Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
- What is the Lightweight Standard Manual Wheelchair recycling Pilot Program?
- Are all wheelchairs eligible for return through the Wheelchair Recycling Pilot Program?
- Where can wheelchairs be returned?
- Where can I rent a lightweight standard manual wheelchair through the pilot program?
- When can I donate my lightweight standard manual wheelchair?
- Who will be eligible for a tax receipt and how will these be issued?
- What if I don’t have the receipt for the lightweight standard manual wheelchair I am returning?
- Can I return other pieces of equipment besides the lightweight standard manual wheelchair?
- What happens to my lightweight standard manual wheelchair?
- How would I know that the refurbished lightweight standard manual wheelchair is safe?
- What is the benefit of the Lightweight Standard Manual Wheelchair Recycling Pilot Project?
- Who can I contact for more information?
1. What is the Lightweight Standard Manual Wheelchair recycling Pilot Program?
Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is partnering with the Canadian Red Cross for a one-year pilot program to provide new options for Ontarians seeking assistive devices by increasing the life-cycle of lightweight standard manual wheelchairs.
The pilot project will enable clients of the Assistive Devices Program and other wheelchair users to return their lightweight standard manual wheelchair to any branch of the Canadian Red Cross once they are no longer needed. The wheelchairs will be fully sterilized and serviced so that they can effectively and safely be used again. The recycled wheelchairs will then be made available to the public for a nominal rental fee through the Canadian Red Cross’s existing Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP). Individuals who return their lightweight standard manual wheelchairs may be eligible for a tax credit.
2. Are all wheelchairs eligible for return through the Wheelchair Recycling Pilot Program?
Only lightweight standard manual wheelchairs are eligible for the pilot program and are devices that:
- Weighs, fully equipped, between 11.3 kg (25 lbs.) and 17.2 kg (38 lbs.) for adult wheelchairs, and 11.3 kg (25 lbs) and 15.9 kg (35 lbs) for paediatric wheelchairs.
- Foldable frame.
- Limited axle adjustment.
- For paediatric wheelchairs only, the devices allow for some but limited growth potential.
3. Where can wheelchairs be returned?
Lightweight standard manual wheelchairs may be returned to any Canadian Red Cross branch office in Ontario. To find the branch nearest you, visit www.redcross.ca or call 1- 855-255-9156.
4. Where can I rent a lightweight standard manual wheelchair through the pilot program?
Management of the recycled, refurbished lightweight manual wheelchairs is at our Hamilton office. To inquire about renting a refurbished lightweight standard manual wheelchair, call 1-855-255-9156.
5. When can I donate my lightweight standard manual wheelchair?
The pilot program will launch on June 30, 2011.
6. Who will be eligible for a tax receipt and how will these be issued?
A tax credit for the value of the lightweight standard manual wheelchair will be made available to anyone who returns this model of wheelchair to the Canadian Red Cross. For ADP clients, the value will be based on the owner’s portion of the original cost (25%) minus depreciation, which is determined through an established valuation process. A receipt for the wheelchair will be provided at the point of drop-off and an official tax receipt will follow by mail within four to six weeks.
7. What if I don’t have the receipt for the lightweight standard manual wheelchair I am returning?
Lightweight standard manual wheelchairs returned without the original purchase receipt will be subject to an investigative process. Every effort will be made to establish the original cost of the equipment by consulting with manufacturers of that equipment and then identifying the percentage of that cost that the consumer would have originally paid. Consumers donating the wheelchair without the original receipt will be mailed their in-kind donation receipt at a later date.
8. Can I return other pieces of equipment besides the lightweight standard manual wheelchair?
At this time the pilot project between the Canadian Red Cross and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care only includes the lightweight standard manual wheelchair. Red Cross would consider accepting donations of other types of equipment on an individual basis driven by age and condition of equipment as well as the need for that piece of equipment in our Red Cross inventory. To inquire about the need for other types of equipment, contact your local Canadian Red Cross branch office.
9. What happens to my lightweight standard manual wheelchair?
The lightweight standard manual wheelchair is received by the Red Cross and then examined to determine if it will be refurbished for re-use or recycled. The refurbished lightweight standard manual wheelchair will be placed in the Home Equipment Loan Program (HELP) to be loaned back into the community to assist clients living with an illness or injury that requires this piece of equipment. If the piece of equipment is deemed not suitable for re-use it will be dismantled and its parts recycled.
10. How would I know that the refurbished lightweight standard manual wheelchair is safe?
Lightweight standard manual wheelchairs donated to the Canadian Red Cross will undergo inspection by trained, qualified staff to determine if the equipment can be safely refurbished for re-use . Only Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEM, parts will be used on the refurbished equipment.
11. What is the benefit of the Lightweight Standard Manual Wheelchair Recycling Pilot Project?
The project will provide Ontarians with greater options as they will be able to return their used lightweight standard manual wheelchairs. Refurbished lightweight standard manual wheelchairs will be available for rent, providing a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new wheelchair. The pilot will also allow those not eligible for ADP funding to rent a recycled wheelchair.
The Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program offers an affordable and effective solution for Ontarians seeking short-term use of assistive devices. Extending the life of Type 2 wheelchairs through a refurbishing/recycling program will prolong their usefulness and divert them from landfills, diminishing the environmental impact.
12. Who can I contact for more information?
For more information about the Wheelchair Recycling Project or the Health Equipment Loan Program, contact the Canadian Red Cross at 1- 855-255-9156
For more information about Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program:
Write:
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Assistive Devices Program
7th Floor, 5700 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M2M 4K5
Or call:
Toronto 416-327-8804
Toll-free 1-800-268-6021
TDD/TTY 416-327-4282
TDD/TTY 1-800-387-5559
Fax 416-327-8192
