Equipment & Devices

Specialized equipment is expensive. A pediatric wheelchair can cost $5,000–$25,000. A specialized car seat is $500+. A bath chair is $300+. But free lending programs exist across Canada, and provincial assistive device programs cover a significant portion of costs. Most families never find these resources.

National Equipment Lending (Free)

Easter Seals Canada

Wheelchairs, walkers, bath equipment, car seats (varies by province)

easterseals.ca

Neil Squire Society

Communication devices, computer access, switches

neilsquire.ca

Spinal Cord Injury Ontario — Possibilities Project Plus

Used equipment marketplace — donate or find equipment

sciontario.org

CNIB

Low vision aids, technology, magnification devices

cnib.ca

War Amps — CHAMP Program

Amputee children — artificial limbs, adaptive devices, all funded

waramps.ca

Provincial Equipment Lending

Province	Program	Details	How to Access
ON	March of Dimes Equipment Lending	Wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, bath equipment	marchofdimes.ca
ON	Kiwanis Assistive Technology Lending Library	Communication devices (AAC), switches, adapted toys	kaill.ca
ON	Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program	Hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, commodes	redcross.ca
BC	Red Cross BC Equipment Loans	Wheelchairs, walkers, bathroom safety	redcross.ca
AB	Red Cross Alberta Equipment Loans	Basic mobility equipment	redcross.ca
SK	Saskatchewan Abilities Council	Equipment lending and sales	abilitiescouncil.sk.ca
MB	Society for Manitobans with Disabilities	Equipment lending	smd.mb.ca
QC	CIUSSS network	Equipment through local health network	Contact local CLSC
Atlantic	Red Cross Atlantic	Basic equipment loans	redcross.ca

Provincial Assistive Device Funding

Province	Program	Details
ON	Assistive Devices Program (ADP)	Wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics, communication devices, respiratory, orthotics — covers 75% of cost
AB	Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)	Wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics, respiratory, orthotics — covers 75% (up to max)
BC	BC Assistive Technology Program	Various devices through CYSN or CLBC — coverage varies by program
SK	Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL)	Medical equipment and supplies — coverage varies
MB	Manitoba Homecare Program	Equipment through homecare — coverage varies
QC	RAMQ Assistive Devices	Devices and equipment — coverage varies by device

Important Tips

Always check provincial funding FIRST before buying anything.
Equipment prescriptions from a therapist are usually required for funding.
Used equipment is often available free through lending libraries.
Equipment needs change as children grow — lending libraries allow size swaps.
Keep all receipts — equipment costs are eligible for the Medical Expense Tax Credit.
The Home Accessibility Tax Credit covers modifications like ramps, lifts, and accessible bathrooms (up to $20,000).
Vehicle modification funding exists in some provinces for accessible vehicles.
Service clubs (Rotary, Lions, Kinsmen, Kiwanis) often fund specific equipment purchases on request.

More Family Support

Respite Care

Temporary relief for primary caregivers. Most provinces fund respite care — most families don't know.

Sibling Support

Siblings of people with disabilities are often the most overlooked members of the family.

Parent Support Programs

Connect with other parents who understand. Provincial networks, dad-specific support, and couples resources.

Camps & Recreation

Summer camps, adaptive sports, and year-round recreation programs across Canada.

Future Planning

Henson Trusts, wills, guardianship, Letter of Intent — planning for when caregivers can no longer provide care.

Companion & Befriending Programs

Volunteer-based programs that provide social connection and friendship for people with disabilities.

Know of a service we should list?

This directory grows because people in the community help us find what we've missed. Let us know about organizations, programs, or services across Canada.