Summary of legislation

Recipients can receive coverage for the cost of batteries and necessary repairs for mobility devices used by a member of the benefit unit if these costs are not otherwise reimbursed.

Legislative authority

Section 44(1)1. vii of the ODSP Regulation.

Summary of directive

All members of a benefit unit are eligible for batteries, replacement batteries and payment of repairs for a mobility device.

An Income Support Specialist can authorize payment for "essential" repairs that are completed without prior authorization if the repairs were necessary after work hours or on a weekend.

Mobility devices include manual or electric wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and lifting devices. There may be circumstances where a member may require a repair to a secondary device. In these circumstances staff should exercise their discretion when approving the necessary repair.

Intent of policy

To provide assistance with the cost of batteries, replacement batteries and necessary repairs to a mobility device for members of the benefit unit.

Application of policy

Items covered under ODSP:

  • equipment originally acquired by the recipient through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
  • equipment purchased directly by a member of the benefit unit
  • equipment purchased on behalf of a recipient by a Community Agency or service club (e.g., March of Dimes)

The following repairs and maintenance may be covered:

  • purchase of original battery (usually has six month warranty)
  • replacement batteries (not under warranty)
  • repairs to the wheelchair/mobility device that are not covered under warranty

After hours/weekend repairs

Ordinarily, clients must obtain advance authorization from the Ministry before proceeding with repairs to a mobility device. The Income Support Specialist can authorize payment for "essential" repairs completed without advance authorization if the repairs were necessary after work hours or on a weekend. In all cases, the Income Support Specialist must ensure that the repair was not covered under warranty.

Examples of "essential" repairs (done without advance authorization) include:

  • repairs to a flat tire
  • replacement of a deficient battery
  • repairs due to a mechanical or structural breakdown of the mobility device
  • break down of mobility device occurred outside of the client’s home

These costs should be covered when the break down of the mobility device has occurred at a time MCSS staff was not available, and the secondary back up or loaned replacement was not available.

Excessive or repetitive repairs

Ongoing repairs to a mobility device may indicate that the equipment requires replacement due to the age and condition of the equipment. Consideration should also be given to the client’s activity level. The Income Support Specialist should review the repair history to determine if authorizations for repairs should continue or if the client should be advised to apply for funding to the ADP for a new mobility aid.

Repairs to "high technology" mobility devices

ADP provides several categories of devices through a shared equipment pool administered by a designated agency or vendor on contract with ADP.

All repairs and maintenance on equipment provided by the respective pool must be done by the pool agency/vendor.

The province-wide vendor for the wheelchair pool for "high technology" wheelchairs is Motion Specialties. For information about service, including after hours, caseworkers or clients may contact the Central Equipment Pool (CEP) at +1 416 877 4375  or email at Info@BeHope.ca

For equipment prescribed after September 1, 1999, repair costs are covered by the pool. However, if the equipment was prescribed before September 1, 1999 recipients may have the repairs covered by ODSP.

Related directives

9.6 — Assistive devices
9.12 — Mandatory special necessities

 

ADP (Assistive Devices Program)

ADP is a government program that provides support and funding to Ontario residents who have long-term physical disabilities and provides access to personalized assistive devices appropriate for the individual’s basic needs.

ADP covers over 8,000 separate pieces of equipment. 

 

To learn more about ADP go to: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/adp/

Easter Seals Children Funding

Easter Seals Ontario provides programs and services to children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario to help them achieve greater independence, accessibility and integration. They provide financial assistance of up to $3 000 per year, per child to help purchase essential mobility equipment such as wheelchair, walkers, ramps or lifts.

March of Dimes Home and Vehicle Funding Program

The Program provides funding for basic home and/or vehicle modifications, and is intended to assist permanent Ontario residents with a substantial impairment expected to last one year or more, with their disability management. 

The following website offers more details: https://www.marchofdimes.ca/EN/programs/hvmp/Pages/HomeandVehicle.aspx

MS Society Quality of Life Grant

The MS Society offers individuals living with MS a wide variety of programs that promote personal independence and contribute to an enhanced quality of life. The Quality of Life Grants are designed to provide financial assistance to those requiring support with the purchase of mobility equipment, and safety devices.

 

To learn more about The MS Society Quality of Life Grant go to: https://mssociety.ca/support-services/programs-and-services/15/financial-assistance-ontario-nunavut-division 

Ontario Renovates House Funding

Ontario Renovates provides financial help to qualifying people to repair their existing homes. Those who meet income thresholds and who own and occupy houses with substandard construction can use the funds to improve the home’s build quality, reaching a minimum level of safety. The funding can be used to make the household more accessible.