Assistive Technology Buyers Guide
Getting the Tools You Need: A Consumer Guide to Assistive Technology in Canada
A Living Unlimited Guide
Last updated: June 2026.
Introduction
Assistive technology can be genuinely life-changing. The right tool at the right time can restore independence, open up employment, enable communication, and transform daily life in ways that feel almost impossible to overstate. The challenge is finding the right tool, affording it, making sure it actually fits your life, and then keeping it working once you have it. This guide cuts through the noise.
The assistive technology (AT) market in Canada is large, varied, and often confusing for consumers. Costs range from free apps on your existing phone to power wheelchairs that cost tens of thousands of dollars. Funding programs are numerous but fragmented, with eligibility requirements, application processes, and coverage limits that vary by province, type of AT, and individual circumstance. The vendors who sell AT vary in quality, reliability, and after-sales support in ways that are hard to assess from the outside.
This guide is organized to help you navigate that landscape in a logical order: understanding what counts as AT, figuring out what you actually need, identifying funding sources to pay for it, making a smart purchasing decision, and then managing your AT over time. It is Canada-focused, with particular detail on Ontario programs.
A central message of this guide: professional assessment before purchase is almost always the right move for significant AT purchases. The AT that sits unused in a closet is a consistent and well-documented problem. Assessment by an occupational therapist or other qualified professional dramatically improves the match between person and technology and reduces the rate of abandonment.
This guide is not comprehensive in covering every available AT product or every possible funding source. The technology landscape changes faster than any guide can track. What it does is give you the framework to ask the right questions, navigate the main systems, and avoid the most common costly mistakes.
Part 1: What Counts as Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is any product, device, software, or system that helps a person with a disability perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. The definition is broad, and it spans everything from a simple pen grip to a sophisticated computer access system.
Understanding what falls under the AT umbrella matters for two reasons: it helps you think broadly about what tools might help you, and it determines what funding programs apply, since most funding programs have specific eligibility criteria tied to categories of AT.
Communication AT
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices support or replace spoken communication for people who are non-speaking or who have significant speech impairments. The category spans a wide range of tools.
Low-tech AAC includes communication boards, picture symbols, alphabet boards, and other physical tools that do not require power or electronics. These can be produced inexpensively and customised for individual vocabulary needs.
High-tech AAC includes speech-generating devices (SGDs), which produce synthesised or digitised speech output when the user selects words, symbols, or phrases. Devices range from dedicated SGDs (purpose-built hardware) to software applications running on tablets or smartphones. The communication apps Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, Snap Core First, and Grid 3 are among the most widely used.
Text-to-speech software converts written text to spoken audio output. This is useful for people with visual impairments, reading difficulties, or speech impairments, though the use cases vary. Screen readers (discussed under vision AT) are the primary form for visual impairment. For people with dyslexia or reading difficulties, tools like NaturalReader or Read&Write are common options.
Voice amplifiers assist people with soft or weak voices, including those with ALS, Parkinson's disease, laryngectomy, or other conditions affecting vocal volume. These are relatively inexpensive portable devices.
Communication AT assessment, particularly for AAC, requires involvement of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) who has specific training in AAC. SLP assessment is the standard of care before purchasing an SGD. Funding for SGDs in Ontario is available through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) with an SLP recommendation.
Mobility AT
Mobility assistive technology is the category most people think of first when they hear 'assistive technology': wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and other devices that support movement and transportation.
Manual wheelchairs range from basic depot-style chairs to highly customised ultralight chairs configured specifically for the user's body dimensions, postural needs, and pushing efficiency. The difference between a poorly fitted and a well-fitted manual wheelchair in terms of energy cost, posture, and upper limb injury risk is very large. Custom fitting matters significantly.
Power wheelchairs provide electrically powered mobility for people who cannot self-propel a manual wheelchair efficiently or at all. They vary enormously in drive configuration (front-wheel, mid-wheel, rear-wheel), seating systems, control options, and terrain capability. Power wheelchair selection and fitting is a specialised process that requires assessment by a seating and mobility specialist, typically a physiotherapist or OT with specific expertise.
Mobility scooters are an option for people who can walk some distances but have difficulty with longer distances. They are generally not suitable as a primary wheelchair for people with significant seating and postural needs. They are useful for community mobility for people who can transfer and walk short distances.
Walkers, rollators (four-wheeled walkers with brakes and a seat), forearm crutches, and canes are lower-tech mobility options with varying levels of support. These are often prescribed through physiotherapy or medical assessment rather than purchased independently, and getting the right type and fit reduces fall risk.
Transfer equipment, including transfer boards, mechanical lifts, and ceiling track lifts, supports safe transfers for people who cannot stand or bear weight. Transfer equipment selection should involve OT assessment, particularly for people being transferred at home by caregivers, to protect both the person being transferred and the caregiver.
Vehicle modifications, including hand controls, wheelchair lifts and ramps, adapted seating, and other modifications to personal vehicles, fall under the broad AT umbrella. Vehicle modification vendors are specialised. The ADP in Ontario does not fund vehicle modifications, but other programs may apply. A driving rehabilitation specialist assessment is standard practice before vehicle modifications.
Vision AT
AT for people with visual impairment addresses a wide range of needs, from reading and writing to navigation and daily living tasks.
Screen readers are software programs that convert text on a computer or mobile device screen to synthesised speech or braille output. JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is the most widely used screen reader on Windows. NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free open-source alternative. VoiceOver is built into Apple's iOS and macOS devices at no additional cost. TalkBack is the built-in screen reader on Android. Screen readers require significant learning time to use effectively, and training is an important part of AT adoption for this technology.
Screen magnification software enlarges content on computer and mobile device screens. ZoomText and Magnifier (built into Windows) are common options. Accessibility settings on phones and tablets include built-in magnification that is increasingly capable.
Electronic magnifiers (also called video magnifiers or CCTVs) are optical devices that magnify physical objects, printed materials, and handwriting on a display screen. They are available in desktop and portable handheld formats. Portable electronic magnifiers are particularly useful for shopping, reading labels, and managing paperwork in the community.
Braille displays are electronic devices that convert digital text to tactile braille cells, refreshing in real time as the user navigates. They connect to computers and mobile devices and are used alongside screen readers by braille-proficient users. Braille displays are among the more expensive AT items.
Orientation and mobility (O&M) tools include the white cane (the foundational O&M tool), GPS navigation apps with accessibility features (Google Maps and Apple Maps both have strong accessibility implementations), and electronic travel aids such as ultrasonic sensors that detect obstacles. Guide dog programs are an alternative to the white cane for some people.
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) provides AT information, training, and some equipment access for people with vision loss. CNIB's library and resource centre is a valuable starting point for anyone newly navigating vision AT.
Hearing AT
AT for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing supports communication, safety alerting, and environmental access.
Hearing aids are the most commonly used hearing AT and among the most significant in terms of impact. They amplify sound and, in more sophisticated devices, process sound directionally and suppress background noise. Hearing aids are not covered by OHIP for adults in Ontario. Funding for hearing aids in Ontario is available through the ADP's Hearing Aid Program for adults with specific hearing loss thresholds. Children's hearing aids are covered separately.
Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices that bypass damaged hair cells in the cochlea and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. They are a medical procedure rather than a consumer AT purchase, covered through Ontario's health system for eligible candidates. Audiologist assessment determines candidacy.
FM systems and Roger systems are wireless assistive listening devices that transmit a speaker's voice directly to a hearing aid or cochlear implant processor, reducing the impact of background noise and distance. They are widely used in educational and workplace settings.
Captioning technology includes automatic speech recognition-based captioning, CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation) services provided by trained human captioners, and captioning apps such as Live Transcribe (Android) and Whisper Transcribe (iOS). Real-time captioning is increasingly available for meetings, events, and educational settings. Under the AODA in Ontario and the Accessible Canada Act federally, many public-facing services have captioning obligations.
Alerting systems use visual, vibrating, or other non-auditory signals to alert Deaf or hard of hearing people to sounds in the environment: doorbells, smoke detectors, baby monitors, telephone calls, and alarm clocks. Smart home technology has significantly expanded options in this category, with many existing smart devices adaptable for visual or vibration alerts.
The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (chha.ca) and the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf are resources for people navigating hearing AT and related services.
Cognitive AT
Cognitive AT supports people with cognitive disabilities, acquired brain injuries, dementia, learning disabilities, ADHD, and other conditions that affect memory, organization, attention, and executive function.
Reminder and scheduling apps support time management and task completion. Apps like Google Calendar, Todoist, and Reminders (iOS) serve basic scheduling needs. Specialised apps such as Tiimo, a visual daily planner designed for neurodivergent users, and Structured, a visual timeline planner, offer features specifically oriented toward people with ADHD and autism.
Memory aids include both low-tech (notebooks, whiteboards, posted reminders) and high-tech (voice recorders, smart speakers, wearable reminder devices) options. Voice-activated smart speakers such as Amazon Echo and Google Home function as ambient reminder and information systems that do not require navigating a screen.
GPS trackers and personal locator devices support independent community mobility for people with dementia, intellectual disabilities, or autism who may become lost or disoriented. Products range from simple GPS watch trackers to more sophisticated devices with real-time monitoring.
Text-to-speech and speech-to-text tools support reading and writing for people with dyslexia and other reading or writing difficulties. Dragon NaturallySpeaking and the built-in speech-to-text features of operating systems and mobile devices are widely used for writing support. Read&Write and Claro Read are literacy support tools commonly used in educational settings.
Picture-based communication and visual supports help people with intellectual disabilities and autism navigate daily tasks and environments. Social stories, visual schedules, and pictorial instructions are low-tech cognitive AT. Digital versions of these tools are available through various apps.
Money and financial management tools for people with cognitive disabilities include apps that simplify budgeting, apps that use pictures rather than numbers for financial tracking, and simplified banking interfaces. Some financial institutions offer simplified account management for people with cognitive disabilities. A social worker or financial counsellor with disability expertise can help identify appropriate tools.
Environmental Control and Smart Home AT
Environmental control AT enables people with limited mobility or other impairments to control their environment, including lights, doors, appliances, thermostats, entertainment systems, and other home features.
Smart home devices including Amazon Echo, Google Home, Apple HomePod, and the broader ecosystem of smart bulbs, smart plugs, smart thermostats, and smart locks can be configured and controlled by voice, which makes them highly accessible for people with mobility impairments. The cost of entry-level smart home technology has fallen substantially in recent years.
Switch-adapted technology refers to devices modified to be operated by a switch, which can be activated by a body part the user can control reliably: a hand, a foot, a head movement, or even a sip-and-puff breath. Switch access opens up a very wide range of electronic devices to people who cannot use standard controls.
Voice-controlled systems, driven primarily by improvements in AI-based voice recognition, have become the most accessible mainstream environmental control technology in recent years. For many people with limited hand function, voice control of the phone, computer, and home environment has replaced specialised environmental control systems that previously required dedicated and expensive equipment.
Infrared environmental control systems are dedicated AT systems that allow control of infrared-enabled devices (television, audio equipment, air conditioning, and others) through a single control interface. These are more specialised than smart home systems and are typically recommended through OT assessment for people with complex needs.
Computer Access AT
Computer access AT enables people who cannot use standard keyboards, mice, or touchscreens to operate computers and mobile devices.
Switch access for computers allows the computer to be operated using one or more external switches, typically in combination with scanning software that cycles through options. This is the access method for people with the most significant motor impairments.
Eye gaze technology uses cameras to track eye position and translate gaze into cursor control and selection. Eye gaze systems have become significantly more affordable and reliable in recent years. They are used both for computer access and as AAC access methods for people who rely on them for communication.
Head tracking systems use a camera or small sensor to translate head movements into cursor control. Products such as Tracker Pro, SmartNAV, and the built-in head tracking available through iPhone Accessibility Settings (using the front camera) are in this category.
Alternative keyboards include one-handed keyboards, enlarged keyboards with larger key spacing, keyboards with high-contrast printing, keyboards without raised keys (flat surfaces), and virtual on-screen keyboards. The range of options is large and selection should be based on what the user's hands can do most reliably.
Mouth stick and head pointer typing allows people with no reliable hand function to type by pointing at keys with a stick held in the mouth or attached to a head band. These are low-tech, inexpensive options that provide meaningful computer access for many users.
Voice control software, particularly Dragon NaturallySpeaking on Windows and Mac and the built-in voice control features of Windows 11 and macOS, allows full computer operation through speech. The Voice Control feature on iOS and the Voice Access feature on Android provide voice-based mobile device control.
Mainstream Technology as AT
One of the most significant developments in AT over the past decade is the integration of accessibility features into mainstream consumer technology. This has made highly capable AT accessible to a much larger number of people at no additional cost beyond the device itself.
The iPhone Accessibility settings include VoiceOver (screen reader), Zoom (screen magnification), Switch Control (switch access), AssistiveTouch (pointer control), Voice Control (full voice operation), Hearing Accommodations, and many other features. These built-in tools rival dedicated AT products from ten years ago at a fraction of the cost.
iPad, with its larger screen and strong accessibility ecosystem, is increasingly used as a primary AAC device when combined with an appropriate communication app, making high-quality AAC accessible at a significantly lower cost than dedicated hardware SGDs.
Android devices similarly include a comprehensive set of built-in accessibility features, and the open nature of the Android ecosystem supports a wide range of AT apps.
AI tools are increasingly relevant as AT. AI-powered transcription is now highly accurate and available free or at low cost. AI-powered image description tools describe visual content for people who are blind. AI writing assistants support people with cognitive and communication disabilities. These tools are not yet consistently categorised as AT in funding programs, but their functional utility is real and growing rapidly.
These tools have matured quickly. Free apps such as Be My Eyes now include an AI visual assistant that describes objects, text, and scenes on demand, rather than only connecting you to a sighted volunteer, and some now work with camera-equipped smart glasses; Seeing AI has added richer scene descriptions and more languages. The recognition is good but not perfect, so for anything where a mistake carries a cost, such as medication labels or financial documents, treat the AI reading as a first pass and confirm it another way. Because these apps collect images and data about you, our AI Privacy and Data Protection Guide is worth reading alongside this one.
Because mainstream technology evolves faster than funding programs can track, there is often a gap between what mainstream technology can do as AT and what funding programs will pay for. Advocacy organizations including the AODA Alliance and ARCH Disability Law Centre track these gaps and advocate for updated program coverage. Staying connected to these organizations provides advance notice of program changes.
Part 2: Figuring Out What You Need
Knowing what category of AT you need is a starting point. Knowing specifically which product, configuration, and features will work for your particular needs, in your particular environment, with your particular level of function, requires more than reading a product description.
The single most important investment in the AT process is professional assessment. This is worth stating clearly because many people skip it, either because they are not aware it exists, because they find the process intimidating, or because they want to move quickly to a solution. Skipping assessment is the primary reason expensive AT ends up unused.
The sections below cover assessment processes for different categories of AT. As a general rule: the more expensive and complex the AT, the more important professional assessment becomes. A $5 app warrants experimentation. A $15,000 power wheelchair warrants a full seating and mobility clinic assessment.
Occupational Therapist Assessment
For most categories of AT, an occupational therapist (OT) assessment is the standard of care and the gold standard starting point. OTs are trained to assess the interaction between a person, their environment, and the tasks they want to perform, which maps directly onto AT selection.
An OT assessment for AT typically covers: what functions the person wants to perform and currently has difficulty with, what the person's motor, sensory, cognitive, and communication abilities are, what environments the AT will be used in, what the person's goals and preferences are, and what AT options align with those factors. The result is a recommendation that accounts for the whole picture, not just the product category.
OT assessment is covered by OHIP in some settings, including hospital and some publicly funded community programs. Private OT is not OHIP-covered but is often covered by extended health benefits. ADP funding for most categories of AT in Ontario requires an OT or other authorized prescriber's recommendation, which means OT assessment is not just clinically recommended but often a prerequisite for funding.
To find an OT, ask your family doctor for a referral, contact your local Community Care Access Centre (now Home and Community Care Support Services in Ontario), or search through the Ontario College of Occupational Therapists directory (coto.org). Asking specifically about AT expertise when choosing an OT is worthwhile.
The OT assessment report is an important document beyond its immediate use. It documents your functional limitations and AT needs in clinical terms that are useful for ADP applications, insurance appeals, employer accommodation requests, and other situations where you need professional documentation of your AT requirements. Keep copies of OT assessment reports and recommendations.
Seating and Mobility Clinics
Complex mobility needs, particularly for people requiring custom power wheelchairs or highly specialised seating systems, are best assessed at a seating and mobility clinic. These are specialised interdisciplinary programs typically located within hospitals or rehabilitation centres.
A seating and mobility assessment involves an OT and often a physiotherapist, and focuses specifically on postural needs, pressure management, positioning, and the technical requirements of the mobility system. The level of specialisation in these clinics is significantly greater than what a general OT can offer for complex seating.
In Ontario, seating and mobility clinics are located at major rehabilitation hospitals including the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (Toronto Rehab), Parkwood Institute in London, and regional centres across the province. Referral is typically through a physician or OT. Wait times can be significant and are worth being proactive about.
Skipping the seating and mobility clinic for a complex power wheelchair or customised manual wheelchair purchase and buying independently based on internet research is a reliable way to get the wrong chair. Custom wheelchairs are expensive and not easily exchanged. Assessment before purchase is essential.
SLP Assessment for Communication AT
As noted in Part 1, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) assessment is the standard of care for AAC selection. An SLP with AAC expertise will assess the person's current communication abilities, the communication contexts they need to access, their motor access abilities for operating a device, their cognitive and language level, and their personal preferences and goals.
SLP assessment is available through hospital programs, children's treatment centres, school boards (for children), community agencies, and private practice. ADP funding for speech generating devices in Ontario requires an SLP recommendation.
The importance of feature matching in AAC cannot be overstated. AAC systems vary enormously in vocabulary organization, access method, output type, and learnability. A device that works well for one person may be entirely wrong for another. SLP assessment navigates this complexity.
AT Lending Libraries and Demonstration Centres
Trying AT before buying it is one of the most important things you can do, and it is possible through AT lending libraries and demonstration centres.
The Assistive Technology Resource Centre (ATRC) of Ontario (idrc.ocadu.ca (the Inclusive Design Research Centre at OCAD University, formerly the Adaptive Technology Resource Centre at the University of Toronto)) operates an AT demonstration centre in Toronto and provides information and consultation on AT options. ATRC staff can demonstrate a range of AT products and help you identify what to explore further. Their expertise spans communication, mobility, vision, hearing, and computer access AT.
The Neil Squire Society (neilsquire.ca) operates a technology demonstration and lending program for people with physical disabilities. Neil Squire's computer access and communication technology expertise is particularly strong. They have offices in multiple provinces.
CanAssist (canassist.ca) at the University of Victoria develops custom AT solutions and has demonstration resources. They are particularly valuable for people whose needs are not well-served by existing commercial products.
CNIB (cnib.ca) has AT demonstrations and lending relevant to vision AT. Easter Seals provincial organizations have equipment lending programs for children and adults with physical disabilities.
Many AT vendors also offer trial periods. For high-cost items like communication devices and power wheelchairs, requesting a trial period of a few weeks before committing is a legitimate and common request. Getting trial periods in writing as part of any purchase agreement is worthwhile.
The Cost of Buying Without Assessment
The AT abandonment problem is well documented, though the exact size of it is not. The most commonly cited figure is that up to 30 percent of assistive technology is abandoned within a year. Rates reported across the literature vary widely by device type, from modest for some mobility aids to very high for upper limb prosthetics, and a 2024 review found that researchers use the terms abandonment, non-use and non-adherence inconsistently and often without defining them, which makes studies hard to compare. Treat 30 percent as an order of magnitude rather than a precise rate. What is consistent, and matters more for your decision, is the reasons. The main reasons for abandonment are consistent: the device does not match the user's actual needs, the user was not involved in the selection process, and there is inadequate training and follow-up support.
Abandonment is not just a waste of money, though it is that too. It is demoralising, it can delay access to appropriate AT while funding cycles reset, and it can reinforce negative attitudes toward AT that make future uptake harder.
The investment of time in assessment before purchase is the most reliable way to avoid abandonment. The assessment process also documents your needs, which is necessary for most funding applications.
The exception to the assessment-first rule is low-cost consumer technology. Spending $5 on an app to try it makes sense without professional guidance. Spending $10,000 on a power wheelchair without assessment does not. Calibrate the assessment investment to the cost and complexity of the AT being considered.
Part 3: Funding in Canada
Funding AT in Canada involves navigating a patchwork of programs across federal, provincial, and private sectors. No single program covers everything, and most people with significant AT needs access multiple funding sources over time. This section covers the main programs, with particular detail on Ontario.
The most important general principle in AT funding: apply early, apply thoroughly, document everything, and appeal if you are denied. Many initial denials are reversed on appeal with better documentation.
Stacking funding sources is both allowed and necessary for most significant AT purchases. ADP covering 75 percent (or 100 percent if you are on ODSP or Ontario Works), a charitable grant covering part of any remaining balance, and a tax deduction for the rest is a realistic funding stack for a wheelchair purchase. Identifying all available sources before purchasing, rather than exhausting one and then looking for more, produces better outcomes.
Working with a social worker, OT, or AT coordinator who knows the funding landscape can save significant time and frustration. Some hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and disability organizations have AT coordinators whose job is exactly this navigation. If your local rehabilitation centre has an AT coordinator, accessing that expertise is worthwhile.
Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP), administered by the Ontario Ministry of Health, is the primary government AT funding program for Ontario residents. It funds 75 percent of the approved cost of a wide range of AT for people with long-term physical disabilities.
ADP covers numerous categories: manual and power wheelchairs, communication devices (with SLP prescription), hearing aids and cochlear implant components, vision aids (limited), orthotic and prosthetic devices, respiratory equipment, and enteral feeding equipment. The program's scope is broad but not unlimited.
Eligibility for ADP requires: Ontario residency with a valid health card, a long-term physical disability (meaning the need is expected to last more than six months), a recommendation from an authorized prescriber (OT, physiotherapist, SLP, or physician depending on the category), and use of an authorized vendor.
The 75 percent funding cap means most clients are responsible for 25 percent of the ADP-approved cost. There is a major exception, and it is the most important sentence in this section for many readers. If you receive Ontario Disability Support Program, Ontario Works, or Assistance to Children with Severe Disabilities, ADP pays 100 percent of the ADP-approved price. You pay nothing toward the approved amount. On a power wheelchair that is the difference between owing several thousand dollars and owing nothing, so confirm your social assistance status with your vendor and with ADP before you agree to any co-payment. The ADP-approved price is the maximum the program will fund; it is not necessarily the actual price vendors charge. If you select a device that costs more than the ADP-approved amount, you pay the full difference plus the 25 percent copay.
The authorized vendor system means you must purchase from a vendor registered with the ADP program in the relevant category. Your prescriber can help identify authorized vendors for your specific AT need.
ADP has a turnaround time for approvals that should be factored into your planning. Applications can take several weeks to process. Urgent applications can be flagged, but routine applications require patience. Starting the process before your need becomes critical is advisable.
ADP appeal rights: if your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process involves submitting additional documentation, and many initially denied applications are approved on appeal. Seeking support from a disability advocacy organization or a social worker in navigating an appeal is worthwhile.
ADP also has a repair and maintenance funding component for many device categories. When AT breaks down or requires maintenance, ADP may fund repair costs. Contact your authorized vendor and ADP for information on what is covered.
More information on ADP: ontario.ca/assistivedevices. The ADP guide for each device category explains eligibility, funding levels, and the application process.
ODSP and Ontario Works
First, the point above bears repeating here: if you receive ODSP or Ontario Works, ADP pays 100 percent of the approved price rather than 75 percent. Beyond that, Ontario Disability Support Program recipients may have access to discretionary benefits that can fund some AT-related costs not covered by ADP or other programs. Discretionary benefits are exactly that: at the caseworker's discretion, based on documented need. They are not guaranteed.
Items that ODSP discretionary benefits have funded include repairs to mobility equipment between ADP repair cycles, low-cost AT items not covered by ADP, and in some cases equipment costs related to maintaining employment. A written request with supporting documentation from your OT or physician, clearly explaining the medical necessity of the item, is the most effective approach.
Ontario Works recipients may have access to similar discretionary benefit structures in some circumstances, though the programs have different eligibility frameworks.
Workplace Sources
If your AT need is related to a workplace injury, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) in Ontario covers AT as part of the rehabilitation and return-to-work process. WSIB may fund AT that enables participation in WSIB-approved work reintegration or return-to-work programs. Working with your WSIB case manager on what is fundable within your claim is the right approach.
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) operates several programs relevant to AT for employment. The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities has funded AT costs for eligible participants. The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) funds workplace accessibility projects, which may include AT for employees. These are grant programs for organizations rather than individuals, but if your employer is willing to apply, EAF can fund significant accessibility improvements including AT.
Employer accommodation obligation is a direct source of AT in the workplace that is frequently underutilised. Under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act (for federally regulated employers), employers have a legal obligation to accommodate employees with disabilities to the point of undue hardship. This obligation includes providing AT that the employee needs to perform their job. If your employer has not asked about your AT needs as part of an accommodation process, raising it explicitly is appropriate.
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN), based in the US but widely referenced in Canada, maintains a database of workplace accommodation solutions by condition and job function. It is a useful resource for identifying what AT might be relevant in a specific employment context.
Veterans Affairs Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada provides AT funding for eligible veterans through the Rehabilitation Program and the Veterans Independence Program. Veterans with service-related disabilities may access a range of AT and home modification funding through these programs. The VAC benefits navigator at veterans.gc.ca provides information on eligibility and application.
Federal Indigenous Programs
The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) of the federal government's Indigenous Services Canada provides Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for eligible First Nations and Inuit people, including coverage for some medical supplies and equipment. AT eligibility under NIHB varies by category. The NIHB program guide and a benefit recipient's health care provider are the best sources for current coverage information.
Private Insurance
Group extended health benefit plans through employment often cover some AT, particularly hearing aids, orthotics, and in some cases other devices. Reviewing your benefits booklet for the specific categories and annual limits is essential before making a purchase, since many people do not fully understand their coverage.
Individual disability insurance policies may include rehabilitation benefits that cover AT, particularly when the AT is related to return-to-work efforts. Reviewing your policy and asking your insurer specifically about AT as a rehabilitation benefit is worthwhile.
When insurance denies a claim for AT, appealing is worth doing. Insurance denial letters often cite policy language that is more restrictive than it needs to be. A denial appeal with supporting clinical documentation, including a letter from your OT or physician explaining medical necessity, overturns a meaningful percentage of initial denials.
Private supplemental insurance for AT gaps is available through some insurers and membership organizations. The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP), some credit unions, and disability-specific organizations sometimes offer supplemental coverage. This is a developing area of the insurance market worth monitoring.
Canada Revenue Agency: Tax Deductions and Credits
The Disability Supports Deduction (Line 21500 on the federal tax return) allows people with disabilities to deduct costs of AT and other supports that enable them to participate in employment, education, or research. The list of eligible expenses is specific and includes items such as braille note-takers, screen readers, voice recognition software, and various other AT categories. The CRA guide to the Disability Supports Deduction details what qualifies.
The Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) at Line 33099 covers a broader range of medical and disability-related costs, and the list of eligible medical expenses includes many AT items. The METC is a non-refundable credit rather than a deduction, so its value depends on your tax situation.
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC), while not directly funding AT, qualifies recipients for additional benefits and credits including the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Building long-term savings through the RDSP can provide a fund for future AT needs. The DTC application process requires certification by a medical practitioner and can take several months.
Charitable Funding Sources
Easter Seals Canada and provincial Easter Seals organizations provide equipment and technology funding for children and adults with physical disabilities. Applications require documentation of disability and financial need. Easter Seals has funded wheelchairs, communication devices, adaptive technology, and other AT items. The website easterseals.ca has information on application processes.
Muscular Dystrophy Canada (muscle.ca) provides equipment funding and other supports for people with neuromuscular diseases. Their equipment loan and purchase programs have helped many people access mobility AT and other devices.
MS Society of Canada (mscanada.ca) offers some equipment loans and funding programs for people with multiple sclerosis. The MS Society is also a valuable resource for connecting with others who have navigated AT funding in the MS community.
CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research (canchild.ca) is a resource focused on children with disabilities and includes information on AT for children. For families of children with disabilities, CanChild's resources are particularly relevant.
Condition-specific foundations often have equipment and AT funding programs. The ALS Society, the Cerebral Palsy Association, the Autism Society of Canada, and many others have funding programs for their specific communities. If you have a condition with a national or provincial advocacy organization, asking them specifically about AT funding is a worthwhile first call.
Local community foundations and United Way chapters fund disability-related programs in their communities and may have AT-specific programs or connections to organizations that do. Service clubs including Lions Clubs and Rotary Clubs have historically supported individual AT purchase requests in communities across Canada.
Provincial Programs Outside Ontario
British Columbia's Choices in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) program funds disability-related supports including some AT for eligible people in BC. BC's PharmaCare program covers some medical supplies and devices. The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (disabilityalliancebc.org (Disability Alliance BC, formerly the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities)) is the best starting point for BC-specific AT funding information.
Alberta funds equipment through Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL), which covers basic medical equipment and supplies for Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic illness or terminal illness. There is no income test, but you must have a valid Alberta Personal Health Number and be assessed by an AADL-approved authorizer such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or registered nurse. AADL is cost-shared: clients pay 25 per cent of the benefit cost up to a maximum of $500 per individual or family per year, and that portion is waived for Albertans on low income or income assistance. Eligibility and application details are on the provincial site. For help navigating assistive technology more generally in Alberta, the Ability Society of Alberta provides information and referral.
Quebec's Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) covers some AT categories for eligible residents. The Centre de réadaptation en déficience physique (CRDP) system in Quebec provides AT assessment and some funding. Quebec's Curateur public and OPHQ (Office des personnes handicapées du Québec) are additional resources.
Other provinces have varying AT funding programs administered through their health ministries, disability support programs, and provincial disability organizations. If you are outside Ontario, contacting your provincial disability advocacy organization is the most efficient starting point for identifying the funding landscape in your province.
Part 4: Buying AT
Having gone through assessment and identified funding, you are ready to make a purchase. Even at this stage, there are decisions and risks worth understanding.
The buying process for AT is not the same as buying a consumer electronic device. It involves coordination between the prescriber (OT, SLP, or other professional), the vendor, and in many cases the funding program. Each party has a role, and understanding who does what prevents delays.
New vs. Refurbished AT
New AT from an authorized vendor is what most funding programs require and what comes with full warranty and manufacturer support. For ADP-funded purchases in Ontario, you must buy from an authorized vendor using new equipment for the initial funded purchase.
Refurbished and second-hand AT exists at substantially lower prices on the resale market and can be a meaningful option when funding does not fully cover costs, when a backup device is needed, or when purchasing a low-cost AT item for trial purposes. Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace are the most common venues for second-hand AT in Canada.
Second-hand wheelchair purchases are common and often reasonable for manual chairs where wear can be visually assessed. Second-hand power wheelchair purchases require more caution: electronics, battery health, and the integrity of seating systems may not be apparent from the outside. Having a qualified technician assess a second-hand power wheelchair before purchase is advisable.
AT lending organizations sometimes offer devices for long-term loan at no cost. Neil Squire Society, Easter Seals, and provincial disability organizations have equipment lending programs in various communities. For people who cannot afford even the copay on a funded purchase, lending programs can bridge the gap.
Vendor Selection
Vendor quality varies significantly in the AT sector, and poor vendor selection is a major source of problems for AT users. The authorized vendor requirement for ADP purchases provides some baseline, but within the authorized vendor list, quality still varies.
Questions to ask a vendor before purchasing: How long have you been in the AT business? Do you have staff who are AT specialists rather than general salespeople? What is included in the purchase price in terms of setup, fitting, and training? What is your repair turnaround time? Do you have loaner devices available while equipment is being repaired? What is your warranty policy and what does it cover? Can I talk to other clients who have used your services?
Training should be included as part of AT purchase, particularly for complex devices like power wheelchairs, communication devices, and computer access systems. A vendor who sells you a device and leaves you to figure it out is not providing adequate service. Make sure training is explicitly included in your purchase agreement.
Geographic coverage matters. If your vendor is in a major city and you are not, repair service may be slow or require significant travel. Understanding the logistics of repair and maintenance before purchase is practical planning.
The AT community is relatively small and word-of-mouth matters. Asking disability organizations, peer support groups, and your OT or SLP about vendor reputations is valuable. Someone who has dealt with a vendor's after-sales service has information that no marketing material will provide.
Getting a Trial Period
For any significant AT purchase, requesting a formal trial period in writing is standard practice and a legitimate consumer ask. Trial periods allow you to use the device in your actual daily life and environments before the purchase is finalised.
What counts as an adequate trial depends on the technology. A trial of a few hours in a showroom is not the same as using a communication device for two weeks in real communication contexts. Insist on a trial period that gives you enough time to assess the device in the situations where you will actually use it.
Document the trial period terms in writing. A verbal agreement that 'you can bring it back if it doesn't work out' is not adequate. Know what the return window is, what condition the device must be in, whether there are restocking fees, and who is responsible for what if the device is damaged during the trial.
For ADP-funded purchases in Ontario, ask your vendor specifically about the trial policy given that ADP funding may complicate returns. Understanding this before you commit is important.
Consumer Protection Rights
Assistive technology is a consumer product subject to Ontario's consumer protection laws. The Consumer Protection Act in Ontario provides rights including the right to written contracts for purchases over a specified threshold, cooling-off periods for certain types of contracts, and protection against unfair practices.
Medical equipment and AT are sometimes sold with verbal assurances that are not reflected in writing. Ensuring that all promises about performance, warranty, training, and return policies are in the written contract before signing is standard consumer protection practice.
If an AT product does not perform as represented by the vendor, Ontario's consumer protection framework provides remedies. The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (ontario.ca/consumerprotection) has information on your rights. If a vendor refuses to honour a warranty or return policy, a complaint to Consumer Protection Ontario is the next step.
Part 5: Living with AT
Getting the right AT is the beginning, not the end. AT requires ongoing maintenance, periodic upgrades, and management when things break down. This section covers the long-term picture.
Many AT users describe the period after receiving a new device as both exciting and more complicated than expected. Training takes time. Integrating the device into daily routines takes adjustment. Discovering features you did not know were available, or limitations you did not anticipate, is normal. Building in follow-up contact with your OT and vendor in the weeks after receiving a new device is worthwhile planning.
Repair and Maintenance
AT breaks. Wheelchairs develop flat tires, frame damage, and component failures. Communication devices develop battery issues and software problems. Hearing aids require cleaning and periodic servicing. Having a plan for repairs before something breaks, rather than scrambling when it does, makes a significant difference.
ADP in Ontario has a repair funding component for ADP-funded devices. Contact your ADP authorized vendor when repair is needed. Repair funding through ADP typically covers necessary repairs to ADP-funded equipment, subject to the program's repair funding limits and guidelines. Documentation of the need for repair from a qualified technician is usually required.
Warranty coverage and its limits matter enormously when something breaks. Know what your warranty covers, for how long, whether it covers accidental damage, and what the process is for a warranty claim. Extended warranty options are worth considering for expensive AT, particularly electronic devices.
Emergency repair situations, where an AT device is the primary means of mobility or communication and its failure leaves someone immobilised or unable to communicate, are a special category. Some vendors and some ADP emergency provisions allow expedited repair or loaner devices for these situations. Knowing your vendor's emergency repair policy before you need it is valuable planning.
Regular preventive maintenance extends device life and reduces the likelihood of sudden failure. For wheelchairs, this means regular tire checks, cleaning, lubrication of moving parts, and attention to seating components. For electronic devices, software updates, battery management, and case protection all extend device life. Your vendor or OT can advise on maintenance schedules for your specific AT.
Upgrades and Replacements
AT has a lifespan, and planning for replacement before the current device fails completely avoids crisis situations where you are without needed AT while funding is arranged.
ADP has replacement cycles for funded devices. The standard replacement cycle for power wheelchairs funded by ADP is five years. For manual wheelchairs, it is also five years. For hearing aids, the cycle is three years. These cycles define when ADP will fund a replacement device. Knowing when your device's ADP funding cycle resets lets you plan the replacement process to avoid gaps.
Starting the assessment and application process well before you need a replacement device is practical. Assessment, funding application, approval, and delivery of some AT items can take several months. Starting this process six to twelve months before your current device is expected to fail is not excessive.
If your AT needs change before the funding cycle resets, because your condition has progressed, your living situation has changed, or the current device has become inadequate in some way, there are processes for early replacement. ADP has provisions for early replacement in specific circumstances. Documenting the clinical need through your OT is the starting point.
Travel with AT
Travelling with AT, particularly mobility equipment, involves navigating airline policies, insurance, international access, and the risk of damage or loss in transit.
Airline obligations for wheelchairs and mobility aids in Canada are governed by the Canadian Transportation Agency's Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations. Airlines must accept mobility aids at no charge and must return them in the same condition they were received. If an airline damages your wheelchair or mobility aid, they are responsible for repair or replacement.
Power wheelchair batteries are subject to airline regulations on lithium-ion and spillable batteries. Dry cell and lithium-ion batteries under a specified watt-hour rating are generally accepted in the cabin or as checked baggage, while larger batteries or wet cell batteries face additional restrictions. Contacting the airline before travel and providing battery specifications is essential. The Air Carrier Access Act documentation in the US (for travel to or within the US) and the Canadian Transportation Agency regulations cover this in the Canadian context.
Documenting your mobility device before air travel with photographs and noting any existing damage protects you in the event of a claim. Checking the wheelchair immediately on arrival and reporting any damage before leaving the baggage area is the correct procedure for a damage claim.
International travel with AT involves assessing accessibility at the destination, ensuring power adapters for electronic AT, and understanding how customs authorities treat medical equipment (most countries allow it entry without import duty). Specialty travel organizations for travellers with disabilities and condition-specific organizations often have travel guides and peer advice on specific destinations.
When AT Wears Out Before the Funding Cycle Resets
AT that fails before the funding cycle allows for a replacement is a real and stressful situation. Understanding the options before this happens is useful.
ADP early replacement provisions exist and are worth exploring with your caseworker. Clinical documentation of why the current device can no longer meet your needs is the key. This documentation should come from your OT and, where relevant, the vendor's assessment of the device's condition.
Charitable and emergency funding sources, including Easter Seals and condition-specific organizations, sometimes have emergency equipment funds for exactly these situations. Contacting them quickly when a device fails is worth doing rather than waiting.
Loaner equipment through your authorized vendor may be available while a new device is being obtained. Establishing whether your vendor can provide a loaner before you are in a crisis situation is worthwhile planning.
Repair rather than replacement, even when replacement seems more appropriate, is sometimes the path of least resistance while waiting for a funding cycle to reset. A device that is repaired and functional for another year may be the practical solution while a proper replacement process moves forward.
A Final Word
Assistive technology funding in Canada is better than it was twenty years ago and worse than it needs to be. The ADP has improved coverage over time. Charitable programs have expanded. Mainstream technology has made some AT genuinely affordable or free. But gaps remain: significant copays that are out of reach for many people on disability income, funding cycles that do not reflect device lifespan, geographic inequities in access to assessment and service, and the exclusion of some important AT categories from major programs.
Advocating for yourself within these systems matters. Applying thoroughly, appealing denials, documenting your needs clearly, and knowing your rights as a consumer and as a person with a disability produces better outcomes than accepting the first answer you receive.
The AT community in Canada is connected and generous with knowledge. Disability organizations, peer support networks, and AT resource centres all have people who have navigated what you are navigating and are willing to share what they have learned. You do not need to figure this out alone.
The right AT, properly fitted and well-supported, is worth the work of getting there. Start with assessment, engage with the funding systems, choose your vendor carefully, and plan for the long term. The tools that support your independence and participation are worth fighting for.
One last note: if this guide helps you navigate the system more effectively, consider sharing what you learned with others in similar situations. AT knowledge spreads best through peer networks. The person who figured out an appeal process, identified a funding source nobody told them about, or found the right vendor is the most useful source of practical guidance for the next person who needs to know.
Resources
Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP): ontario.ca/assistivedevices. The primary AT funding program for Ontario residents. Program guides for each device category are available on the website.
Neil Squire Society: neilsquire.ca. Technology programs, AT demonstrations, and computer access support for Canadians with physical disabilities. Offices in multiple provinces.
Assistive Technology Resource Centre (ATRC): idrc.ocadu.ca (the Inclusive Design Research Centre at OCAD University, formerly the Adaptive Technology Resource Centre at the University of Toronto). AT demonstration, consultation, and information for people with disabilities in Ontario.
CanAssist: canassist.ca. University of Victoria-based AT development and consultation, including custom solutions for people whose needs are not met by existing products.
CNIB: cnib.ca. Vision AT information, demonstrations, and resources for people with vision loss across Canada.
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association: chha.ca. Hearing AT information and community resources for Canadians who are hard of hearing.
Easter Seals Canada: easterseals.ca. AT and equipment funding programs for people with physical disabilities.
Muscular Dystrophy Canada: muscle.ca. Equipment funding and support programs for people with neuromuscular diseases.
MS Society of Canada: mscanada.ca. Resources and some equipment programs for people with multiple sclerosis.
CanChild: canchild.ca. AT information and research focused on children with disabilities.
Canadian Transportation Agency: otc-cta.gc.ca. Information on air travel rights for passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair and mobility aid transportation.
Connex Ontario: connexontario.ca. Referral and information service for disability supports in Ontario, useful for navigating to the right AT funding or service contact.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Funding programs and eligibility criteria change. Verify current requirements directly with the relevant program before making decisions based on this guide.
Sources. Funding levels, eligibility and the 100 percent rate for social assistance recipients: Ontario Assistive Devices Program and the ODSP directive on assistive devices, Government of Ontario. On abandonment: Phillips H et al., Design and assistive technology, Design Science, 2024 (up to 30% abandoned within a year); Jahan AM et al., Assistive devices non-use, abandonment, or non-adherence? Toward standard terminology, Assistive Technology, 2024 (inconsistent definitions across studies); Smail LC et al., Comfort and function remain key factors in upper limb prosthetic abandonment, Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2020; Howard J et al., Exploring the barriers to using assistive technology for individuals with chronic conditions, 2020.
Funding levels, approved prices and program names change. Confirm the current figure with ADP or your provincial program before agreeing to any co-payment.