Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The Individual Grant Program helps people with physical disabilities access essential mobility and assistive devices that support independent living and improve everyday functioning. The program focuses on reducing financial barriers for individuals who need specialized equipment but cannot afford it independently or secure funding elsewhere.
The funding may support both new and used equipment that enhances mobility, accessibility, communication, rehabilitation, or personal independence.
What Is the Individual Grant Program?
The Individual Grant Program is a disability assistance funding initiative that provides financial support for mobility aids, adaptive devices, rehabilitation tools, and assistive technology.
The program aims to:
- Improve mobility and accessibility
- Increase personal independence
- Enhance quality of life
- Support participation in daily activities
- Reduce physical barriers for individuals with disabilities
Funding is intended for equipment that creates meaningful and long-term improvements in daily living.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants may qualify if they:
- Have a diagnosed physical disability
- Demonstrate financial need
- Cannot access sufficient alternative funding
- Require equipment that supports mobility or independence
- Submit required professional assessments and supporting documents
Eligible physical disabilities include:
- Spinal cord injury
- Acquired brain injury
- Stroke
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Spina bifida
- Multiple sclerosis
- Polio
- Amputation
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Parkinson’s disease
Equipment and Devices Covered
The program may fund a wide range of mobility and assistive equipment designed to improve independence and accessibility.
Frequently funded items include:
- Power wheelchairs
- Manual wheelchairs
- Scooters
- Walkers
- Portable lift systems
- Ramps
- Specialized wheelchair seating systems
- Custom orthotics
- Driver rehabilitation lessons
- Recreation therapy opportunities
- Assistive technology devices
- Dragon speaking software
Both new and used equipment may be eligible for funding if it supports long-term mobility and daily functioning.
Funding Limits and Restrictions
Certain categories of equipment have maximum funding limits:
- Back-up wheelchairs: up to $2,500
- Scooters: up to $1,000
- Lift chairs: up to $1,000
The program generally does not fund:
- Duplicate equipment already owned
- Additional equipment unless it is an approved back-up wheelchair
- Orthotics cost differences for Ministry-funded clients who already qualify for full coverage
- Applications supported only by doctor’s notes
Applicants who do not qualify for Ministry orthotics coverage may still be considered if proper Physiotherapist justification is provided.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must provide professional documentation and supporting materials as part of the application process.
Accepted assessments must be completed by:
- Occupational Therapists (OTs)
- Physiotherapists (PTs)
Doctor’s notes alone are not accepted.
Additional supporting documents may include:
- Equipment quotes or estimates
- Financial information
- Proof of disability
- Details about alternative funding attempts
- Explanation of how the equipment will improve independence and daily life
How Applications Are Evaluated
Applications are assessed using several important criteria.
Key evaluation factors include:
- Financial circumstances and demonstrated need
- Type and severity of disability
- Long-term benefit of the requested equipment
- Impact on mobility, safety, and independence
- Exploration of alternative funding sources
- Durability and longevity of equipment
- Completeness of supporting documentation
Applicants should clearly explain how the requested equipment will improve daily living and personal independence.
How to Apply
The application process typically involves several steps:
- Identify the mobility or assistive equipment needed
- Schedule an assessment with an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist
- Obtain detailed equipment quotes
- Explore government, insurance, charity, or community funding options
- Complete the application form with accurate financial and medical information
- Submit all required supporting documents before deadlines
Applicants should ensure that all information is complete and clearly explains the necessity of the equipment.
Guidance for Families Applying for Children
Families applying for children under 18 are encouraged to first explore:
- Children’s charities
- Pediatric disability funding programs
- Community support organizations
Demonstrating efforts to secure alternative funding may strengthen the application.
Why This Program Matters
Mobility and assistive equipment can be expensive and are often not fully covered by insurance or government programs. Many individuals with physical disabilities face financial barriers when trying to access devices that are essential for everyday life.
This program helps:
- Improve independence
- Increase accessibility
- Enhance safety and mobility
- Support community participation
- Reduce physical limitations
- Improve overall quality of life
Access to proper assistive equipment can significantly impact an individual’s ability to work, study, travel, and participate fully in society.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Common reasons applications may be delayed or rejected include:
- Submitting only a doctor’s note instead of OT/PT assessments
- Missing equipment quotes or financial documents
- Failing to explain the daily impact of the disability
- Not exploring alternative funding sources
- Applying for duplicate equipment already owned
- Providing incomplete documentation
Applicants should carefully review all requirements before submission.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve the chances of approval:
- Provide detailed OT or PT assessments
- Clearly explain mobility challenges and daily limitations
- Include accurate financial information
- Submit complete supporting documents
- Demonstrate long-term benefits of the equipment
- Show attempts to secure alternative funding
Strong applications clearly connect the requested equipment to improved independence and quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the Individual Grant Program?
Individuals with eligible physical disabilities who demonstrate financial need and require assistive or mobility equipment may apply.
What assessments are accepted?
Only assessments completed by Occupational Therapists (OTs) or Physiotherapists (PTs) are accepted.
Does the program fund used equipment?
Yes. Both new and used equipment may be considered if the equipment improves mobility and independence.
What is the scooter funding limit?
Scooter funding is limited to a maximum of $1,000.
Can applicants request funding for equipment they already own?
Generally no. The program does not usually fund duplicate equipment except for approved back-up wheelchairs.
Are children eligible for support?
Yes. Families applying for children under 18 are encouraged to first explore children’s charity funding opportunities.
What makes an application stronger?
Applications are stronger when they include:
- Clear financial need
- Detailed OT/PT assessments
- Complete documentation
- Long-term benefit explanations
- Evidence of alternative funding exploration
Conclusion
The Individual Grant Program provides important financial support for individuals with physical disabilities who need mobility and assistive equipment to improve independence and daily living. By funding devices such as wheelchairs, ramps, orthotics, scooters, and assistive technology, the program helps reduce accessibility barriers and enhance quality of life.
Applicants who provide complete documentation, demonstrate financial need, and clearly explain the long-term impact of the requested equipment are more likely to submit a successful application.
For more information, visit BC Rehab Foundation.
