Government and Equipment Programs in BC. Updated July 2007

Transcription

1 Government and Equipment Programs in BC Updated July

2 Table of Contents Topic Page A) Government Programs A-1. At Home Program... 3 A-2. Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities.. 3 A-3. Information on equipment Hotline.. 4 B) Equipment Programs B-1. ALS Society. 5 B-2. BC Association for Individualized Technology and Supports for People with Disabilities (PROP/TIL). 5 B-3. MS Society of Canada Equipment Provision Program. 6 B-4. Muscular Dystrophy Canada 6 B-5. Red Cross Society Aids to Independent Living Program. 7 B-6. Red Cross Society Children s Medical Equipment Loan Services.. 7 B-7. Red Cross Society Enhanced Medical Equipment Loan Services 8 B-8. Red Cross Society Medical Equipment Loan Services. 8 B-9. Red Cross Society Palliative Equipment Program 9 C) Assistive Technology Programs C-1. Assistive Technology BC for education C-2. Assistive Technology BC for employment C-3. Canadian National Institute for the Blind 11 C-4. GF Strong Rehab Centre Assistive Technology & Seating Services C-5. Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre. 12 C-6. Neil Squire Foundation Assistive Technology for Employment Centre.. 12 C-7. North Shore Disability Resource Centre Association Equipment Technician Services Program 13 C-8. Tetra Society 13 C-9. Voice of the Cerebral Palsied.. 14 C-10. Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Lend-an-ear Loaner Hearing Aid Program.. 14 D) Equipment Classifieds and Registries D-1. BC Paraplegic Association.. 16 D-2. Canadian Disabled Individuals Association 16 D-3. Disability Resource Centre.. 16 D-4. Family Caregivers Network Society 17 D-5. Regional Disabled Persons Association Used Equipment Registry. 17 D-6. South Vancouver Seniors Network The Equipment Registry. 18 E) Technological Access Program E-1. Disability Resource Centre Specialized Services and Projects. 19 2

3 A) Government Programs A-1. At Home Program BC Ministry of Children and Family Development Website: For more information about AHP eligibility and respite, call the regional contact in your area (see For more information about AHP medical benefits, contact: Medical Benefits Program Ministry of Children and Family Development PO Box 9763 STN PROV GOVT Victoria, BC V8W 9S5 Toll-free: Victoria: Fax: Overview: The At Home Program (AHP) is intended to assist parents with some of the extraordinary costs of caring for a child with severe disabilities at home. Benefits: Respite benefits allow parents to choose appropriate care options for their child and family. Medical benefits provide a range of medical supplies and services such as dental/orthodontic and optical benefits, hearing aids, medical services plan coverage, medical transportation, medications and Pharmacare, orthotics and splints and schoolaged extended therapies. Eligibility: To qualify for AHP benefits a child must be: Age 18 or younger for respite benefits Age 17 or younger for medical benefits A BC resident living at home with a parent or guardian Assessed as depending in at least three of four areas of daily living (eating, dressing, toileting, washing) Enrolled with the BC Medical Services Plan To apply: AHP application forms are available at local offices of Community Living British Columbia (CLBC), the Ministry of Children and Family Development web site, or from local Health Units. Completed forms should be returned to the AHP regional contact. A-2. Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities (EPPD) BC Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance Service BC will refer callers to the appropriate MEIA office and transfer callers free of charge. Hours of operation are 7:30am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Victoria: Vancouver: Toll-free: Website: TTD Vancouver: TTD BC:

4 Overview: EPPD is a specialized employment program for persons with disabilities who wish to participate more fully in their community. The program provides support in employment-related activities including part-time, full-time, self-employment or voluntary employment. Benefits: EPPD offers a full range of services, tools and supports such as job training and placement, technical equipment, physical accommodation and follow-up workplace support. Eligibility: Available to both BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) and non BCEA clients To apply: Complete a Persons with Disabilities Designation Application form from the Employment and Assistance Center in your community. A-3. Information on Equipment and Assistive Devices BC Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance PH# TTY: PersonalsupportsInformation@gov.bc.ca Contact the Toll-free Personal Supports Information Line and they will be able to direct you to government programs that provide equipment to assist you with daily living activities. The Information hotline is available to all British Columbians and is part of the provincial government s Disability Strategy, the purpose of which is to build the best system of support in Canada for persons with disabilities, those with special needs, children at risk and seniors. The information hotline will help make it easier for British Columbians to access information about equipment and assistive devices. 4

5 B) Equipment Programs B-1. ALS Society # West 6 th Ave. Vancouver, BC V6J 1R3 Website: patientservices2@alsbc.ca Toll-free: Phone: Fax: Overview: The Equipment Loan Program is designed to help people cope with the daily challenges of decreasing mobility and independence through obtaining basic and essential assistive equipment. mobility equipment communication devices home safety equipment bathroom aids respiratory equipment Eligibility: Equipment is offered to those: unable to obtain it from any other source (ie. limited/no extended benefits or financial resources) diagnosed with ALS residing in BC or the Yukon with a valid Provincial health care number registered with the ALS Society of BC To apply: Requests for all equipment must come from a qualified Occupational Therapist or other Health Care Professional working in that capacity. If a Health Care Professional is in need of additional information and/or forms, please contact Lisa Hercus at B-2. BC Association for Individualized Technology and Supports for People with Disabilities (PROP/TIL) 9007 Shaughnessy St, Phone: Vancouver, B.C., V6P 6R9 Fax: Website: til@bcits.org Overview: The technology for independent living program provides devices to assist communication with others and equipments to maximize control of electronic devices in homes for those with severe disabilities; services include installation, maintenance, and repair. Augmentative Communications Systems (ACS) 5

6 Environmental Control Systems (ECS) Eligibility: You will be considered if you have predominantly physical disabilities. To apply: Obtain the application form from the website, complete all sections, and return to above address by mail. For ACS devices, a report must be completed by a certified and registered Speech-Language Pathologist following specific guidelines (found at the website) and submitted with the application. B-3. Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada Equipment Provision Program BC Division Kingsway Burnaby, BC V5H 4G7 Website: info.bc@mssociety.ca Toll Free: Phone: Fax: Overview: The Equipment Provision Program (EPP) helps those who are living with MS and in financial need acquire equipment required to maximize their quality of life. mobility equipment home safety equipment environmental control equipment Eligibility: To qualify for assistance you must: be a BC or Yukon resident be diagnosed with MS have a medical recommendation from a health professional supporting the equipment need have limited or no other program eligibility fall within the MS Society Family Financial Guideline Scale To apply: Please submit an application to the EPP Coordinator Sonja LeBorgne. If you have further questions regarding EPP she can be reached at or or sonja.leborgne@mssociety.ca. B-4. Muscular Dystrophy Canada Western Canada Regional Office 7 th floor, 1401West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6H 1H6 Website: infowest@muscle.ca Toll-free: Phone: Fax: Overview: The Muscular Dystrophy Canada equipment loan program provides basic medical equipment, on loan, from a stock of recycled devices such as scooters, manual 6

7 and electric wheelchairs, and hospital beds. Some funding assistance may be available for the purchase of new equipment. Mobility equipment Home safety equipment Eligibility: Clients with muscular dystrophy Orthopedic devices Bathroom aids To apply: Contact your local Muscular Dystrophy Canada office. A recommendation from an occupational therapist or a physiotherapist is needed. Depending on the request we may need to check our stock first. B-5. Red Cross Society Aids to Independent Living program Lower Mainland Phone: Ext 632, 633 or 634 Phone (for the Fraser East area): Website: lmr.mels@redcross.ca Overview: The Aids to Independent Living program loans medical equipment, free of charge, to Home Health clients living in the following areas: Abbotsford, Agassiz, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Chilliwack, Delta, Hope, Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, West Vancouver or White Rock Mobility equipment Bathroom aids Home safety equipment Eligibility: To qualify for equipment, a client must: have less than $20,000 in savings (allowable income is $20,000 for one person and up to $26,000 for a person with children or a spouse with a disability) Must be referred by an occupational therapist, homecare nurse, physiotherapy, or other health unit staff Not be in an extended care facility To apply: Application is made on the client s behalf by staff in the participating health units and hospitals. If a person has not been seen by an OT, homecare nurse, physiotherapist or other health unit staff, then he/she can call the local health unit and ask to be assessed by a therapist for the necessary equipment. Once the therapist has completed a home visit, an application will be made to the AIL program if appropriate. B-6. Red Cross Society Children s Medical Equipment Loan Services Lower Mainland Phone:

8 Website: Overview: The Children's Medical Equipment Recycling and Loan Service (CMERLS) provides recycled, durable, specialized medical and therapeutic equipment for approximately 3,000 children in B.C., ages 0 to 19. Mobility equipment Bathroom aids Biomedical equipment Eligibility: Eligible clients include: therapist-referred children non-profit organizations, community centers and schools without equipment funding for special needs children in their care To apply: Call or lmr.mels@redcross.ca B-7. Red Cross Society Enhanced Medical Equipment Loan Service Phone: Website: Overview: ECMELS was created to establish a pool of higher end home use medical equipment for use in the Capital Region and currently serves therapists and nurses practicing in the Capital Health Region only (Greater Victoria, Western Communities, Sooke, Saanich Peninsula, and the Gulf Islands). higher end home use medical equipment Eligibility: client resides in Capital Health Region To apply: The equipment must be ordered directly by a Health Care Professional (OT, PT and Home Care nurses) who will oversee the installation and instruction on proper usage of equipment B-8. Red Cross Society Medical Equipment Loan Service Depots are spread throughout BC see website for more details Toll Free: Phone: (Lower Mainland) WZ-LMR-MELS@redcross.ca Website: Overview: The Medical Equipment Loan Service provides short-term loans of basic medical equipment, by donation, to those recovering from surgery or injury, or living with mobility limitations. 8

9 Mobility equipment Bathroom aids Eligibility: see website for region specific information To apply: Referrals from a health care professional are required for most items. Please phone ahead to confirm availability of equipment and hours of operation. B-9. Red Cross Society Palliative Equipment Program Phone: Fax: lmr.mels@redcross.ca Website: Overview: The Red Cross Palliative Equipment Program operates in the municipalities of Richmond and Vancouver. In these areas, the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority has contracted with the Red Cross to provide equipment to palliative patients. Mobility equipment Bathroom aids Home safety equipment Eligibility: Clients can be referred to the palliative equipment program by nurses, occupational therapists, or physiotherapists working in community health centers or hospitals To apply: Completed application forms should be faxed to the Red Cross. Upon receipt of the forms, the Red Cross will contact the designated contact person to arrange a time for delivery. 9

10 C) Assistive Technology Programs C-1. Assistive Technology BC for education # West 75 th Ave. Vancouver, BC V6P 6G2 Website: Phone: TTY/fax: Overview: The program provides assistive technology to assist in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining employment. The loan of assistive technology for training/educational referrals is for the duration of a training plan that prepares the adult with a disability for employment. technology for the visually impaired communication devices hardware and peripherals access software Eligibility: Students must: be committed to taking training courses to prepare for employment successfully complete courses require assistive technology to eliminate barriers caused by disability To apply: A public post-secondary referral package (completed by a Disability Coordinator) for technology support includes: EPPD consent form Medical documentation that provides a diagnosis of a permanent disability and an impact on learning or working EPPD application form AT-BC Supplement form AT-BC Conditions of Loan form C-2. Assistive Technology BC for employment # West 75 th Ave. Vancouver, BC V6P 6G2 Website: Phone: TTY/fax: Overview: The loan of assistive technology for employment referrals is for 1 year for the purpose of assessing the appropriate equipment to complete job tasks. technology for the visually impaired communication devices hardware and peripherals access software 10

11 Eligibility: an employee who requires assistive technology to eliminate barriers caused by the disability to perform the duties of the job To apply: An EPPD Service Providers and Service Coordinators referral package for technology support includes: EPPD consent form Client Service Plan part 1 and part 2 Medical documentation Verification of enrollment for training plans AT-BC Conditions of Loan form EPPD Application form C-3. Canadian National Institute for the Blind # Joyce Street Phone: Vancouver, BC V5R 6B2 Fax: Website: For other regional offices: Overview: Assistive technology has helped increase the independence and quality of life for people with vision loss by removing barriers to education and employment. screen readers voice-activated software Braille displays Eligibility: People affected by vision loss who require assistive technology to work independently. To apply: Please contact CNIB in Your Community or call for product information, availability, consultation, and ordering. C-4. GF Strong Rehab Centre Assistive Technology & Seating Services 4255 Laurel Street Phone: Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9 Fax: Website: Overview: This service supports clinicians and rehabilitation professionals working with adults and adolescents with disabilities in the public health system of British Columbia and the Yukon. Support is provided in the form of consultation, assessment, evaluation, intervention, education, and equipment loans for assessment. Equipment loans are provided through the Equipment Evaluation Services, renting out assistive devices for short term assessments. 11

12 Augmentative and Alternative Communication Environmental Control Alternative Computer Input Devices & Ergonomics Eligibility: Access to services, such as consultations and equipment loans, are provided to clinicians and rehabilitation professionals only. To apply: Please have a rehabilitation professional or clinician contact GF Strong for access. C-5. Island Dear and Hard of Hearing Centre The Technical Aids Program # Fort Street (Victoria Office) Phone: Victoria, BC V8R 1H8 Toll-free: Fax: # Victoria Road (Nanaimo Office) Phone: Nanaimo, BC V9R 5N9 Toll-free: Fax: Website: Overview: The Technical Aids Program provides assistive listening devices for the deaf and hard of hearing. Amplifying systems for televisions and telephones Alerting systems for doorbells, alarm clocks, and telephones TTYs Eligibility: People affected by deafness or hard of hearing. To apply: Please contact one of the above offices and the staff will work with you to determine the appropriate device for your specific needs. C-6. Neil Squire Foundation Assistive Technology for Employment Centre Suite Boundary Rd. Phone: Burnaby, BC V5M 3Z3 Fax: info@neilsquire.ca Website: Overview: The Center enables people to evaluate a wide range of alternative computer input and output devices alternative computer input / output devices 12

13 assessment to determine the most effective assistive technology intervention equipment trial, evaluation and training Eligibility: The Centre was designed to assist individuals in the following groups: Repetitive strain injuries (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome) Orthopedic/neurological conditions affecting the function of upper extremities Auto-immune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis Cerebral palsy Spinal cord injury Vision impairments To apply: Fee-for-service applies to all interventions. Persons with disabilities may qualify for subsidy under the Disability Supports for Employment Fund. Contact us for more information C-7. N. Shore Disability Resource Centre Association Equipment Technician Services Program 3158 Mountain Highway, Phone/TTY: North Vancouver, BC V7K 2H5 Fax: Overview: The Equipment Technician Services Program provides technicians to work with therapists to custom design and adapt equipment for children and adults with disabilities in order to meet their needs. Adapted chairs Adapted cupboards and tables Adapted lifejackets Eligibility: Designed for people with disabilities who need someone to build or adapt a piece of equipment or furniture to help with a problem they may be having because of a disability. To apply: Referrals can be made directly to this program. Please contact Lee Anne Lambert at the above address for more information. C-8. Tetra Society Suite Granville Street Phone: Vancouver, BC V6H 3J9 Toll Free: Website: info@tetrasociety.org 13

14 Overview: The purpose of Tetra is to recruit skilled volunteer engineers and technicians to create assistive devices for people with disabilities. Communication devices Eating/drinking aids Home safety equipment Mobility equipment Recreational aids Vocational/educational aids Eligibility: Disabled person in need of unique assistive devices To apply: Complete the Request For Assistance Form ( Tetra's services are offered at no charge. Clients pay only for materials and the volunteer engineer s expenses. C-9. Voice of the Cerebral Palsied # East 8th Ave. Vancouver, BC V5T 1S9 Website: Phone: Fax: Overview: The organization is a self-help support society that represents people with cerebral palsy, providing services to assist people with CP in developing the skills and confidence to assume a productive and meaningful role in society. The Job Development Program provides consultative services in acquiring aids and equipment to improve the disabled employee(s) efficiency and ability to function. The Project Development Program gives the participants opportunities to design and develop aids and equipment which are not on the market. Eligibility: People with cerebral palsy. To Apply: Contact Yoshi Tanabe, Executive Director, at vcpgv@vcn.bc.ca C-10. Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Lend-an-ear Loaner Hearing Aid Program 2125 West 7 th Ave. Vancouver, BC V6K 1X9 info@widhh.com Website: Voice: TTY (TDD): Overview: The Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers the Lend-An- Ear Loaner Hearing Aid program. We provide a reconditioned hearing aid at a nominal cost to the individual. reconditioned hearing aids at a nominal cost to the individual 14

15 Eligibility: British Columbians on fixed incomes or pensions who are unable to afford the cost of a new hearing aid or don t have third party support. To apply: Contact the Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. 15

16 D) Equipment Classifieds and Registries D-1. BC Paraplegic Association 780 S.W. Marine Drive Phone: Vancouver, B.C. V6P 5Y7 Toll-free: Website: Fax: Overview: BCPA s information services include an online resource database, listing the most comprehensive and current information about SCI and other physical disabilities collected from communities throughout BC. Information about equipment loans, rentals, and suppliers are listed. Eligibility: Person with disability, a family member, or a health care provider. To apply: Visit BCPA s website, go to Programs and Services on the left column, scroll down to Information, and click on Online Resource Database. D-2. Canadian Disabled Individuals Association P.O. Box Granville St. Vancouver, BC V6P 5A2 Website: info@disabledindividuals.ca Phone: Fax: Overview: This not-for-profit organization provides a voice on behalf of all people with a disability and provides education to the public. CDIA also has disability classifieds for equipment, products and other services. Disability equipment, products and services available to the community Eligibility: Must be a member of CDIA to add a listing To apply: Visit the CDIA website at and search the listings. D-3. Disability Resource Centre Minoru Boulevard Phone: Richmond, BC V6X 2A9 Fax: richmonddrc@shaw.ca TTY: Website: 16

17 Overview: The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) provides relevant and referral services information to those with disabilities as well as the general public. The DRC has links to programs and organizations to help you find the equipment you are looking for. Mobility equipment Home safety equipment Voice recognition software Cars, Vans, & Vehicle Conversions Eligibility: Person with disability, a family member, or a health care provider. To apply: Visit the above link to access information. D-4. Family Caregivers Network Society 526 Michigan Street Phone: Victoria, BC V8V 1S2 Fax: fcns@telus.net Website: Overview: The Society informs, supports, and educates on issues of concern to family caregivers of adults in the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. Contact information for a variety of equipment loaning programs in the Capital Region. Eligibility: Person with disability or a family member. To apply: Visit the above link to access information. D-5. Regional Disabled Persons Association Used Equipment Registry Fraser Highway Phone: Langley, BC V3A 4G4 Fax: Website: rdpa@uniserve.com Overview: Our purpose is aimed at linking people who have equipment they wish to sell with people who wish to acquire rehabilitation equipment. Rehabilitation equipment available in registry Eligibility: Before placing a request for equipment, we recommend that you check with your doctor, nurse, occupational or physical therapist to ensure that you are indeed requesting suitable equipment. When contacting us to register a piece of equipment, 17

18 please provide as many details as possible. Things to consider include: Height, Width, Weight, Number of Wheels and any Special features. To apply: D-6. South Vancouver Seniors Network The Equipment Registry 6470 Victoria Dr. Vancouver, BC V5P 3X7 Website: Phone: Fax: Overview: The Equipment Registry is a referral service aimed at linking people who have used medical equipment they wish to buy or sell. The Registry lists a wide variety of equipment including: Mobility equipment Bathroom aids Home safety equipment Eligibility: Anyone who is in need of the services offered by the Registry may use it. To apply: Before placing a request for equipment, we recommend that you check with your doctor, nurse, occupational physical therapist, or health care providers to ensure you are requesting suitable equipment. Call the Equipment Registry between 10.00am and 3.00pm, Tuesdays through Fridays. There is also an answering service which receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Messages may be left at any time. When calling us to list equipment, please provide as many details as possible. Complete and send the registration forms online. 18

19 E) Technological Access Programs E-1. Disability Resource Centre Specialized Services and Projects Minoru Boulevard Phone: Richmond, BC V6X 2A9 Fax: TTY: Website: Overview: The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) is a program of the Richmond Committee on Disability (RCD). The DRC is an official Community Access Point, for general public to access computers and modern technology. Assistive technology of hardware and software to accommodate special needs of computer users Eligibility: Must be a member of the RCD/DRC to participate in activities. To apply: Advance booking is needed; call to book your computer station. 19