Assistive Devices Programs for Persons with a Physical or Intellectual Disability or an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

On this page :

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). In addition to maximizing autonomy, the assistive device ensures the person’s safety and helps him or her in his or her living environment as well as with social, school and workplace integration.

Eligibility

Target clients

Assistive devices programs are reserved for people with a physical or intellectual disability or an ASD. These programs allow them to obtain specialized assistive devices.

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.

They are covered by various assistive devices programs and are selected according to pre-established allocation rules. Assistive devices are recommended by a healthcare professional according to the user’s needs.

As a guide, here is a list of assistive devices. (This list is subject to change without notice.)

Visual impairment	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 Mobility assistance dog
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	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	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
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	Technical assistance with meal preparation Technical assistance with personal care Support bars Bumper pads Adjustable wooden highchair (Tripp Trapp) Bed rails (to prevent falls) Serving table Turntable Lift chair Mobility assistance dog Patient lift Adjustable bed Specialized mattress (preventive or curative) Transfer board Portable mobility ramp Blanket cradle Bathtub seat Adapted changing table Over-bed table Bed trapeze
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	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	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.

Cost

If your 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).

Procedure

If you would like more information about assistive devices or want to apply:

Talk with your doctor or a social worker at your integrated health and social services centre (CISSS) or your integrated university health and social services centre (CIUSSS).
Contact your local CISSS or CIUSSS directly. To find their contact information, go to Finding Your CISSS or Your CIUSSS page.

Last update: July 11, 2017

Notice

The information on this website by no means replaces the advice of a health professional. If you have questions regarding your health, contact Info-Santé 811 or see a health professional.