What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology is specialized equipment or devices that can help people with disabilities with their daily activities in:
- communication
- self-care
- mobility
- hearing
- vision
- environmental control
Assistive technology includes items that are purchased, hand-made or customized
The following chart shows examples of assistive technology
| Type of Assistive Technology | Examples |
|---|---|
| Communication |
|
| Self-care (ex: dressing, bathing, cooking, eating) |
|
| Mobility |
|
| Hearing |
|
| Vision |
|
| Environmental Control |
|
Where can I get information and access to specialized equipment for people with disabilities?
Therapists will have information about where you can borrow, rent or buy specialized equipment, as well as programs that can help with the equipment. Occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists and audiologists work in clinics, hospitals, community-based agencies and private practice. They can assess you and identify equipment that can help with daily activities.
Agencies and organizations that serve specific disability groups also provide information about equipment. These include, but are not limited to:
-
Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD)
www.smd.mb.ca/assistive_technology_support_program_and_funding_guide.aspx -
Open Access Resource Centre
www.oarc.ca/ -
Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
www.cnib.ca/en/services/products/Default.aspx -
Canadian Parapalegic Association (CPA)
www.canparaplegic.org/en/Assistive_Equipment_90.html -
Assistive Technology Products and Services (ATPS) of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA)
www.hsc.mb.ca/re/EMAT.htm (Health Sciences Centre)
www.deerlodge.mb.ca/pdf/ATPSBrochure.pdf (Deer Lodge Centre) -
Rehabilitation Centre for Children (RCC)
www.rccinc.ca/
Who pays for assistive technology?
There are many ways that assistive technology is funded, depending on each person's situation.
-
Provincial programs – The Government of Manitoba offers programs that include
funding to rent or purchase specialized equipment. If you are eligible, you may
receive funding for assistive technology.
- Children’s disABILITY Services – Children’s disABILITY Services may provide funding for certain equipment to assist with a child's disability-related needs.
- marketAbilities Program – The marketAbilities program offers services to help eligible adults prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. The program may provide funding for technical aids, devices, or adaptive equipment required to assist in removing a disability-related barrier to training and/or employment.
- Employment and Income Assistance – The Employment and Income Assistance Program may provide funding for basic and essential medical equipment and supplies for people who are not covered by the Manitoba Home Care Program or any other plan.
- Regional Health Authorities – The Manitoba Home Care Program offered through the Regional Health Authorities may provide help with equipment for people living in their home. For people living in rural or northern communities, your Regional Health Authority is a good source of information about equipment and programs that can help you.
- Private insurance – You may have an insurance plan through your workplace that covers expenses for items such as hearing aids, glasses, orthotics, prosthetics or other supportive items. Since organizations with group insurance negotiate what will be included in the plan, the items that are covered vary across workplaces and over time.
- Employers – In some situations, employers may buy assistive technology that is required for a person with a disability to fulfill a job function. This device would be used in the workplace and owned by the organization. For more information on accommodations in the workplace, please see Human Rights and Reasonable Accommodations section.
- Community and Non-profit organizations – You can contact community organizations that may provide funding for assistive technology.