Assistive devices programs for persons with a physical or intellectual disability or an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
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Description
An assistive device is a technology that is adapted and specially designed to support, maintain or replace a part of the body or a deficient function. It helps a person correct or compensate for his or her physical or intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Presentation and objectives
Assistive devices maximize individual autonomy, ensure individual safety, keep individuals in their home and facilitate social, educational and professional integration.
Eligibility
Assistive devices programs are reserved for residents of Québec with a physical or intellectual disability or an ASD. These programs allow them to obtain specialized assistive devices selected following an overall assessment of needs. Specific criteria may apply to each of the programs.
Persons with a temporary handicap are not eligible for assistive devices programs.
Assistance covered
Assistive devices are lent and provided by institutions in the health and social services network.
The devices covered by the different assistive devices programs are those essential to the person’s lifestyle. They are selected according to pre-established allocation rules. Assistive devices for leisure and sports activities are not covered by the various assistive devices departmental programs, with the exception of adapted tricyles and adapted bicycles.
As a guide covered by these programs, here is a list of assistive devices (this list is subject to change without notice).
Visual impairment
Examples of assistive devices
Reading and writing aids
Braille display
Customized calculator
Braille embosser
Digital player and recorder
Specialty lenses
Screen reader
Magnifying glass
Braille typewriter
Braille ruler
Big-screen monitor
Video magnifier
Inclined surface to facilitate writing
Adapted geometry set
Guidance and mobility aids
White cane
Electronic obstacle detector
Daily activities and domestic chores aids
Adapted plates
Adapted knives
Liquid level indicator
Cheque guide
Adapted watch
Talking kitchen scale
Adapted measuring tape
Adapted pedometer (records number of steps)
Adapted wallet
Adapted alarm clock
Adapted thermometer
Health aids
Talking glucometer (monitors blood sugar levels)
Talking bathroom scale
Syringe holder
Hearing impairment
Examples of assistive devices
Hearing aid
Hearing aid
Increasing sound aids
Amplifier
TV subtitle decoder
Baby crying detector
Visual or vibro-tactile phone and doorbell ring detector
Adapted alarm clock
Wireless TV audio listening system
Adapted teletypewriter
Visual or vibro-tactile fire alarm detector
Mobility impairment
Examples of assistive devices
Walking aids
Walker
Crutches or canes, in addition to the use of an orthosis or prosthesis of the lower limb
Walking frame
Quadripod cane (four-legged cane)
Moulded orthotic shoes and shoe fittings
Mobility assistance dog for pulling
Mobility aids
Reclining wheelchair
Manual and powered wheelchair (including posture supports)
Mobility assistance dog
Special-needs stroller
Four-wheeled electric scooter
Three-wheeled electric scooter
Childhood motor skills development aids
Customization of children’s bicycles or tricycles
Permanent orthosis and prosthesis
Upper or lower limb orthosis
Upper or lower limb prosthesis
Controlling electronic and electric devices with a remote aids
Specialized remote control
Environmental control unit (interior lighting system, for example)
Using computers aids
Adapted keyboard
Adapted mouse
Keyboard cover skin
On-screen keyboard
Head-movement image-controlled computer mouse
Daily activities and domestic chores aids
Transfer devices such as a support bar, a transfer disc or board, a lift, a bed trapeze and a self-lifting recliner;
Bedroom devices such as protective bed rails, a siderail, an articulated bed and a specialized mattress;
Bathroom devices such as a bath seat and a commode chair;
Personal care devices such as a long-handled brush and a hairdryer stand;
Devices used in the kitchen such as adapted utensils, a server and a wheelchair table;
Devices used in different rooms such as a removable access ramp and a Tripp Trapp chair;
Signaling devices such as a call button and a wander management system;
Devices for the person such as a protective glove and safety helmet;
Parental responsibilities aids
Sleep devices such as an adapted playpen or bed
Hygiene devices such as an adapted bath or adapted cushion
Mobility devices such as an adapted stroller anchor, a cushion, a serving tray or an adapted belt
Transfer devices such as a belt or an adapted sling
Elimination aids
Adult incontinence briefs
Urinary incontinence products
Disposable and washable lap pads
Urinary catheter
Urinary bag
Antiseptic wipes
Urinary catheter straps
External catheter
Sterile syringes
Irrigation solution
Gloves
Water-soluble lubricant
Tracheotomy instruments
Language impairment
Examples of assistive devices
Natural-voice improvement aids
Voice amplifier
Voice amplifier with equalizer
Speech or speech replacement
Communication board
Specialized software
Pointer
Phone communication aids
Adapted phone with switch access
Telephone with amplifier
Intellectual impairment
Examples of assistive devices
Safety aids
Helmet
Wander-management system
Persons with an intellectual impairment can receive other assistive devices if they need it due to an associated physical disability.
Reimbursable expenses
If the request for assistive devices is granted, it will be provided free of charge, or expenses will be reimbursed according to the program terms established by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) or the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
All equipment allocated must be insured by the user. It must be returned when the person is no longer using it or if he or she dies.
You must replace the assistive device loaned to you at your own expense if it has been:
Stolen
Lost
Modified
Damaged due to negligence or misuse
Broken as a result of a fire or vandalism
A loaned assistive device can be replaced at no cost when an important change affects:
the medical condition, such as a deterioration in the person’s health status requiring the use of another type of device;
the physical condition, such as weight gain that prevents the person from using the loaned device properly;
characteristics of the assistive device:
normal wear (the device must be used for a certain time);
the cost of repair exceeds the maximum amount allowed.
However, it is not possible to change the loaned assistive device to get a better performing one. The evolution of technology is not a valid reason to request replacement of an assistive device.
Rules for allocating assistive devices
The process for allocating assistive devices starts with an overall assessment. Health professionals recommend assistive devices based on the person’s needs and situation. These recommendations may pertain to:
the use of assistive devices to ensure safety during daily activities;
learning new strategies to increase functional autonomy;
the layout of the home, school or professional environment.
Criteria
The proposed assistive device will be:
the one that allows the person to be autonomous on a daily basis;
the one that meets the needs in the simplest possible way;
the one that is the most economical when several assistive devices can meet the identified needs.
An assistive device can be recommended for each of your needs identified during the assessment. Where a single assistive device can meet several of your needs, the loan of that particular device will be prioritised.