sciences Network.

Facilitates the communication of individuals who are not able to write due to a long-term physical disability or whose speech does not meet all of their communication needs. Serves children and adults with neurological, developmental, or multiple disabilities. Techniques include speech, sign language, picture communication displays, written language, voice output technology, and computer systems. Program assesses needs, determines eligibility for ADP (Assistant Devices Program) funding, prescribes appropriate systems, recommends strategies, trains facilitators, and provides on-going support. Part of the Hamilton Health Sciences Network.

The ALS Society in the Ontario Region, particularly for Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant and Halton offers supports for those with ALS and their caregivers, including support groups.
They also offer:

• Loan equipment program
• Funding assistance programs for some leased and rented equipment
• Flexible funding program for small bathroom equipment

A physical therapist, occupational therapist or allied professional needs to complete forms to access these programs.

Ontario provincial program that provides health-related items to people receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) funding and people on low income.
Health related benefits include but are not limited to:

• bathroom assistive devices
• diabetic supplies
• hearing aids and batteries
• hospital beds and mattresses
• custom foot orthotics and orthopaedic footwear
• medical taxi transportation
• eye glasses
• adult day programs and respite

Provides home assessments and recommendations at no cost to help seniors remain safe and independent in their homes, and falls prevention education program to both seniors and caregivers.

Safety at Home services include:

• free home assessments
• referrals for installation of assistive devices, minor home repairs, and modifications
• subsidies for assistive devices (such as grab bars) and coordination of installation for those who qualify
• fall prevention education
• community and professional presentations

Empowers individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential through all stages of life through services that include:
* bursary program for therapies and conferences (offer families financial support for therapies, assistive devices, activities or lessons to help children with Down Syndrome, and for parents to attend conferences)
* online new parent community (private forum for parents of children with Down Syndrome in Halton)
* peer groups (run by volunteers and offer monthly social events, programs and workshops to help develop skills and offers transitional support)
* Graduate Group (persons over 21 who have Down syndrome)
* family social and networking events
* advocacy support
* one-on-one reading program
* library and developmental resources

Helps children and youth with physical disabilities from all backgrounds

Programs and services include:

• funding for essential accessibility and mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, lifts and ramps
• fully accessible summer camp programs at its two camp properties, Camp Woodeden in London and Camp Merrywood near Perth
• virtual online camp program
• information resources for families and public education and awareness

Provides education, support and resources to persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and to their families
* supports research
* maintains local support groups
* strives to end the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in the regions of Halton and Hamilton

Services include:
* forwarding of applications for the National Safely Home program for persons at risk of getting lost
* resource centre, information presentations, support groups and counselling for persons with dementia, spouses, relatives, caregivers, professional groups
* referral to related services including respite care, transportation, alternate housing, long-term care
* diversity outreach to build links with ethnic groups in the community

CARERS program: eight group sessions focused on the development of effective problem solving skills and tools which help to improve communication and manage dementia related behaviour
* guidance and coaching is offered by clinical staff
* for more information see here

Program offers financial assistance to help individual/family with essential living expenses

• benefits, for individual/family, including prescription drugs and vision care
• help finding and keeping a job, and with career advancement

Program offers two types of support:

Income Support: financial assistance provided each month to help with the costs of basic needs, like food, clothing and shelter

• also includes benefits for clients and their eligible family members
• health benefits (prescription drug coverage, dental coverage, vision care, medical supplies, medical transportation, pregnancy and breastfeeding nutritional allowance, extended health benefit)
• disability-related benefits (assistive devices, additional help for hearing aids and mobility devices, guide dog benefit)
• employment incentives and benefits (employment and training start up benefit, coverage for up-front child care costs, work-related benefit, transitional health benefit, employment transition benefit)
• transition child benefit

Employment Supports: services and supports to help clients with disabilities find and keep a job, and advance their careers

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) automated information and payment details, file status 1-800-808-2268 (service not available to TTY users), Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun 12 noon-5 pm

Welfare Fraud Hotline to report suspected cases of social assistance fraud 1-800-394-7867 or welfare.fraud.css@ontario.ca

Offers resources, information, and supports related to oral health to residents of Halton Region

• oral health screenings at schools and community Health Department clinics
  
• oral health screenings available for children by appointment only
  
• oral health counselling and referrals to other agencies/services when needed
  
• oral health promotion and education in the community
  
• oral health resources for the long-term care sector
  
• oral health resources for teachers which are in line with learning blocks and strands of the Ontario Curriculum

Facilitates financial assistance for dental treatment for those who qualify:

• children/youth 17 years of age or younger
  
• adults receiving assistance through Ontario Works
  
• adults 64 and younger with physical / mobility issues
  
• older adults 65+ Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

If you need to submit any documents in-person, please place them in the drop box located at the main entrance of Halton Regional Centre. If you require assistance completing applications, or have any questions about Low Income Program, please email accesshalton@halton.ca or call 311.

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Halton Region helps low income residents with their health needs, including dental, vision, medical supplies, equipment and related costs, as well as funerals

Dental care emergencies for adults

• adults who are in pain or require emergency dental care may be eligible for help with the cost of their dental care

Eyeglasses

• assistance with the cost of prescription eyeglasses may be provided

Medical supplies and equipment

• help with the cost of diabetic supplies, surgical supplies and dressings, as required
• assistive aids and devices, back braces, surgical stockings, artificial limbs, wheelchairs and inhalators

Project Lifesaver

• assistance with the cost of radio technology to assist in locating wandering individuals
• click here for more information about Project Lifesaver

Funeral Expenses

Supports for older adults, and adults with disabilities

• helps people remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible
  • referral to other community services
• group meals and social activities provided at a central location Hot meals delivered five days per week in Hagersville
  • special diet types available
• non-emergency transportation to local medical appointments, shopping, and social activities
• referrals to local services such as snow removal, yard work, window washing, house cleaning, grocery shopping, and minor repairs
• regular volunteer visits to seniors and people with disabilities who live alone, to provide companionship and reassurance
• regular phone calls to check on the health and safety of people who live alone
  • checks are done by trained and screened personnel
• medical alert system
  • allows older adults and people with disabilities to call for assistance using a help button
  • 24-hour emergency response
• companionship, and emotional support to people and their family/caregivers dealing with a life-threatening illness
  • bereavement support for anyone who has experienced the death of someone close
  • services can be provided at home, or in hospitals and long-term care homes
• peer support and discussion for caregivers, including family and friends

Full service clinic offers a wide range of services including:

• assessments for foot pain or discomfort and customized treatment plans of foot disorders
• routine nail care
• treatment of corns and calluses * plantar fasciitis * warts * ingrown toenails
• complex care for high risk patients with foot problems or wounds complicated by diabetes * arthritic foot care * poor circulation * neuropathies
• metatarsalgia
• custom-made orthotics for children to adults
• footcare products including moisture creams * assistive devices * protective padding * specialty socks for diabetics * medical grade compression stockings
• footwear for sale on site including extra width/extra depth orthopedic and orthotic styles

Services offered at two locations:

• 461 North Service Rd W, Unit 27 B, Oakville, L6M 2V5, 905-338-4669
• 3001 Hospital Gate, Oakville, L6M 0L8 (OTMH), 905-618-0162

Owned and operated by the hospital * all net proceeds support hospital programs * direct billing for veterans * appointment can be made online

Provides one-on-one introduction and education to home oxygen use, home orientation to the equipment and ongoing follow-up * registered respiratory therapists monitor and assess respiratory status while equipment needs are taken care of by Canadian Home Healthcare * inpatient care is provided by Registered Respiratory Therapists on a 24 hour, 7 day per week basis * outpatient testing is available Mon-Fri 8am-3pm