Assistive Devices
The Easter Seals Nova Scotia Wheelchair Recycling Program and Assistive Devices Program helps provide applicants with a wide variety of equipment such as wheelchairs and seating inserts, walkers, home safety equipment, communication devices for children, and various orthotic/orthopaedic devices.
Wheelchair Recycling Program
In partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services, uninsured Nova Scotians aged 64 years or younger who meet the program criteria may obtain a wheelchair based on a medial prescription from a health care professional.
Program Criteria
- An applicant provides a health care professional’s prescription for a manual or power wheelchair or cushion.
- The applicant is under 65 years of age.
- The applicant is a permanent resident of Nova Scotia and holds a valid Nova Scotia Health Insurance card.
- The net family income falls within program guidelines. See Eligibility and Co-pay Schedule attachments to application form to determine eligibility. In some cases, a co-payment may be required by the applicant as outlined in the Schedule.
- The applicant must be ineligible for any insurance coverage* pertaining to the cost of the wheelchair. See Insurance Exclusion Clause Exemption of March/09 attached to the application form.
- The applicant agrees to the terms and conditions of the program.
- The applicant agrees to return the wheelchair when it is no longer needed.
- The applicant agrees to respond in a timely fashion to inquiries regarding the location and condition of the wheelchair along with any other identifying factors.
- The applicant can only qualify to apply to this program for a wheelchair and/or seating once every 3 years if the applicant is 18 years or under, and once every 5 years for individuals aged 19-64 years.
How To Apply
You may apply directly to Easter Seals Nova Scotia. An application form can be mailed to you at home or may be downloaded. It can also be requested by email, telephone, or fax.
Current Wheelchair Recycling Application Form.doc
Current Wheelchair Recycling Application Form.pdf
Wheelchair Repair Application for Community Services Clients.pdf
Contact Tamara Purcell, Wheelchair Program Assistant at (902) 453-6000, ext. 229 /Toll free at 1-866-554-4527 or email: wheelchairs@easterseals.ns.ca
Return completed form to:
Easter Seals Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Wheelchair Recycling Program
3670 Kempt Road
Halifax NS B3K 4X8
Tel: (902) 453-6000, ext. 229
Or toll free at 1-866-554-4527
Fax: (902) 454-6121
Email: wheelchairs@easterseals.ns.ca
Wheelchair Recycling FAQS
Q: Who will be eligible?
A: All permanent residents of Nova Scotia who have a medical prescription for a manual or powered wheelchair are eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- the applicant is under the age of 65 years upon the date of application
- the net family income falls within the program guidelines
- the applicant is not covered by other programs such as private Insurance, Workers Compensation, etc.
Note: See Insurance Exclusion Clause Exemption of March/09 attached to the Application Form. - the applicant agrees to the terms and conditions of the program
Q: Why isn’t this a Universal Program that meets the needs of all Nova Scotians?
A: Many other groups and agencies such as insurance companies already provide funding for wheelchairs to individuals. This program is not meant to replace existing programs but rather to ensure that those individuals who are in greatest need and are not eligible for these other programs will be able to get a wheelchair.
Q: Why are Seniors not eligible for this program?
A: It is the Government’s desire to invest in the health and welfare of Nova Scotia’s families by providing programs that assist with access to wheelchairs. We are building upon the success of the Nova Scotia Wheelchair Recycling program for individuals up to the age of 65 years. Resources are limited but the next logical step would be for those individuals who are 65 years and over.
Q: Will the program pay for scooters?
A: The program covers only manual and power wheelchairs.
Q: Who will own the wheelchair?
A: Ownership of the wheelchair is maintained by the program administrator – Easter Seals Nova Scotia.
Q: Who is responsible for annual maintenance costs?
A: Each applicant is responsible for annual maintenance and general repairs. If the maintenance or repairs are not covered by manufacturer’s warranty, then each applicant is eligible for up to $200 annually for maintenance of manual wheelchairs, and up to $500 for annual maintenance costs of power wheelchairs. Receipts must be provided for maintenance and repairs in order to receive the yearly maintenance supplement.
Q: How long can I keep the wheelchair?
A: You can keep the wheelchair as long as it is needed and is serviceable. A prescription from a Registered Occupational Therapist is required for consideration of a replacement chair.
Q: What happens to the wheelchair when I turn 65?
A: The chair remains in your possession as long as it meets your needs.
Q: What if I own a wheelchair that is no longer adequate for my needs?
A: If you had previously purchased the wheelchair, you may donate it to the Easter Seals Nova Scotia for entry into the recycling program.
Q: Can I select the style of chair?
A: No. You must accept the wheelchair that is prescribed by your Occupational Therapist.
Q: Must I accept a recycled chair?
A: If it is determined that a recycled wheelchair is available and can be adapted to suit your needs, that recycled wheelchair will be provided by the program.
Q: Does Easter Seals Nova Scotia provide the technical expertise to select a wheelchair suitable for me?
A: No. The selection of the wheelchair will be based on the prescription of a Registered Occupational Therapist.
Q: Will Easter Seals Nova Scotia keep in contact with me to ensure the wheelchair is still meeting my needs?
A: You are responsible for ensuring the wheelchair suits your needs on an on-going basis.
Q: Why is Easter Seals Nova Scotia administering this program?
A: Easter Seals Nova Scotia has been helping individuals with disabilities since 1931. It successfully administers the Nova Scotia Wheelchair Recycling Program and operates its own Assistive Devices program for Nova Scotians with physical disabilities. It was felt this experience, capability and reputation provided the qualifications essential for this program and, accordingly Easter Seals Nova Scotia was chosen as the project administrator.
Q: Is Easter Seals Nova Scotia currently accepting donations of used wheelchairs from service clubs and the public for the Adult Wheelchair Recycling Project?
A: Yes. Easter Seals Nova Scotia is also requesting that wheelchair equipment vendors identify the availability of suitable quality used equipment satisfactory to meet the needs of each applicant’s prescription. Where available, these chairs will be reconditioned and provided to applicants.
Assistive Devices and Donated Equipment Program
The Assistive Devices program assists in the purchase of medical equipment for individuals who may otherwise be unable to financially obtain needed equipment. There is no age restriction.
Funded by Easter Seals Nova Scotia, this program is designed to fill a growing need for medical devices by Nova Scotians with permanent physical disabilities. In conjunction with various community partners, financial assistance is provided to qualifying Nova Scotians with a physical disability to assist in obtaining necessary medical devices. We offer financial assistance towards devices such as walkers, orthotics, wheelchairs and a variety of other needed equipment based on a health care professional prescription. The amount of assistance given to an individual is based on need and the amount of funding available. Funds are raised through mail campaigns and event fundraisers, as well as contributions from various community partners.
The Assistive Devices program also has a small supply of equipment available for short and long-term loan, based on a prescription by an Occupational Therapist. We receive donations of medical equipment from the general public and once we ensure the equipment is in working order, that equipment is made available for loan. A tax receipt can be made available to the donor for the assessed value of the equipment, should one be desired.
Occupational Therapists may access a current Donated Equipment List here.
Who is Eligible?
Any Nova Scotian who has a permanent physical disability. Assistance for communication devices is available to children (under 18) only.
How to Apply
To apply for the Assistive Devices Program, download the following form and send to Easter Seals Nova Scotia c/o Faye Joudrey at f.joudrey@easterseals.ns.ca or 3670 Kempt Road, Halifax NS B3K 4X8.
Assistive Devices Program Application.pdf
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