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.caSpinal Cord Injury Ontario — Possibilities Project Plus
Used equipment marketplace — donate or find equipment
sciontario.orgProvincial 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.
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