$500,000 for Children's Wheelchair Project

A new pilot program will help ensure children with disabilities have wheelchairs to fit their growing needs.

Community Services Minister David Morse announced today, March 22, $500,000 in funding for the Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia to implement a new wheelchair recycling program for people under the age of 18.

"This program will help children with disabilities receive the equipment they need to be mobile and participate in activities," said Mr. Morse. "We have been able to draw on the expertise of a number of community partners in developing the program, and now we look to the leadership and experience of the Abilities Foundation to put the plan into action."

The wheelchair recycling program was developed under the guidance of an advisory committee that includes the Abilities Foundation, Canadian Paraplegic Association, Nova Scotia League of Equal Opportunities, IWK Health Centre, Muscular Dystrophy Society and the Disabled Persons Commission. A steering committee of representatives from community organizations and the Department of Community Services will monitor the program and participate in its evaluation.

"This is an exciting project which will benefit Nova Scotia children and families," said Tom Merriam, president and CEO of the Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia. "Children's wheelchairs require replacement every three to five years. This important new program will do a great deal to ease the financial burden and help families offset the cost of providing this necessary equipment."

The wheelchairs will be owned by the recycling program. User eligibility and possible family contribution will be based on family income. Eligible children will be offered a wheelchair to meet their specific needs. When they outgrow that chair, they will return it and receive another, more suitable chair from the program.

The program is expected to begin later this spring and applications will be available from the Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia.