Finding financial help for essential equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, or hearing aids is a common need. In Canada, this support comes from a patchwork of provincial, territorial, and charitable programs—not one national system. This guide breaks down the key government programs and community resources available in every region to help you navigate and find the support you need.
For additional support, explore federal income benefits and national charitable organizations that can help cover gaps or provide custom solutions. Be sure to apply early, as processes take time and significantly more options exist for children under 18.
Provincial & Territorial Programs
Please click on a province or territory for more information.
Canadian Provinces
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
Canadian Territories:
A Vital National Program: Jordan’s Principle
Jordan’s Principle is a significant legal and moral commitment in Canada. Its core purpose is to ensure First Nations children receive the government-funded products, services, and supports they need without delay, preventing them from being caught in disputes over which government level (federal or provincial) should pay.
- What it is: A child-first principle ensuring First Nations children can access needed products, services, and supports without delay.
- How to get help: Contact the Jordan’s Principle Call Centre 24/7 at 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453)
Learn More About Jordan’s Principle
Federal Financial Programs & National Support Organizations
This section covers essential financial support from the Government of Canada.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit for individuals with a severe and prolonged impairment. Eligibility for the DTC is the primary gateway to accessing the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the Child Disability Benefit, and other supports.
Website: Canada Revenue Agency – DTC
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefit
This is a monthly, taxable benefit for individuals under 65 who have made sufficient contributions to the CPP and have a severe and prolonged disability that prevents regular work.
Website: Service Canada – CPP Disability Benefit
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
The RDSP is a long-term savings plan to help individuals with disabilities and their families save for the future, with the government contributing through matching grants and bonds.
Website: Employment and Social Development Canada – RDSP
Canada Disability Benefit
The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a new federal income supplement designed to reduce poverty and support the financial security of working-age Canadians with disabilities.
Website: Canada Disability Benefit
Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities
This government program funds projects to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment or self-employment.
Website: Employment and Social Development Canada – Opportunities Fund
National Charitable & Service Organizations
These organizations operate across Canada, providing assistance that complements government programs.
Rick Hansen Foundation
Established in 1988, this foundation works to create a world without barriers through its building Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) program and School Program that educates youth on inclusion.
Website: Rick Hansen Foundation
March of Dimes Canada
This organization provides programs like the Home and Vehicle Modification Program, which offers funding to help eligible children and adults with mobility restrictions modify their homes or vehicles.
Website: March of Dimes Canada
Easter Seals Canada
Its provincial societies offer programs which can include financial assistance for essential mobility and assistive technology, and accessible camps and recreational programs for children and youth.
Website: Easter Seals Canada
Neil Squire Society
This national nonprofit empowers Canadians with physical disabilities through technology, focusing on employment, digital literacy, and assistive technology.
Website: Neil Squire Society
Tetra Society of North America
A unique charity that connects volunteers with individuals to design and build custom, one-of-a-kind assistive devices that solve specific problems.
Website: Tetra Society of North America
Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW)
A national charity focused exclusively on employment for people with disabilities, connecting job seekers with employers and promoting inclusive hiring.
Website: Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work
Disability Benefits Navigation Services
The Government of Canada funds these organizations to provide free, one-on-one help for individuals navigating complex federal and provincial benefits.
Disability Alliance Canada (DAC)
DAC is a cross-disability non-profit that provides free support to help individuals navigate federal disability benefits like the CPP-D and the DTC.
Website: Disability Alliance Canada
Plan Institute
Plan Institute operates a national, multilingual helpline for benefits navigation support in English, French, or other languages.
Website: Plan Institute
Inclusion Canada
A national federation that connects individuals to services including peer support, legal services, and benefits navigation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Website: Inclusion Canada
Indigenous Disability Canada (IDC) / BCANDS
This organization provides culturally appropriate benefits navigation services with a focus on Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Website: Indigenous Disability Canada
Canadian Association of the Deaf
This national organization provides benefits navigation services in English and French to help Deaf individuals access programs like the Disability Tax Credit.
Website: Canadian Association of the Deaf
Mood Disorders Society of Canada
They offer a national benefits navigation service for individuals living with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and other related mental health conditions.
Website: Mood Disorders Society of Canada
Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada
This organization provides benefits navigation support specifically for people who are blind or have sight loss.
Website: Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada
Condition & Disability Specific National Organizations
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Muscular Dystrophy Canada supports people living with neuromuscular disorders by providing education, funding for equipment, and access to specialized clinics across the country.
Website: Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Defeat Duchenne Canada
Defeat Duchenne Canada is the country’s only national charity dedicated exclusively to ending Duchenne muscular dystrophy, focusing on research, advocacy, and family support.
Website: Defeat Duchenne Canada
Cerebral Palsy Canada Network
This network works to enhance the well-being of people with cerebral palsy and their families by providing credible information on research and services.
Website: Cerebral Palsy Canada Network
CP Support Canada
CP Support Canada provides reliable medical and legal information to parents of children with cerebral palsy and builds peer support networks for families.
Website: CP Support Canada
Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Canada (SBHAC)
SBHAC is a national federation working on behalf of people with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus and their families, offering programs like a national bursary and funding research.
Website: Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Canada
Brain Injury Canada
Brain Injury Canada is a national charitable organization focused on education, awareness, and advocacy for the brain injury community.
Website: Brain Injury Canada
Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
CNIB offers programs, products, and advocacy for people who are blind or have sight loss, including rehabilitation training and accessible technology.
Website: Canadian National Institute for the Blind
General National Disability Advocacy Organizations
Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD)
CCD is a national human rights organization of people with disabilities working for an accessible and inclusive Canada through advocacy and public education.
Website: Council of Canadians with Disabilities
Final Tip
Combine resources. It’s common to use a portion of government funding alongside a charitable grant or a low-interest loan to cover the full cost of a needed device. Also reach out to specific disability organizations depending on your disability, for example: the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the Cerebral Palsy Canada Network
Did We Miss Something?
Did we miss a national organization or a company in Canada that you think should be on this list? If so, contact us.