Funding
What’s the funding process?
Depending on your country of residence, you may be eligible to receive funding for an assistive technology device for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Various funding options may exist, including local AAC services and charitable organisations, however these vary from each country to city. Please contact your local Tobii Dynavox representative for more information.
How does it work?
Where funding is available, it is subject to a detailed needs assessment by a multidisciplinary team: occupational therapist, speech therapist, doctor, service provider, etc. It often starts with contacting a health center or clinic and then meeting with a prescriber. Sometimes a referral from a doctor is needed. Contact your therapist for more information and eligibility.
Assessments
Regardless of the funding source, a proper assessment will be required to determine the most suitable device. The assessment will be more successful with a chance to practice using an eye tracker first. This can be focused on something simple, such as cause-and-effect activities or games.
Crowdfunding or charity
There are crowdfunding and charity options such as starting your own fundraising campaign. This is what James did, shown in this video.
Buy by yourself
If funding is not available in your location, you can choose to purchase a solution yourself with the guidance of a local Tobii Dynavox reseller.
Funding resources by province & territory
This list of common funding sources is by no means exhaustive. If you know of other resources that may be helpful to share with our community, please feel free to let us know and we'll update the list.
Nationwide
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Non-Insured Health Benefits [NIHB]
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for a range of health benefits.
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March of Dimes Assistive Devices Program
March of Dimes Canada Assistive Devices Program helps adults with physical disabilities who are in financial need to purchase assistive devices that increase their mobility and functional independence. The Program can help to buy, repair and maintain a wide variety of mobility or assistive equipment. It may also have contact information or resources to assist you in locating additional funding sources.
Alberta
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Alberta Aids to Daily Living [AADL]
AADL helps Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic or terminal illness to pay for basic medical equipment and supplies.
British Columbia
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Special Education Technology of British Columbia [SET-BC]
SET-BC is a BC Ministry of Education Provincial Resource Program established to assist school districts in utilizing technology with students whose access to the curriculum is restricted.
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Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults [CAYA]
Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA) is a province-wide service program that supports adults aged 19 years and older who require an augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) system due to a severe communication disability, i.e. speech that is not functional for daily communication.
Manitoba
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Open Access Resource Centre [OARC]
The Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) is committed to improving the lives of Manitobans with speech challenges through the use of communication devices. With ongoing operational support from the Government of Manitoba, Department of Families OARC is able to help individuals receive long-term systems as well as providing the supports needed for successful implementation of a device as a communication tool.
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Deer Lodge Centre (DLC) as part of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority provides health services to adults with complex needs in the areas of Rehabilitation, Chronic Care, Dementia Care, Mental Health and Bariatrics.
Newfoundland and Labrador
See Nationwide resources above
Northwest Territories
See Nationwide resources above
Nova Scotia
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IWK Health Centre
The IWK Health Centre provides quality care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritime provinces and beyond.
Nunavut
See Nationwide resources above
Ontario
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Assistive Devices Program [ADP]
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) helps people with long-term physical disabilities pay for customized equipment, like wheelchairs and hearing aids.
Prince Edward Island
See Nationwide resources above
Quebec
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Programme ministériel des aides techniques à la communication [PMATCOM]
The “Programme ministériel des aides techniques à la communication” (PMATCOM ) is a program of the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHSS).
Saskatchewan
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SaskAbilities
SaskAbilities is a registered charity and operates under the authority of the Non-profit Corporations Act, 1995, of Saskatchewan. We are dedicated to providing programs and services to people experiencing disability in Saskatchewan.
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Angels & Friends Foundation
The Angels & Friends Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to supporting Saskatchewan children living with intellectual disabilities.
Yukon
See Nationwide resources above