Funding

There are a variety of organizations that can provide financial assistance for accessible modifications. Following are some of the programs that may provide funding.

PRESIDENT’S CHOICE CHILDREN’S CHARITY Click here to visit the site. Provides grants to families. To be considered for assistance, applicants must meet the following criteria: - Under 18 with physical or developmental disability - Family income less than $70,000 - Require help with mobility equipment, environmental modification, or therapy The application must include: - A letter of diagnosis from a doctor - A supporting letter from a secondary party (e.g. OT/PT) - Two quotes from the vendor/supplier for project costs ONTARIO MARCH OF DIMES Click here to visit the site. The Home Modification Program is meant to enable those with disabilities that restrict mobility to continue living safely in their homes and participate in their communities. Considered a “last resort” program. Applicants must exhaust every other avenue (including RRAP) before they will be considered eligible, including making an effort to find accessible accommodations. To be eligible, a person must: - Be an Ontario resident - Have a substantial impairment that is ongoing/recurring and will last one year or more AND - That impairment impedes mobility and results in substantial restriction in daily living A person with a disability may apply on their own or a family member living with them (e.g. spouse, child, parent) may apply on their behalf. Homeowners may apply for structural modifications and permanent equipment whereas tenants may only apply for portable assistive devices/equipment (e.g. lifting devices). The first step is to meet with a MOD Service Coordinator who will provide guidance through the application process. The applicant should meet with a Service Coordinator before contacting a contractor.The maximum contribution is $15,000. Applicants with a gross income over $35,000 must complete a “client contribution” assessment that will indicate how much they have to pay into the proposed project. CMHC RRAP-D PROGRAM Click here to visit the site. Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program provides funding for housing modifications for disabled residents. Applicant must have a modification referral from a recognized healthcare professional Modifications must be: - Permanent - Non-Portable - Completed at the lowest possible cost Homeowners may apply if their house value meets program requirements and their total household income minus the Federal Disability Tax Credit falls within the Income Threshold. They may get up to $16,000. Landlords may apply if their rental units are occupied by disabled tenants who fall within the Income Thresholds. They may get a maximum of $24,000. Landlords must rent units to disabled tenants that fall within the proper Income Threshold. To start, applicants call Housing Improvement Programs at 416-392-7620. City of Toronto staff will ask basic questions to confirm eligibility. If qualified, applicants will be asked to collect documents regarding home ownership, expenses, taxes, and incomes, as well as verification from a healthcare professional. Once this is collected, the applicant calls to set up a staff visit. The Program Officer will visit the house to: - Review and record the information that was collected - Inspect the house for repairs - Provide a repair list - Start filling in the application Once the repair list is received, the applicant must collect two quotes from insured contractors and submit them to the Program Officer who will then review them, complete the application, and send it to the CMHC for approval. If approved the CMHC will send the client a commitment letter. Once the letter is received, the Promissory Note must be signed and returned to the CMHC and work can begin. When the contractor completes a part of the work and gives an invoice, the Program Officer must be called for a site visit to inspect the work and the invoice and then recommend payment to the CMHC. CMHC sends a cheque to the applicant who then has to pay the contractor. When the final invoice is received, another site inspection is required, the invoice is reviewed, and payment is made by the CMHC to the client, who then pays the contractor. EASTER SEALS Click here to visit the site. Eligibility Children and young adults (birth to 19th birthday) with physical disabilities, who are registered with The Easter Seal Society, Ontario qualify for financial assistance towards the purchase of eligible services and special equipment. Funding Easter Seals financial assistance program picks up where the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care's Assistive Devices Program(ADP), insurance and other family resources leave off. The list of eligible equipment and services is reviewed regularly and priority is given to mobility and communication devices. Easter Seals' funding contribution is based on availability of funds. Support The Easter Seal Society, Ontario is committed to providing support to as many of Ontario's 20,000 children and young adults with physical disabilities as possible to a possible maximum amount of $3,000/year per client for equipment & meals/accommodation. The $3,000 limit does not include camp fees or Recreational Choices funding. The level of assistance offered to each family may vary based on the overall cost of the item and the availability of Easter Seals funds at the time the request is received. Parent Contributions Parents are responsible for the first $50.00 or more depending on their financial resources for each request. Parents are encouraged to seek out all sources of funding in addition to Easter Seals Financial Assistance Program.