By: Gabriella Rabaa
In November, the Province of Ontario announced changes to the Ministry of Health’s Accessible Devices Program (ADP) that will make it easier for those with sight loss to access white canes. This was achieved due to the tireless advocacy of the Visual Aids Working Group, which is made up of blindness organizations and allies working alongside the Ministry of Health to improve ADP.
The proposed changes, introduced as part of the Cutting Red Tape, Building Ontario Act, would increase coverage to 100 per cent of the canes cost and tips for all eligible recipients. The proposal would also reduce administrative burdens by requiring people accessing the program to re-authorize their eligibility on a five-year basis instead of annually.
Currently, Ontario’s ADP covers 100 per cent of the cost of a white cane but only for recipients of certain types of social assistance. For other eligible recipients, ADP will only cover up to 75 per cent of the cost of a white cane and does not include replacement tips.
Access to assistive devices, like white canes, is instrumental to ensuring the independence and inclusion of Ontarians who are blind or have low vision. CNIB welcomes the changes the Government of Ontario has made to the program, and we look forward to continuing to work together with our partners in the Visual Aids Working Group to advocate for improvements to ADP.
If you’re interested in accessing a white cane or other assistive device through the ADP, visit the ADP Visual Aids webpage to learn more!