Program to Help Children in Need of Wheelchairs

Help is on the way to assist Nova Scotia families with the cost of their children's wheelchairs.

Applications are now available for the children's wheelchair recycling demonstration project. The province is providing $500,000 and the program is being administered by the Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia.

"This program provides important support to help families cover the cost of wheelchairs, to meet the needs of their growing child," said David Morse, Minister of Community Services. "The Abilities Foundation is an experienced partner, and we appreciate their support in delivering this service."

The program provides wheelchairs to children 18 years of age and under who need a chair for the first time or who have outgrown their current chair. A steering committee of representatives from community organizations and the Department of Community Services will monitor the program and participate in its evaluation.

"We're pleased to help make this vital program available to families in Nova Scotia. From experience we know that covering the costs of a wheelchair can be very challenging," said Tom Merriam, president and CEO of the Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia. "We are heartened that the government of Nova Scotia has provided this funding and recognized this is an investment in the development and independence of young Nova Scotians."

Eligibility for the program and the amount of any possible family contribution are based on family income. Eligible children will be offered a wheelchair to meet their specific needs based on the assessment of an occupational therapist or other medical professional. In addition to new chairs purchased for the program, recycled wheelchairs will be offered to provide assistance to as many applicants as possible.

Applications and more information on the program are available from the Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia on the website at www.wheelchairrecyclingprogram.ca or by phone at 902-453-6000.