Applications open for Accessible Vehicle Funding – Canada

This is achieved by providing funding to eligible individuals and families to adapt personal vehicles for accessibility.

Accessible Vehicle Funding was established to reduce costs associated with disability and provide an accessible transportation option to individuals and families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The program supports individuals or families to acquire or adapt personal vehicles for accessibility. This could include installation of hand controls or modifying vans to be equipped with lifts and ramps.

This program supports the Provincial Government’s commitment to enhance accessibility and inclusion in the province.

Lack of accessible transportation can be a significant barrier for persons with disabilities. It is particularly difficult in many rural areas of the province where accessible transportation options are limited or do not exist, limiting opportunities for community engagement and employment.

Scope

• Accessible Vehicle Funding provides financial support to individuals and families towards the cost of purchasing, installing and/or repairing eligible accessibility features for a new or existing vehicle. Scope for funding includes:
  • funding is only available to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • individuals can apply for funding once every five (5) years (exceptions are assessed on an individual basis);
  • one (1) personal vehicle (owned or leased) per household may be adapted;
  • the applicant must not be eligible or have received funding for the same purpose under another government grant or program; and,
  • vehicles funded under this program may be purchased or retrofitted outside the province.

Funding Information

• Accessible Vehicle Funding provides maximum funding of $50,000. Grants are awarded based on either the cost of a new retrofit or the current value of an existing retrofit, up to a maximum of $50,000.
• Applicants are encouraged to meet with an Occupational Therapist if they are not familiar with vehicle conversion options or driving adaptation requirements.

New Retrofits

• Grants may be used toward the purchase and/or installation of eligible vehicle accessibility equipment or conversions, such as:
  • customized seating
  • hand controls
  • left-foot gas pedals
  • lifts and ramps
  • roof, floor and door alterations (accessible retrofit)
  • steering devices
  • wheelchair securing systems
  • shipping and installation costs
  • maintenance of equipment no longer under warranty
  • Grants awarded based on the cost of the accessibility equipment or conversion. Approvals reflect the most cost effective option whenever possible.
• Note: For new retrofits, applicants must submit a quote (valid within 6 months of the application date) from a certified supplier. This quote must include details of the accessibility features being purchased and/or installed, as well as the cost.

Existing Retrofits

• Grants may be used toward the purchase of a second-hand vehicle that has already been retrofitted, however, these grants are awarded based only on the current value of the existing retrofit, not the overall cost of the vehicle. Retrofit values are calculated at a percentage of the original retrofit.
• Note: For existing retrofits, applicants must submit a quote (valid within 6 months of the application date) from a certified supplier. This quote must include details of the accessibility features of the vehicle, as well as their current value.
• For any cost incurred prior to the date of the application, approval only considered if:
  • funding is available; and,
  • costs were incurred in the same year as the application was made.

For more information, visit Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.