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 impairmentAssistive 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

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 impairmentAssistive 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 impairmentAssistive 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 impairmentAssistive 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 impairmentAssistive 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.