Assistive Devices Resource Service

Assistive Devices Resource Service (ADRS) enables or assists ErinoakKids children and youth with physical, developmental and communication disabilities to maintain or improve physical function to attain their personal goals in the areas of augmentative and alternative communication, single switch access to computers, toys and electronic aids for daily living as well as seating and mobility.

ADRS aims to address assistive technology, seating and mobility needs of clients within their daily environments in collaboration with the child’s family mediator and multiple service providers. Professionals on the ADRS team assess and determine appropriate assistive technology or seating and mobility aids for clients, and empower families and school professionals to become experts at effectively and successfully assisting the child in the use of his or her identified assistive technology or system within their natural environment.

ADRS also provides information, mentorship and consultation on assistive devices and technology to ErinoakKids staff, clients and families, as well as to external professionals and community agencies.

To book a one-on-one session with an ADRS Speech Language Pathologist and/or ADRS Occupational Therapist at one of our Plug-In sessions, contact ADRS Clinic Lead, Laurie Scott, at 905-855-2690 x2457. Please note that Plug-In sessions are for adults only, children/youth should not attend.

Referrals:

Assistive Devices Resource Service is a consultative, assessment, caseload-management and mediator-based service. The primary focus of ADRS is on home-based client needs. ADRS does not accept referrals for school-only based needs. ADRS is accessed through both internal and external referrals initiated by clinicians in collaboration with families.

Children or youth must meet the referral criteria in order to be eligible for ADRS. Note, all new referrals for assessment must be submitted prior to your child's 18th birthday. Please read the criteria and use the referral forms near the bottom of the page.

Criteria for Face-to-Face Communication Referral:

• Little to no speech or speech that is very difficult to understand
• Communicate intentionally
• Use a minimum of 20 different symbols (e.g. picture symbols, consistent gestures, signs and/or words/word approximations) to communicate in more than one environment

Criteria for Face-to-Face Communication and Adapted Access Referral:

• Little to no speech or speech that is very difficult to understand
• Communicate intentionally
• Use some symbols (e.g. picture symbols, consistent gestures, signs and/or words/word approximations) to communicate
• Have significant physical challenges, such as vision issues or difficulty reaching or isolating fingers to point to symbols

Criteria for Writing Aids Referral:

• Between the ages of 6 and 18
• Documented physical disability (not a primary learning disability) that makes it difficult to use pen and paper or regular keyboard and mouse to meet their writing needs
• Able to form complete thoughts with letters and/or symbols

OR

• Under the age of 6
• Documented physical disability (not a primary learning disability) that makes it difficult to use pen and paper or a regular keyboard and mouse 
• Communicate verbally or through a symbol system, and know some letters of the alphabet

Criteria for Adapted Access Referral:

• Children or youth with a documented diagnosis of a physical disability (not a primary learning disability)
• Require complex switch access and set-up at home to allow access to the computer and/or technical toys (i.e. switch adapted toys)

Referral Forms
If your child is not already an ErinoakKids client, you will need to complete the ErinoakKids Referral Form.

Contact
Telephone: 905-855-2690
Toll Free: 1-877-374-6625