Funding Programs for MS

There are two direct service funding programs available to people with multiple sclerosis and their families. The monies are raised by local chapter volunteers and administered by the Ontario Division staff at the Toronto location.

The programs are in place to assist the person/family living with MS to purchase equipment and/or service(s) which will enable them to maintain OR regain a REALISTIC degree of independence and control over their life.

CRITERIA:

• Written confirmation of the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis Live within the chapter boundaries
• Health care professional assessment of the need 
• Completion the appropriate program application
• All other sources of funding have been researched
• Equipment and/or service is on approved list
• Available funds in the chapter budget
• Clients are encouraged to cost share

ITEMS CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING:

• Mobility devices
• Bathroom aids
• Transfer aids
• Hospital beds
• Incontinence/catheter supplies
• Air conditioning
• Hand controls
• Portable ramps

ITEMS NOT CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING:

• Drugs
• Treatments/therapy
• Home adaptions
• Food supplements
• Licensed vehicles, etc.

INVENTORY: Yes, there is existing inventory. However, the same eligibility criteria must be followed.

REPAIRS: We do consider funding of repairs to existing equipment. Please call to discuss your need.

NOTE: If you are a recipient of the Ontario Disability Support Program, you may be eligible for funding of mobility devices + repairs of devices; incontinence supplies, etc. Please check with your ODSP worker.

AFTER THE FACT FUNDING: Not usually but may be considered; please call to discuss your need.

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Consideration of funding for a service as opposed to a piece of equipment.

CRITERIA: Please see the criteria for funding of equipment.

SERVICES CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING:

• Attendant Care 
• Child Care
• Respite care
• Homemaking/house cleaning
• Transportation
• Snow removal/grass cutting

Maximum funding: $75 per month

EQUIPMENT PROGRAM CONTACT:
Helena Olenewa – 416-967-3020
OR helena.olenewa@mssociety.ca

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CONTACT:
Annette Mitchell – 416-922-6600 ext. 2319
OR annette.mitchell@mssociety.ca


Joanne Ticknor, Director, Client Services, Ontario Division
416-967-3021 or joanne.ticknor@mssociety.ca
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A recent article from the Toronto Star, "the ICE idea", is catching on and it is a very simple, yet important method of contact for you or a loved one in case of an emergency.

As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is program the number of a contact person or persons and store the name as "ICE".

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when they went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which numbers to call.

He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name to file "next of kin" under. Following a disaster in London, the East Anglican Ambulance Service has launched a national "In case of Emergency (ICE)" campaign. The idea is that you store the word "ICE " in your mobile phone address book, and with it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency ". In an emergency situation, Emergency Services personnel and hospital staff would then be able to quickly contact your next of kin, by simply dialing the number programmed under "ICE".