Independent Living - Aids and Equipment

The State Government of Victoria funds the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (A&EP), formerly known as the Program of Aids for Disabled People or PADP. This program provides subsidies for equipment and home modifications for people with disabilities, the frail aged and those with chronic illnesses, to help them live as independently as possible in the community. Similar programs exist in all Australian States and territories.

People may need aids or equipment for many reasons

People with disabilities may need assistance with:

• Walking and moving about.
• Personal care, including showering and going to the toilet.
• Managing daily living activities for themselves.

A variety of aids and equipment may be provided

The Aids and Equipment Program may be able to subsidise the purchase of:

• Wheelchairs, both manual and electric.
• Walking frames and other aids to help you move about.
• Ramps for walking and wheelchair access.
• Equipment, such as shower chairs and home hoists.
• Equipment for people with bowel or bladder control problems (such as reusable pants and pads).
• Home modifications that do not require structural changes to the home.
• Splints and braces.
• Breast prostheses.
• Wigs.
• Electronic communications aids.
• Home oxygen service.
• Voice prostheses/electrolarynx.

The Aids and Equipment Program provides aids to:

• Children and adults who are permanent residents of Victoria .
• Those with a permanent or long term disability, the frail aged and people with chronic illness.

Assistance is not available in some situations

The Aids and Equipment Program is not available to people who:

• Receive, or are entitled to receive, any form of compensation.
• Are in receipt of a Commonwealth Community Aged Care Package (CACP).
• Live in a Commonwealth registered nursing home or hostel.
• Receive aids and equipment through other government-funded programs.

Some conditions apply

Conditions apply to aids and equipment supplied by the Aids and Equipment Program.

• When supplying equipment, preference is given to people with the greatest need.
• Equipment is given on indefinite loan for as long as it is needed.
• The program retains ownership of all equipment, except personal use items (for example shoes, breast prostheses and wigs) and some items where the client has contributed more than 50 per cent of the total cost of the aid or equipment.
• The program does not reimburse the cost of equipment already purchased.

How to apply for aids and equipment

To apply for aids and equipment through the Aids and Equipment Program, you will need to:

• Get a health professional’s assessment to determine the type of aid or equipment you need.
• Complete an application form (available from your local Aids and Equipment Program service provider).
• Get a doctor’s letter that confirms your need for equipment is long term or permanent.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Your local Aids and Equipment Program service provider
• Your community health centre
• Your regional office of the Department of Human Services.

Things to remember

• Aids and equipment can help you live independently.
• Assistance in purchasing aids may be available for Victorians from the Aids and Equipment Program.
• The program does not reimburse the cost of equipment already purchased.

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