Canada Government Funding for Konnekt Videophone
These are the funding and subsidy options in Canada that we are aware of, to support the purchase/rental/use of the Konnekt products:
- HST Zero-rating on Disability Products: Pay zero PST and zero GST.
- Province-Based Funding Programs: Each province has unique Programs.
- Private health insurance, employer-sponsored or self-funded.
- Veterans Programs, for veterans and troops.
- Enabling Accessibility Fund, for employees with disabilities.
1. HST Zero-rating on Disability Products
Pay zero PST and zero GST. Save up to 15%.
Administered by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Covers Konnekt products designed specifically for people with disabilities including deafness and hearing loss, low vision, dexterity and mobility needs, and cognitive impairment such as dementia.
Eligibility
- You have a recognized disability such as deafness or dementia.
Process
- Ask a relevant health professional for a letter / email certifying that you have a disability and prescribing or ordering the device for your needs.
- Ask us to include a Konnekt letter verifying that our product is specifically designed for your disabilities and not general-purpose.
- If importing, ask us to use HS Tarriff Code 9979.00.00 and to include the above letters in the customs documentation.
2. Province-Based Disability Programs
Contact your local province or territory to ask about funding, subsidies and assistance programs for medical aids and appliances, assistive technologies, communication aids and telecommunications equipment, for people with disabilities:
Most provinces offer programs to help seniors and people with disabilities by providing services and financial support to purchase aids and appliances to assist with daily living. Examples:
- Alberta: Aids to Daily Living
- Ontario: Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
- Manitoba: Home Care Services and Disability & Health Support Programs
- Prince Edwards Island Supports for People with Disabilities
- Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living
- British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon: We will add links here to confirmed programs.
3. Private health insurance
Employer-sponsored or self-funded
Assistive Technology devices and services, including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, are covered by hundreds of commercial health insurers
Eligibility
- Check coverage and criteria with your insurance company
Process
- You will likely need a health professional to
- evaluate your need;
- prescribe your device and any supporting services; and
- prepare a letter of medical necessity
4. Veterans Programs
For veterans and troops
- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Programs of Choice covers special equipment (POC 13), Audio / hearing services (POC 3), and aids for daily living (POC 1). Coverage may require a prescription from a VAC-approved health professional.
- Support Our Troops Assistive Equipment Grants aid recovery and rehabilitation for ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members.
- Provincial Programs: If the technology is not directly related to a service-related condition, veterans may need to first apply for provincial funding (e.g., Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program or Alberta’s Aids to Daily Living).
- Medavie Blue Cross manages VAC health insurance, including coverage for, or reimbursement of, eligible devices.
Eligibility
- You are a veteran or active member of the Armed Forces
- Your disabilities make phone communication difficult
- Each program has its own criteria
Process
- Visit the links above, or
- Contact VAC or your local Province government agency to discuss your need for a Konnekt Videophone
5. Enabling Accessibility Fund
For employees with disabilities
The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) provides funding for projects that make workplaces and communities across Canada more accessible for persons with disabilities.
By improving the accessibility and safety of workplaces, the program supports the long-term employment and advancement of persons with disabilities.
Eligibility
Read the full eligibility conditions. Your Videophone and accessories must either:
- Eliminate technology-related accessibility barriers in workplaces where persons with disabilities are currently employed across Canada; or
- Remove accessibility barriers for persons with disabilities in Indigenous workplaces or Indigenous communities.
Process
- Prepare your documents and follow the process on this page.
Contact one of Konnekt’s sales and support partners to discuss Canada government funding, or to get help with your application.
Outside Canada: Contact your local Konnekt partner to find out about government funding availability in your country.