Searching for Assistive Devices

COVID-19: Some services hae changed in response to COVID-19. See website for information and to apply online.

Helps people with disabilities who are in financial need pay for living expenses, like food and housing.

The program provides eligible people with disabilities with:

Income Support - helps people with disabilities who are in financial need pay for living expenses, like food and housing.

Employment Supports - helps people with disabilities who can and want to work prepare for and find a job.

If a person is receiving ODSP Income support, the individual and their family may be eligible to receive health benefits including prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, medical supplies, transportation to medical appointments.

Extended Health Benefit If someone does not qualify for ODSP income support due to excess income from other sources, they may qualify for the Extended Health Benefit. It may help with the cost of prescription drugs, basic dental care, vision care, medical supplies, transportation to medical appointments, assistive devices including hearing aids.

Provides access to dental care for adults in need of dental treatment for pain/infection or dentures. Through a partnership with United Way, local agencies provide loans to pay for treatment for clients in need of dental care, with repayment plans tailored to ability to pay. Partner agencies help participants develop a monthly repayment plan which works for their situation.

Applications are accepted through the following agencies:

Community Care of St Catharines and Thorold - Contact John at 905-685-1349 ext 228

The Hope Centre (Welland) - 905-788-0744 ext 225

Bridges Community Health Centre (Fort Erie) - 905-871-7621 ext 2245

Bridges Community Health Centre (Port Colborne) - 905-871-7621 ext.2445

Project SHARE (Niagara Falls) - Contact Reception at 905-357-5121 ext 29

Community Care of West Niagara (Beamsville) - Contact Bev at 905-563-5822 ext 222

Emergency medical/dental vision care assistance available on case by case basis dependent on available funds (dental cleaning/scaling not applicable)

Life skills training includes Savoury Samplings Program & Community Gardens.

Back to School Snacks & Sneakers program in late August (backpacks and school supplies while supplies last)

Shelter issues are addressed through the Housing Help Program. Trusteeships are provided to those experiencing money management issues. Assistance with replacing ID for registered clients is available through the housing program.

Administers the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program for St Catharines residents. Jumpstart provides financially disadvantaged children, aged 4-18 years, with the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities. Call 905-685-1349 ext 228 for more information.

Supports for people living with vision loss * research, public education, and vision health services * assists with building confidence, skills, and providing opportunities to fully participate in life

• peer support * groups, one-on-one mentorship, phone, or online
• home-based support (Vision Mate)
• support for students and parents (Beyond the Classroom)
• culture, recreation and sport programs
• youth empowerment programs
• advocacy groups and education

CNIB SmartLife is an interactive retail experience that gives people with disabilities hands-on access to the latest breakthroughs in assistive technologies, as well as tried-and-true favourites. The number one goal isn't necessarily to sell products; it's to give our customers the skills and confidence they need to make the most out of assistive tools that can help them lead better lives. www.cnibsmartlife.ca

Vendor of assistive devices, including daily living aids, cell phones suitable for older adults, and alarm and appointment reminder devices.

Food and clothing services available to those in need.

Emergency medical/dental vision care assistance available on case by case basis dependent on available funds. (Dental cleaning/scaling not applicable)

Back to School Snacks & Sneakers program in late August (backpacks and school supplies while supplies last)

Tax clinic available year round

Defibrillators are available to rent for 72 hours free of charge for community and family events.

A service club that raises funds for local projects and supports Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) which helps with sight related issues and disaster relief all over the world. Supporting local community.

Programs include:

Food Bank: Available once per month for perishable and non-perishable grocery pickup, and once per week for perishable items such as fresh produce, bread and any items we may have an excess of.

Housing: Provides support in completion of Niagara Regional Housing applications. Assesses the need for and makes referrals to partners and emergency shelters.

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) for emergency financial assistance for low income households facing disconnection (gas or hydro). Also provides intake for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) to lower electricity bills for low-income households.

Dental Assistance: Brushed Aside partner agency. Provide access to dental care for adults in need of dental treatment for pain/infection or dentures.

Identification Clinic: In partnership with Community Care St Catharines, assists clients with replacing birth certificates, citizenship cards, records of landing, marriage certificates, health cards, and delayed statements of birth. Clients can also access safe storage of identifications.

Trusteeship: In partnership with Community Care St Catharines, provides money management and direct distribution of funds to eligible clients.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart: Provides financially disadvantaged children, aged 4-18 years, with the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities.

Back to School Program: Provides a backpack filled with school supplies to children and youth from low-income families. Works in partnership with the Jumpstart Sneaker Program in providing a new pair of sneakers. Clients can call the main number or email clientservices@communitycarewn.ca to register.

Birthday Program: Registered clients can select gifts for their children's birthdays.

CCWN gratefully accepts donations of fresh perishable and nonperishable food items. Please drop off donations at receiving area (rear of building) Mon-Fri 9 am-4 pm.

Transportation: Assists with the cost of transportation to out of town emergency appointments such as emergency medical appointments. Documentation must be provided to receive a bus ticket or gas vouchers. Families can also receive local transit tickets from Project SHARE to return home after accessing service.

Clothing Referral: Partners with Goodwill Industries and St. Andrew's United Church Shoulder to Shoulder Program to provide clothing necessities for families living below the poverty line in Niagara Falls. Clients can obtain a referral letter from Project SHARE to receive clothing items such as jackets and boots from one of these agencies. Note: Project SHARE does not accept donations of used clothing.

Prescriptions/Eyeglasses: Funding available to assist clients with emergency prescriptions. Families can access this program once per year. Staff may be able to assist the client obtain the necessary medications required through other funding sources. Not able to help with any pain-killers or narcotic products. May be able to provide financial assistance toward the purchase of eyeglasses.

CTFS Jumpstart Snacks n' Sneakers Program: Provides new backpacks, running shoes, school supplies and snacks to school aged children in low income families. Client registration takes place in May and supplies are distributed in August.

A non-profit organization dedicated to assisting and responding to the challenge to caregivers of finding loved ones who due to their cognitive ability have a tendency to wander * participants wear a bracelet transmitter that emits a tracking signal once every second

COVID-19: Hall location closed. Services remain open. For virtual and distance services please check Facebook page for details on events. Bingo nights suspended until further notice.

A service club that raises funds for local projects and supports Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) which helps with sight related issues and disaster relief all over the world. Supplies Dog Guides to various individuals who are in need.

May be able to help with the purchase of glasses in an emergency, for those on a very low income. A written application must be made before the purchase of the glasses. For information only contact the Lions Hall Chairman at 905-356-6943. Also accepts donations of used glasses to distribute to third world countries.

The Stamford Lioness Club consisting of all women also meets at the hall and supports many of the same goals as the Lions plus Project Share and Mental Health.

Programs include:

Food Bank: Available once per month for perishable and non-perishable grocery pickup, and once per week for perishable items such as fresh produce, bread and any items we may have an excess of.

Housing: Provides support in completion of Niagara Regional Housing applications. Assesses the need for and makes referrals to partners and emergency shelters.

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) for emergency financial assistance for low income households facing disconnection (gas or hydro). Also provides intake for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) to lower electricity bills for low-income households.

Dental Assistance: Brushed Aside partner agency. Provide access to dental care for adults in need of dental treatment for pain/infection or dentures.

Identification Clinic: In partnership with Community Care St Catharines, assists clients with replacing birth certificates, citizenship cards, records of landing, marriage certificates, health cards, and delayed statements of birth. Clients can also access safe storage of identifications.

Trusteeship: In partnership with Community Care St Catharines, provides money management and direct distribution of funds to eligible clients.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart: Provides financially disadvantaged children, aged 4-18 years, with the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities.

Back to School Program: Provides a backpack filled with school supplies to children and youth from low-income families. Works in partnership with the Jumpstart Sneaker Program in providing a new pair of sneakers. Clients can call the main number or email clientservices@communitycarewn.ca to register.

Birthday Program: Registered clients can select gifts for their children's birthdays.

CCWN gratefully accepts donations of fresh perishable and nonperishable food items. Please drop off donations at receiving area (rear of building) Mon-Fri 9 am-4 pm.

Offers ministry and Anglican worship in a traditional setting.

Hygiene & Food Pantry available once per month for those in need. Upon registration, clients will be given a individual shopping list. Items will be shopped for them on a monthly basis. Changes to shopping list can be made monthly. Items be bagged and handed out once a month.

Some of the items available at the pantry include, but are not limited to, the following:

• perishable and non-perishable food
• shampoo
• laundry detergent and cleaning products
• toilet paper
• deodorant and other personal care items
• diapers
• feminine hygiene products
• bladder control products

Donations are always welcome and can be dropped off at the church office.

Now offering a daily takeout breakfast to those in need. Also offer a Christmas Day Community Dinner to anyone in need. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, please contact the church for information about each program.

Programs include:

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) for emergency financial assistance for low income households facing disconnection (gas or hydro). Also provides intake for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) to lower electricity bills for low-income households.

Clothing: St Vincent de Paul clothing vouchers

Koats for Kids: provides donated winter apparel to children and adults. Call the centre for details - 905-788-0744 ext 221

Trusteeship: assists clients in effective budgeting * ensuring rent and bills are paid directly to the landlord and service providers to prevent evictions/disconnections

Dental: Brushed Aside partner agency - Limited assistance available for the treatment of pain/infection or dentures provided through a partnership with the United Way and other local agencies.

Our Sight Program: assists clients with obtaining prescription eyeglasses

Homelessness Prevention Coordinator: provide housing information, assistance with goal setting, advocacy and emotional support

Kacey Lynn Fund: financial assistance to eligible families with children encountering health and dental expenses beyond their income and/or health benefits

Program provides no name prescription eyewear to those working individuals not eligible for social assistance, personal benefits, Indian affairs or veterans affairs plans. Contact the charitable organizations listed in the application field for referral. Do not contact stores directly.

Provides a wide range of services on an individual case basis including:

• advocacy
• assistance with domestic abuse situations
• addictions
• emergency food
• crisis situations
• transportation
• may offer financial assistance for emergency medical need
• offer referrals for education and employment
• Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program

The Housing Help services includes:

• information for landlords and tenants
• assisting clients and landlords with housing clients
• supports in maintaining housing and transitional housing moving forward
• program and information on rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants

Other services include:

• Koats for Kids
• Give a Gift, Adopt-A-Family at Christmas
• Back Packs for Back to School

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) for emergency financial assistance for low income households facing disconnection (gas or hydro).

Offers confidential one-on-one service to clients and refer when required. All services are free of charge.

Provide services for clients who require support from stroke, dementia or other cognitive and aging issues. Services include:

• Kinesiologist on staff to address slip and fall prevention, mobility assessments, assistive device recommendations and wellness promotion
• Community transportation and support with activities such as grocery shopping, banking, attending medical appointments
• Home care and support with activities of daily living, meal preparation and general household responsibilities
• Support through daily routines and socialization/isolation issues; cognitive and behavioural support including assistance with memory strategies, risk management and communication deficits
• Advocacy and elder abuse prevention
• Caregiver respite

Community physiotherapy clinic * health professionals assess and treat conditions that affect the muscles, nerves, and bones that may be caused by work or sports or motor vehicle collision injuries, chronic conditions, or to recover after an operation (hip and knee surgery)

• physiotherapy
• occupational therapy
• bracing
• registered massage therapy

Designated OHIP-insured physiotherapy clinic

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

Offers a wide range of services including:

• assessments for foot pain or discomfort and customized treatment plans
• routine nail care
• treatment of corns and calluses * plantar fasciitis * ingrown toe nails * warts
• complex care for high risk patients with foot problems or wounds complicated by diabetes * arthritis * poor circulation * neuropathies
• 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 orthopaedic and orthotic styles
• hospital owned and operated * all net proceeds support hospital programs

Objectives are to relieve poverty for people of all abilities, through programs like:

Food Bank
* see here for more details

Household Goods and Clothing
* when made aware of individual needs for clothing and household goods, OPNC post's those specific needs on Facebook page
* if you have items that you would like to donate, please contact in advance (do not drop off unless need is confirmed)
* annual winter coat drive

Finding Hope in Poverty Support Group
* free counselling and peer to peer support group
* Wed 10 am-11:30 am
* contact hope@opnc.ca

Year Round Income Tax Clinics
* see here for more details
* contact support@opnc.ca
* or visit haltontax.ca

Micro Finance Loans
* can assist with low interest loans for those who would not otherwise qualify (Subject to approval)
* contact support@opnc.ca for appointments

Canada Learning Bond
* Free Government Money for your child's education
* visit smartsaver.org for more details

Utility Bill Payment Assistance
* for more information see, Gas & Hydro Bill Assistance - Oakville

Financial Management Support
* budgeting, information and referral for support
* Wed & Thu 11:30 am-2:30 pm

Assistive Devices
* small inventory of items to give those in need
* ability to provide funding to purchase items
* contact hello@opnc.ca