There is no guarantee for funding upon application to HVMP. Funding will depend on the dollars available and eligibility of the request. Applications will be prioritized based on the assessed needs of the applicant.
Please also note that the Program will not approve reimbursement of any cost for modifications, adaptations, and devices prior to authorization from the program.
Available Applications
There are three applications available depending on your type of request.
A detailed description of each application type has been provided below:
1. Home Adaptations and Devices
Assistive Devices
The Home and Vehicle Modification Program will consider the following device types:
- Devices to support basic Activities of Daily Living (bathing, toileting, transferring) relating to mobility
- Floor Patient Lifts
- Environmental controls i.e., operate appliances; switch lights and computers on or off; facilitate the use of a telephone; or to open, close and lock doors
- Repairs to electrical or battery-operated equipment that are not covered by warranty
Required Documents:
- A signed application
- Proof of income
- Occupational Therapist Letter of Assessment
or Verification of Disability
- Price quote
Please do not send original documentation as documents cannot be returned and remove / black out Social Insurance Numbers (S.I.N.) from all submitted documentation.
Home Adaptations
The Home and Vehicle Modification Program will consider the following adaptations:
- Modular ramps
- Construction of a ramp will only be considered when all other attempts to use a modular ramp have been made and documented by an Occupational Therapist.
- Vertical platform lifts
- Not applicable in rental situations
- Stairlifts
- Ceiling track lifts
- Tub cut-out
Ineligible Assistive Device and Adaptation Requests
The Program is
not able to consider:
- Concrete ramps
- Hospital beds
- Suction grab bars
- Restocking fees and return fees
- Self-install stairlifts
- Walk-in tub/shower
- Vertical platform lifts in rental situations
- Therapeutic or supportive care-related items such as whirlpool baths, swimming pools, exercise bikes, wheelchairs, walkers, respiratory equipment and dialysis equipment will not be provided by this program
- Deck that is not an integral part of an access ramp or lift
- Household appliances (refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, etc.)
2. Home Modification (Construction) Projects
Please note that equipment is often the most basic and essential solution to removing barriers. Construction projects will only be considered as a last resort and must be recommended by an Occupational Therapist (OT). In order for a construction project to be reviewed for eligibility, an OT must detail basic and essential equipment that has been trialed and explain why it was not suitable.
During construction, if any issues arise such as but not limited to water damage, mold, mildew, termites, items not to provincial code or safety standards, any electrical or plumbing issues those are the responsibility of the homeowner, not March of Dimes Canada.
The attached resource document can help you in planning your project with your contractor:
Home Modification (Construction) Projects:
- Widening of doors and/or replacement of conventional doors by sliding or folding doors
- Kitchen adaptations
- i.e.: rearrangement and lowering or raising of kitchen equipment and cupboards
- Wet room with universal design principles instead of conventional bathing/toileting designs.
- i.e., zero-threshold shower, door widening, waterproof shower panels, grab bars, handheld shower on a slide bar, anti-slip flooring, wheelchair accessible sink, accessible toilet
- Requests for bathroom modifications which are not directly related to accessibility and removal of barriers will not be funded by the program and will be the applicant's responsibility.
- Please be advised, when a bathroom modification is required, but the bathroom structure cannot accommodate a zero-threshold (i.e. no step) shower, the Program would only consider funding transferable equipment (e.g. a portable roll-in shower) as recommended by an Occupational Therapist.
Ineligible Construction Requests
The Program is
not able to consider:
- The purchase of a home
- Construction projects for newly built homes
- Cosmetic improvements, upgrades or repairs to the home
- The construction of additional rooms
- A second accessible exit (not required by the Ontario Building Code)
- Suction grab bars
- Walk-in tubs
- Step-in / walk-in shower
- Restocking fees and return fees
3. Vehicle Modifications, Adaptations and Devices
The Home and Vehicle Modification Program is able to consider the following modifications, adaptations and devices:
- Transferable equipment such as hand controls, foot controls, lifts, safety devices etc. These should be fully convertible, if possible, to any type of vehicle so that they can be transferred when the applicant changes vehicles
- Specialized seating and related accessories required for transportation purposes
- Remote control devices to open garage doors for persons who use wheelchairs, scooters, or who walk with difficulty
- Raising the roof of a vehicle
- Lowering of the floor of a vehicle
- Barrier-free modifications to garages or carports
- Further vehicle modifications required to meet the child's changing needs
- Repairs to electrical or battery-operated modifications that are not covered by warranty
Please note: Applicants looking to request funding for adaptive driving devices must
already have completed the assessment and evaluation with a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS).
Ineligible Vehicle Requests
The program is
unable to consider the purchase of a new vehicle, vehicle upgrades or repairs.
We understand each person's situation is unique, if you have question about your request, please call us at 1-877-369-4867 before you apply.
