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Financial Assistance and Disability Grants

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22 Aug

Living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) in Canada often brings significant extra costs—specialized wheelchairs, home accessibility renovations, adaptive vehicles, education, or daily living support. Thankfully, several disability grants, funding programs, and financial assistance options are available across the country. Below is a clear guide to some of the most valuable resources.

RAMQ Program for Assistive Devices for Physical Disabilities

In Quebec, the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) covers the purchase, replacement, or repair of a wide range of assistive devices — including orthoses, prostheses, walking aids (canes, crutches), mobility aids (manual or power wheelchairs), and posture or standing equipment.

To qualify, you must be a Quebec resident insured under RAMQ and meet certain conditions, such as having a prescription or undergoing an assessment by a qualified professional. For example, a medical order is required if the diagnosis is not already listed in your medical file or if the maximum usage duration of a device has been exceeded. Devices and repairs can be obtained through approved hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private clinics

Fonds 33 – MÉMO-Québec

For Quebec residents with a spinal cord injury, Fonds 33 provides one-time grants between $150 and $5,500. Funding can be used for assistive devices, home or vehicle modifications, education costs, health services, and social participation. Applications usually open in the fall, with approvals announced in the spring.

High Fives Foundation

The High Fives Foundation is a U.S.-based organization that also supports Canadians. It offers rehabilitation funding, adaptive sports equipment, and recovery programs for individuals injured in mountain sports or veterans pursuing adaptive sports.

Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

Spinal Cord Injury Canada (SCI Canada) coordinates several scholarships for post-secondary students:

  • Copnick–Hilliard Scholarship – $1,500

  • Sun Life Peer Support Scholarship – $1,500

  • Kirby Rowe Scholarship – $1,000

  • Thomas O. Parker Scholarship – $1,500

Other regional bursaries (such as the Lisa Huus Memorial and Donald E. Curran Scholarship) offer $500–$5,000 to help students with disabilities pursue higher education.

Federal Disability Funding Programs

Canada offers multiple nationwide supports for people with disabilities:

Provincial Disability Grants and Programs

Each province has its own income support and funding opportunities:

Equipment and Technology Support

Nonprofits and community-based programs can help cover the cost of adaptive technology and mobility aids:

Community Fundraising Options

Even with grants and government support, some expenses may not be fully covered. Many Canadians turn to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to raise money for accessibility renovations, specialized wheelchairs, adaptive vehicles, or therapy costs. A well-organized campaign can help cover the gap and bring friends, family, and the community together in support.

If you or someone you know is living with a disability, explore these spinal cord injury funding programs and consider combining official grants with community fundraising—these supports can make a life-changing difference.

Please do not hesitate to contact us or give our coordinates to your occupational therapist or health professional, we also deal directly with your insurance provider directly if need be.

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