Choosing a Vendor

If you haven't already worked with medical equipment vendors, it can be difficult to choose and commit to one.

How do I know if a vendor is reputable?

Henry has prepared a list of vendors that he has worked with successfully. They are all registered to provide devices within the Assistive Devices Program (ADP). If a vendor did not provide the right device, took weeks to (or doesn't offer) a device trial, or did not respond to Henry or their customer in a timely manner, they would not be on the list.

Do the vendors have different prices?

ADP authorized vendors are obligated to follow the approved pricing lists created by ADP, so the device cost should not differ significantly between them. If you are planning to get add-ons for your device that aren't covered by ADP (like a cup holder), their prices might vary.

You will need your vendor for more than just the device. If your device needs repair or minor adjustment, you will need to ask your vendor to help you. All the vendors on Henry's list have been reliable to Henry's previous clients. They might have different costs for service visits.

Why can't Henry just choose for me?

Registered occupational therapists (OTs) have a duty to avoid "real or perceived conflict of interest". Henry is prohibited from building a profitable relationship with a specific vendor because this could distract from Henry's obligation to put your needs first. It's true that That Wheelchair Guy is a business, but in order for Henry to be a registered OT he needs to follow the rules of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. Henry can't be an ADP authorizer if he is not a registered OT. There's no way around it.

Come on, I won't complain, just choose which vendor is best...

At That Wheelchair Guy, we get it - Henry knows this business and it's new to you, so why won't he just choose for you? Henry's vendor list was developed in order to uphold his duties as a registered OT and effectively serve his clients. Each of the vendors have successfully completed ADP applications with Henry and the process has been smooth and professional.

Even if Henry worked with a company 100 times, he couldn't guarantee their pricing, practices, availability, or anything else about them. If you have an issue with your vendor, Henry is committed to supporting you to address it to the best of his ability.

What questions can I ask my vendor to help me decide?

• What are your costs for service calls?

• Do you have a store where I can come look at device options?

• What types of payment do you accept?

• Do you offer payment plans?

• Will you let me keep the trial device free of charge until my ADP device is ready?

What about buying a wheelchair online or from a big-box store?

There are many devices that can be ordered online or purchased from big box stores like Canadian Tire or Walmart. You might decide to purchase these devices. Here is That Wheelchair Guy's advice:

• If you want a wheelchair with small wheels that will be used to push a person outside the home occasionally (e.g. to go to medical appointments), you can purchase a "transport wheelchair" wherever you feel is right. These are not covered by ADP.

• Reimbursement through ADP is not possible. Don't buy something expecting you can apply to get money back later (it won't work).

• Henry cannot tell you what product to buy, and cannot guarantee the quality of anything a client decides to buy independently.

• ADP approved devices are heavily subsidized by the government, so ADP only allows devices of approved quality to be subsidized.

• Low-cost options are often less durable, less easy to use, and of poorer quality, increasing the risk of injury, discomfort and inability to use the device.

• The ADP process is designed to ensure quality standards. For each ADP application, the authorizer (Henry, That Wheelchair Guy), an approved vendor and client need to work together to create a device that optimizes safety and usability.